Director

Director’s Duties: From Pre-Production to Post-Production

With Examples & Best Practices

Butts Acting Guild

Pre-Production Duties

1. Interpret the Script

• Analyze the script for theme, tone, pacing, and character development.

• Identify the central message and emotional arc of the story.

• Determine the style and approach (e.g., realistic, stylized, period, modernized).

• Set calendar (rehearsals and show dates)

• Set budget with board

Examples & Best Practices:

• Read the script multiple times—first for story, then for details.

• Highlight recurring motifs or symbols to emphasize in staging.

• Discuss with dramaturg (if available) for historical/cultural context.

2. Collaborate with the Production Team

• Work closely with the producer and stage manager.

• Hire or approve designers, choreographers, musical directors, and fight/intimacy coordinators as needed. The duties for any role not filled, fall to the Director to handle.

• Attend production meetings to plan logistics and timelines.

Examples & Best Practices:

• Communicate expectations early and clearly.

• Encourage designers to bring multiple ideas to the table.

• Respect budget limits—be creative with constraints.

3. Develop a Vision

• Create a cohesive artistic concept for the production (visual, emotional, thematic).

• Decide on the time period, setting, and tone.

• Share the vision with designers (set, costume, lighting, sound) to ensure unity.

Examples & Best Practices:

• Create a vision board or Pinterest-style mood board for inspiration.

• Write a Director’s Concept Statement for the team and program.

• Stay consistent—avoid mixing conflicting design styles.

4. Casting

• Organize or participate in auditions.

• Select actors who best fit roles while considering chemistry and balance.

• Provide feedback during callbacks and finalize casting choices.

Examples & Best Practices:

• Look beyond talent—consider reliability, flexibility, and ensemble spirit.

• Pair actors during callbacks to test chemistry.

• Be transparent about casting decisions to maintain trust.

Rehearsal Duties

5. Block the Show

• Design where and how actors move on stage (blocking).

• Ensure blocking supports the storytelling and is practical with set and sightlines.

Examples & Best Practices:

• Balance movement—avoid ‘clumping’ or leaving parts of the stage unused.

• Test sightlines from multiple audience angles.

6. Guide Actor Development

• Coach actors on character interpretation, emotional beats, and relationships.

• Ensure consistency of performance with the overall tone and pacing.

• Encourage collaboration and creativity while maintaining the vision.

Examples & Best Practices:

• Ask open-ended questions instead of giving line readings.

• Encourage actors to build detailed backstories.

7. Coordinate with Choreography and Music

• Oversee choreography and musical interpretation to ensure they support the story.

Examples & Best Practices:

• Check that choreography aligns with character motivation.

• Work with the music director to balance energy with vocal safety.

• Use staggered calls so actors don’t waste time sitting out.

8. Problem-Solve

• Address conflicts, staging challenges, or interpretive disagreements.

• Modify staging or direction to improve clarity or audience experience.

Examples & Best Practices:

• Stay calm and collaborative when challenges arise.

• Try multiple solutions before settling on one.

• Always keep audience clarity as the ultimate priority.

Technical & Dress Rehearsals

9. Oversee Integration of Tech

• Work with designers to incorporate lighting, sound, set, props, and costumes into the final product.

• Make adjustments to blocking, timing, or transitions based on technical realities.

Examples & Best Practices:

• Run full rehearsals with all elements (cue-to-cue, dress, tech).

• Build in extra time for scene changes and quick costume swaps.

• Collaborate with the SM to keep notes organized and prioritized.

10. Finalize the Show

• Ensure pacing, emotional arc, and visuals are performance-ready.

• Give final notes and polish performances.

Examples & Best Practices:

• Sit in different parts of the house to catch issues.

• Take notes on pacing—tighten slow transitions.

• Give encouraging notes during stressful tech week.

Performance Period

11. Support the Cast and Crew

• Attend performances to provide feedback if needed.

• Step back and let the stage manager “run the show” once it opens.

Examples & Best Practices:

• Give actors pep talks before opening.

• Trust the SM—don’t micromanage once the show is open.

• Stay available in case of major issues.

12. Public Representation (Optional but Common)

• Represent the show in press, talkbacks, and community engagement.

• Sometimes help with fundraising or community outreach.

Examples & Best Practices:

• Prepare a short, inspiring director’s note for PR.

• Engage warmly with audience members post-show.

• Promote the show on social media to help ticket sales.

Post-Production

13. Provide Closure

• Meet with cast and crew for a final debrief or notes.

• Write director’s notes for the program (if not already done).

• Help with strike (tear-down).

Examples & Best Practices:

• Thank every cast and crew member personally.

• Use the debrief to gather feedback for improvement.

• Celebrate with a cast party or appreciation gesture.

Summary

In short, a theatrical director is:

• A visionary (crafts the artistic vision)

• A leader (guides the team and actors)

• A communicator (ensures collaboration across all departments)

• And a problem-solver (adjusts and refines the production as needed)