In Shakespeare's time there was no such thing as a director. There, was however, a book-keeper or prompter. This person would keep track of where the actors were in the play, and would remind them if they got lost. The job of 'director' as we know it today originated in the late 1800s. Prior to the 1800s, the tasks a director does today were usually done by a playwright or the actors.

Today, the director is a very important part of a theatrical production. The director is the person responsible for the overall "vision" for a play. It is their job to work with set, costume, lighting, and sound designers to create a concept or theme for the play.

During rehearsals the director works with the actors to make sure that the vision of the play is represented by the actors on stage.

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Text: Nidia Medina