Creative and Cultural Skills and Equity, two industry bodies, say:

Theatre directors take ultimate responsibility for the overall creative and practical interpretation of a text or musical score, whilst maintaining a clear understanding of the physical and budgetary constraints of production. They work closely with producers, performers, the creative team (set designers, costume designers, lighting designers, musical directors, choreographers and/or fight directors) and the production team (production managers, stage management and technicians.

Some directors are also writers and may direct their own authored productions. Most directors are freelances, or they may be employed as artistic directors or resident directors in repertory companies.

Every year the National Theatre studio theatre holds a prestigious three-week directors’ course for up to 14 talented young directors as well as masterclasses throughout the year.