Encore A–Z

Director

7 min read

Director

At a Glance

  • You are the artistic lead. You interpret the script, build the vision, and run rehearsals.
  • Read first: Director’s Guide for Encore-specific philosophy (Heart Over Art, working with young artists, transitions).
  • Working checklist: Director Checklist — phase-by-phase tick-box version of the responsibilities below.
  • Your closest partners: Stage Manager (organizational), Music Supervisor (music), Choreographer (movement), Production Manager (logistics).
  • Where you live in the process: every phase, but most intensively in Pre-Production through Tech.

Position Overview

The Director oversees all aspects of a theatrical production — conceptualization, casting, blocking, and overall artistic vision. The Director works closely with the Production Manager, Stage Manager, Music Supervisor, Choreographer, and the design team to produce a cohesive show.

The Director’s primary responsibility is to interpret the script and bring it to life on stage, guiding actors, designers, and the production team through the rehearsal process and performances. This includes collaborating with the creative team to establish the visual and emotional tone of the production.

For the Encore-specific directing philosophy — Heart Over Art, the Ten Commandments in practice, the Mike and Sully Principle, working with young artists, and transitions — see Director’s Guide.

Key Responsibilities

  • Artistic Vision — Conceive and design the overall artistic and visual elements that align with your vision, creating atmosphere that evokes the time period, setting, and emotional tone.
  • Collaboration — Work closely with actors, musicians, designers, and the production team to integrate concepts seamlessly with the overarching vision.
  • Blocking and Staging — Design and oversee actor movement and positioning so the visual composition and storytelling are effective.
  • Rehearsal Management — Lead rehearsals with clear direction, feedback, and motivation. Develop character, timing, and delivery.
  • Casting — Assist with casting decisions; ensure actors are well-suited and can bring characters to life.
  • Technical Coordination — Work closely with lighting, set, costume, sound, and props so all elements support the artistic vision.
  • Budget Management — Honor and help manage the production’s budget, with cost-effective solutions that achieve the desired impact.

Qualifications

Essential

  • Strong directorial instincts with the ability to translate a script into a unified theatrical vision.
  • Experience leading rehearsals — pacing, character work, staging.
  • Collaborative skills sufficient to work harmoniously with actors, designers, and the production team.
  • Communication skills to articulate the vision clearly to cast and crew.
  • Time management to meet rehearsal milestones and production deadlines.

Preferred

  • Prior directing experience with young artists or in educational theater.
  • Background in dramaturgy, acting pedagogy, or script analysis.
  • Familiarity with Encore’s Production Bible framework.

Personal Qualities

  • Creativity — imaginative mindset for the visual and emotional fabric of the show.
  • Attention to Detail — meticulous about blocking, character development, and design integration.
  • Leadership — decisive, steady, and able to keep the production on track.
  • Heart Over Art — committed to the growth of every young artist, not just the show. See Ten Commandments and Director’s Guide.

Ongoing Knowledge and Oversight

  • Maintain a thorough understanding of the script and the production techniques needed for the current show.
  • Communicate regularly with the Production Manager, Stage Manager, designers, and other production positions.
  • Stay current on theater production and performance trends.

Working Conditions

  • Commitment: Roughly 2–4 months per production, from initial planning through closing.
  • Schedule: Evenings and weekends for rehearsals; daily during tech week and performances.
  • Environment: Rehearsal rooms and the performance venue; production meetings monthly (and as needed).
  • Reports to: Producer / Artistic Director.
  • Compensation: Milestone-based per Payment Structure; specifics in the Creative Team Proposal Template.

Success Measures

  • A unified, clearly communicated artistic vision the entire creative team can serve.
  • A cast that arrives at opening rehearsed, confident, and personally grown.
  • A clean handoff to the Stage Manager at tech, with notes captured and design integration complete.
  • A production that lives up to Encore’s Heart Over Art commitment — not just a good show but a meaningful experience for every young artist in it.

By Phase

Inception

Welcome to the Encore fam! Be sure to complete your onboarding items below — we look forward to building an incredible show that builds life skills through stage skills for young artists.

