The stage director for any Ripon Area Community Theatre (RACT) productions provides the creative direction of the production. Any prospective director will be responsible for putting together a production proposal the play or musical they would like to pitch as a show they will direct as part of an RACT season. This proposal will be vetted by the production committee and, if deemed viable by the production committee, will be recommended to the RACT board for consideration and approval in order for a production to move forward.

The proposal would include a synopsis of the show and its themes, casting, broad rehearsal schedule and cost for licensing a general production budget

Production
All Stage Director approved by the board for a production will be responsible for setting the overaching production schedulel; including auditions and length of rehearsals. The Stage Director has the discretion to organize the audition process in the way they see fit, within reason. The Ripon Area Community Theatre prohibits precasting of any of its shows and no role can be promised to an actor prior to completion of the audition process. The stage director will be predominantly responsible for casting their show. At least one other person, typically the producer on the show, will sit in on auditions to provide the director with objective feedback, to help facilitate the casting process. For a musical production the vocal director will also be part of the casting process and will have an equitable say in casting in regards to the vocal needs of the production and viability of the musical ability of the actors that have auditioned.

Rehearsals
The Stage Director will be primarily responsible for setting the rehearsal schedule based on the need of the production and prioritization of what needs be rehearsed; balanced against the availability of the cast and the best use of the time of people involved in the production. The Stage Director will coordinate between the vocal director and/or choreographer to plan the best schedule that will suit the rehearsal needs of all production leads.

The Stage Director will determining the blocking of each scene, coordinating with the directors to bring their vision for the production to life.
The Stage Director should be open to input from actors, but not obligated to incorporate it, using best discretion.

Experience
Prior directing experience is preferred, but not mandatory. Prospective directors with no past experience directing may be asked to shadow another, experienced director for a production before taking the reigns on their own show; or could be paired as co-directors with an experienced director for the show of their choosing.

Directors must be at least 18 or partnered with an adult co-director.

Those interested in proposing a show to direct for the Ripon Area Community Theatre, contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..