The director is the creative leader of a theatrical production, responsible for interpreting the script and transforming it into a cohesive, staged performance. They define the artistic vision, cast actors, guide rehearsals, and collaborate with designers for sets, costumes, and lighting to create a unified final product.

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Directors define the artistic vision, cast actors, guide rehearsals, and collaborate with designers for sets, costumes, and lighting to create a unified final product. They work hand-in-hand with the Production Stage Manager (PSM).

Every project in the SVCT is meant to fulfill the theatre’s mission to Entertain, Educate, Empower and Inspire cast and crew, design team, and of course, the audience. SVCT is a non-profit theatre which means we are all volunteers. However, we also serve the community at large, so our standards are to present productions that are as close to a professional level as possible.

As the director of a main stage show, you are expected to approach this a professional project. There must be a clear vision that encompasses all aspects of the production from the theme, underlying message, to the design elements and staging.

Your work will encompass 2 phases: Pre-Production and Production/Rehearsals.

You must have leadership, creative and organizational abilities. Be willing to go days without sleep, etc.

Who do they talk to if I'm interested in this position?

Once you are selected, you will meet with the Production Division board, made up of the heads of each department. In this meeting, you will be shown the resources that will be at your disposal and assisted in assembling your design team as well as choosing your Production Stage Manager from our list of approved PSMs. Your PSM will work as your partner and help lead your production, including taking charge of the production when Tech Week arrives.

During the pre-production process, you are expected to lead your design team toward a cohesive vision. Each designer should know what expectations you have for your show, and how they can best accommodate those expectations. Final designs should be approved by you ahead of the fabricating/staging/building process. You should set deadlines for final design approval during this phase of the production.

This will happen through design meetings that you will be expected to schedule and run. Each show will have a Marketing Manager, Lighting Designer, Set Designer, Sound Designer, Costume Designer, Props Designer, and may also include a Fight Director, Choreographer, Musical Director. Typically, there should be at a minimum of 4 design meetings.

Before rehearsals begin, you should have a full schedule from the 1st rehearsal to the last on exactly how you are to use your time. Time is the most precious commodity we have in the theatre, so it is paramount that you use that time wisely.

It is imperative that your calendar is up to date.

Every production will have an IT Manager assigned from the Communications Department, who will help you create, update and maintain your calendar as needed. You and your PSM should have access to make changes and updates to your calendar. Everyone involved in the Production should be able to view it. If you have any problems, talk to your IT Manager.

Your IT Manager will also help you set up Google Group chats for your production. Examples include:

• Production Cast & Crew - includes everyone in the production. Group announcements, birthday wishes, etc. go here.
• Production Production - design team members, etc. Reserved for serious conversations about the production.
• Production Build Team - used by the build team to coordinate schedules, etc.
• Production Costume Team - used by the costume team to coordinate schedules, etc.
• Production Paint Team - … you get the idea

Design meetings are when you meet with your design team to discuss the direction, look, sound, and feel of the production. It is also a time to ensure proper communication is happening between the design team (designers) and the production team (director and PSM). In depth details here.

During Pre-Production you will also plan and implement your Auditions to choose your cast. MORE TEXT HERE. Full details here.

Once you have cast your show, you will begin having rehearsals. These rehearsals should be well planned and structured. By this time, the other design aspects should be in the building phase, particularly costumes, sets and props. More design meetings need to happen to check on progress. You should have eyes on each element as it is created, and you should have already set deadlines for when these are to be completed. During this time there will also be media day, tech week and dress week.

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