Director

The Director is responsible for the artistic and aesthetic interpretation of a show and the implementation of that concept. This includes script analysis, set, lighting and sound design; auditioning and selecting the cast. The Director works in conjunction with the Producer, setting and running the rehearsal process; and coordinating the technical aspects necessary to achieve artistic goals. Director should ensure there is the right expertise in their production team for special technical requirements (projection, etc). The Director works in conjunction with the Stage Manager to run rehearsals to ensure show readiness for the scheduled opening. The Director is responsible for assigning roles and tasks to the crew. Director should make sure to communicate with the Artistic Committee and Artistic Manager any concerns regarding the script that might require issues in casting or potential change, and cannot make any changes without explicit permission. 

Becoming a Director

Directors are chosen by the Artistic Committee through an interview process. See Director Interviews for more information.

Directing Opportunities

Apply to Direct a 2023-2024 Season Show Now

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Interprets the author’s work with regard to content, intent, motivation, characterization, flow, technical requirements and cast requirements.
  • Attentive to production challenges including the representation of cultural personhood within the script, and works with Old Town Playhouse to responsibly handle sensitive subjects surrounding underrepresented identities. 
  • Keeps the Old Town Playhouse staff and Artistic Committee Liaison informed on all aspects of production, including copying them on all production related emails.
  • Cooperates with the Artistic Committee Liaison to facilitate communication as necessary.
  • Liaison should be given access to the detailed rehearsal schedule to help facilitate attending rehearsals
  • Note: Liaisons may drop by rehearsals at any point, so if there is a rehearsal where actors are sensitive to visitors this should be communicated prior to that rehearsal
  • Works, in conjunction with the Producer, to build a production staff and a technical crew.
  • In conjunction with the Producer, schedules production meetings on a weekly basis in order to address and resolve production challenges in order to meet the Director‘s requirements, vision and objectives.
  • Responsible for knowing OTP policies and assisting in the implementation and enforcement, including
    • Harassment
    • Drugs/Alcohol
    • Safety
  • Building Security Protocols
  • Relays audition intention and vision to the Producer and coordinates with the Producer to achieve audition vision. 
  • Holds open auditions and selects the show's cast.
  • Communicates any needs for hair changes at time of auditions and casting. 
  • Reads and understands all job descriptions of the actors and production crew.
  • Informs actors of the requirements of being a member of the cast; including the tentative rehearsal schedule, expectations during and between rehearsals, performance schedule and any extra performances (including benefit performances). Best practices suggest that a detailed rehearsal schedule is shared as early as possible and rehearsal reports are used to help actors and crew be prepared for each time they are called. 
  • Ensures actors and production team have a clear understanding of the Concern Resolution Path. 
  • Works with actors on characterization, blocking requirements, and is responsible for the overall quality of the production.
  • Ensures a Dry Tech is scheduled per the needs of production crew. 
  • The Director, Stage Manager and/or FoH Manager are responsible for ensuring that the building is closed properly (see pg. 11)
  • Attends Strike.
  • Attends the scheduled post mortem with the Artistic Committee after the show closes.