2. Improve Your Skills and Become an Expert

Aspiring directors approach a career in this field from many different directions. Some start out gaining experience in school productions or in community theater as crew members, playwrights or actors.  Some will assist during productions as an assistant director to gain experience and contacts in the world of theater. And, although a degree is not necessary, it doesn’t hurt, and can actually help advance a budding director’s technical knowledge, skills, and self-assurance. In fact, preference is sometimes given to applicants who have production and theater experience gained in school. Some employers will also look more closely at applicants who have studied or gained experience in performance theory, theatrical audio, acting, lighting, and design, outside of their degree through internships.

A bachelor’s degree from an established theater school provides preparation for further study in theater, but also allows students (usually in their second year) to focus on a concentration, such as directing, playwriting, design, and theater and performance studies.   Besides classes in theater and production, students also learn punctuality, work ethic, how to work in a team environment, and how to deal with the pressure and stress that comes with a career in theater direction, among other vital attributes.  Graduates of a bachelor’s program can find work in television, motion picture studios, theater, and more. Some students may wish to get certified or licensed to teach acting in high schools. Most programs feature coursework in stage production, film, theater history, acting and even music.

Master’s of fine arts programs typically begin with theater production work which allows students to direct a classical play, and offers opportunities for internships with community theater companies. Coursework builds on what was learned in a bachelor’s of fine arts program and includes courses in drama theory, history, literature, and criticism, among others.

It’s time to take that knowledge and transform it into an actual skillset that will land you the job of your dreams. Know, from the outset, that this is a difficult prospect. As stated above, the role of director is a highly coveted one, and you are unlikely to simply walk into it. Instead, you will need to prove your abilities, likely over and over again, before you can safely call directing your lifelong career.

Start by going to the theater. See as many shows as you can, and don’t bother being overly critical; you can learn just as much from a poorly executed performance as you can from one that was brilliantly well done. If ever you have an opportunity to watch a show, take it, always putting yourself in the role of director and asking what you would have done differently. You can augment this practice by reading plays, as well, which gives you a slightly different angle.

While it might seem difficult, do your best to reach out and meet playwrights and other directors. You can ask to go backstage after a show, for instance. Smaller theaters will likely grant you your request if you are polite. If you can swing a press pass by blogging or writing for a local newspaper, that will heighten your chances considerably. Reach out to playwrights via press contacts or by emailing them directly.

Become known by forming a company of your own or working as an assistant for someone who is already established in the industry. Don’t make the mistake of insisting on being paid; those who refuse to apprentice for free may bar themselves from otherwise fantastic opportunities. Luckily, rehearsals are often in the evenings to work around the schedules of actors. If you can’t get a gig as a director’s assistant, take any other role you can find: lighting, set design or even acting. Any role will give you perspective, which will come in very handy once you do land your dream job.