What Does a Director Do?

Responding to my recent review of "Cats," the director (and my longtime friend) Clint McElroy wrote:

...let me second your accolades to Mary, Lara, Elaine, Loretta, Travis, Skosh...they along with all the volunteer parents and friends gave the kids a platform on which to perform... and man-oh-man, are they PERFORMING! This is remarkable. One more weekend is all people have to see what is going to go down as one of the most amazing theatrical events ever in the Tri-State. No exaggeration. Me? I did what any good director does: I just got out of the way.

Now, I just can't let Clint get away with that comment. For any theatre performance to succeed, it requires assembling a great team (including directors, producers, cast, tech crew - basically, everyone), and that job starts with the director. (And there's no doubt that Clint has assembled a terrific team for "Cats.")

If each member of the team does their part (from the stars to the actor with the smallest part), then you have a great show. But theatre isn't a democracy - someone has to be the captain of the ship - the one who makes the tough decisions (and there are hundreds in each production), the one who makes sure everyone is doing their part, who gives encouragement when it's needed, soothes bruised egos, offers advice and keeps a hand on the rudder, making sure the show arrives safely at its final destination.

Clint's one of the best community theatre directors in the Tri-State (Lord knows I steal ideas from him all the time), so don't believe him when he says he "just got out of the way." Lots of people deserve credit for a successful show, but don't leave the captain out of the picture.

OK, end of rant.