Expert: Kenneth D. Plonkey - 12/5/2007

Question
After school how does one get into a theater directing career - is there an actual path to follow or is it just something that....happen to some people and not to others?
also, do you have to have stage training, like have been an actor?

Hannah

Answer
Hi Hannah,  I recently answered this exact question. There are two or three kinds of directing careers. Professional stage directors usually get an MFA in directing somewhere like Yale Drama School and then seek employment.  Film directors usually attend a film making school.  Sometimes actors who are well known become directors, like Clint Eastwood.  You do not need to be an actor to be a director but knowing the principles of acting is important. I recommend you read Rehearsal by Miriam Franklin, 3rd,4th or 5th edition available at bookfinder.com. Elia Kazan used many of the principles in this book in his directing both on stage and for the screen.  Best wishes, Doc