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Director - Theatre and Film
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Theatre directors are authors of live, theatrical events. They may work in many areas, styles, and genres of theatre. Or they may specialize in 1 or 2 of the following:
Directors may choose scripts to interpret themselves or work with scripts chosen by the people who hired them.
Theatre directors work collaboratively with a creative team that includes:
They also work with a production team that includes:
Theatre directors communicate a unifying vision or concept for the production to all the creative and technical teams. Their responsibilities vary from one production to another, but in pre-production, directors generally:
With new works, theatre directors also may work closely with playwrights about changes to the script. They may workshop a script by rehearsing it with the playwright and actors.
During rehearsals, theatre directors:
Often a play has a short period of technical rehearsals to add all the design elements. Then it has 1 or more dress rehearsals with an audience before opening night. These give directors a last chance to make changes. This is to ensure that no matter when the audience sees the show, it is consistent across all performances.
After a play opens, the director’s job usually is complete. However, in small theatre companies, directors may sometimes be involved in pre- or post-show chats. They may introduce the play. They may also meet with the audience after the show to discuss the play’s themes or issues or the production’s interpretation. They may also facilitate discussion panels.
Theatre directors usually rehearse a play for 2 to 5 weeks before the first public performance. During this time, they often work a 6-day week of 8-hour days. However, the last few days before opening night may be longer due to adding technical elements.
Rehearsals generally are conducted in rehearsal halls. These may range in size and style and include open lobbies, multiuse basement rooms, studios, and well-equipped rehearsal halls.
Technical and dress rehearsals take place in the actual performance space. Usually, the cast and crew get 2 to 10 days in the theatre before opening night.
At times, directors work outside of theatres in sites specifically selected for their interpretation of the performance.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in studying scripts to determine artistic interpretations; and in co-ordinating the activities of production staff to develop desired effects
Interest in co-ordinating the activities of performers, extras and production personnel; and in advising them on the interpretation and delivery of performances, and in conferring with crew and specialists throughout production and post-production to achieve desired presentations
Interest in instructing cast members and production personnel to develop and achieve presentations that reflect desired artistic interpretations
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Theatre directors need:
They should enjoy:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 35 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Jun 02, 2022 and Jul 11, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Attention to detail | 21 |
|---|---|
| Work under pressure | 19 |
| Tasks: Co-ordinate and direct the photography of production | 18 |
| Tasks: Supervise staff or team | 16 |
| Construction Specialization: Effective interpersonal skills | 15 |
| Tasks: Plan, organize and direct the artistic aspects of production | 15 |
| Construction Specialization: Organized | 14 |
| Tasks: Edit motion picture film and arrange film segments into sequences | 14 |
| Tasks: Determine lighting, lenses, camera angles and backgrounds | 14 |
| Tasks: Organize and co-ordinate production | 14 |
In talent-based occupations such as directing, related education does not guarantee success but is widely considered an asset. Many directors hold a bachelor of fine arts degree in theatre. Others have a master’s degree in fine arts.
Many theatre directors shift into directing after gaining experience as cast or crew members. Many are experienced actors or writers. Sometimes, they wrote the play they are directing. Others are former stage managers.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
To get hired, theatre directors need related education as well as 5 to 10 years of experience in the industry. Prospective directors should obtain hands-on experience in as many areas of theatre production as possible, such as acting, writing, stage managing, and choreography. They should also make as many contacts as possible in their field.
To gain experience, aspiring theatre directors may:
Theatre directors may become artistic directors. Many theatre companies in Canada have an artistic director leading the artistic vision of the theatre.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
In the 5131: Producers, directors, choreographers and related occupations occupational group, 76.8% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 5131: Producers, directors, choreographers and related occupations occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2.7% from 2021 to 2025. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 60 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Directors who work on a contract basis negotiate their fees before production begins.
In a professional environment, theatre directors’ fees are determined by a variety of factors such as the size and type of theatre. Weekly rates are based on an agreement set by the Canadian Actors’ Equity Association and the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres.
In a non-professional environment, salaries for theatre directors are dependent on experience and reputation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $17.44 | $37.96 | $31.41 | $32.00 |
| Overall | $20.89 | $46.61 | $39.29 | $43.14 |
| Top | $26.84 | $50.35 | $42.21 | $44.77 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $78,713 |
|---|---|
| Information, Culture, Recreation | $79,493 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $82,424 |
| Public Administration | $91,850 |
Canadian Actors’ Equity Association website: www.caea.com
Cultural Human Resources Council website: www.culturalhrc.ca
Professional Association of Canadian Theatres (PACT) website: www.pact.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2024. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