Onboarding

  • Complete child safety training.
  • Submit background check.
  • Submit W-9.
  • Sign and return contract.
  • Complete onboarding process.

Initial Production Work

  • Begin initial script review.
  • Attend the onboarding meeting with the full production team.

See 1 - Inception for the phase overview.

Pre-Production

  • Read and analyze the script thoroughly.
  • Create preliminary character and scene breakdowns.
  • Develop a clear artistic vision and concept for the show; write a mission and vision statement to share with the team.
  • Identify key themes and learning opportunities for young artists.
  • Determine ideal cast size and any double-casting needs.
  • Collaborate with the Production Manager on hiring: Music Director, Choreographer, Stage Manager (if applicable), and designers (set, costume, lighting, sound, props, makeup).
  • Access the show’s Google Drive and populate it with preliminary character and scene breakdowns.
  • Hold initial production meetings; share artistic vision and key themes with the design team.
  • Review and approve preliminary designs; coordinate with the design team on the Design Presentations.
  • Identify areas where complicated staging or technical elements may need to be added to support the vision.
  • Work with the Stage Manager and Production Manager to create the rehearsal schedule.
  • Participate in all production meetings.

See 2 - Pre-Production for the phase overview.

Casting

Cast size, audition timing, callbacks, and the role-offer process are documented in 3 - Casting. The Director’s specific contributions:

  • Create clear character breakdowns.
  • Determine audition format and requirements.
  • Collaborate with Music Director and Choreographer on audition materials and find appropriate sides for callbacks.
  • Conduct initial auditions; deliberate with the creative team.
  • Plan and execute callbacks.
  • Make final casting decisions considering individual talent, group dynamics, educational opportunities, and scheduling conflicts.

Rehearsals

Maintain a well-structured, healthy, inquisitive atmosphere. Trust and collaboration let young artists take risks and adapt. See 4 - Rehearsals for the phase overview and Director’s Guide for Encore-specific rehearsal philosophy.

  • Lead the parent meeting (often on Launch Day / first rehearsal).
  • Present the unified vision with the design team during Design Presentations.
  • Conduct Table Work with the cast.
  • Establish rehearsal room expectations.
  • Block scenes and musical numbers; block and assign transitions (see Transitions in Director’s Guide).
  • Guide character development.
  • Run individual acts, then full show.
  • Hold the Designer Run.
  • Make final adjustments before tech.
  • Continually communicate with the music director and choreographer to keep production expectations aligned.
  • Attend production meetings and update the design and production teams on progress, changes, and concerns.

Important: The Designer Run should always be followed by a production meeting where questions and discrepancies can be addressed. This meeting essentially sets the table for tech.

Pre-Tech

Paper Tech and Dry Tech happen in this phase. See 5 - Pre-Tech for the full process.

  • Attend Paper Tech.
  • Attend the Dry Tech meeting with the entire design team; provide input on how elements can be manipulated to facilitate transitions.

Technical Rehearsals

During tech the Director guides all elements coming together and prepares to hand the show over to the Stage Manager. See 6 - Technical Rehearsals for the phase overview.

  • Oversee the spacing rehearsal.
  • Guide technical integration; work with designers on cues and transitions.
  • Work with the Sound Designer on music, microphones, and balanced sound.
  • Work with the Light Designer so the lighting serves the overall vision and storytelling.
  • During technical rehearsals, ensure all design elements are maintained and continue to grow.
  • Give clear, actionable notes.
  • Maintain cast morale and energy.
  • Attend production meetings at the end of tech at the Stage Manager’s discretion.

Performance

Once the show is open, your job is essentially done — but the run still benefits from your presence. See 7 - Performance.

  • Give opening night notes and encouragement.
  • Attend performances as scheduled; provide performance notes.
  • Help preparation for special performances (sensory-friendly, ASL, etc.).
  • Continue to cheer on the cast and note the show as appropriate.

Post-Production

See 8 - Post-Production.

  • Complete the production evaluation.
  • Provide feedback to the production team.
  • Assist and oversee the return of any borrowed equipment or materials.
  • Reflect on the production’s success and document notes for future reference and improvement.

Status: Working · Portal: Team · Last reviewed: 2026-05-11 · Owner: Rhett

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