Artistic director

An artistic director is a member of the management team of an arts organisation, notably a theatre or dance company, who is responsible for the creative direction of the institution. In most cases, they are a producer and director, but not in the sense of a mogul, since the organisation is often a non-profit organisation. When it comes to theatre, the artistic director is the person in charge of the entire creative direction of the company, which includes decisions on productions, directing choices, and the overall aesthetic vision. It is possible that the creative director of a smaller theatre is both its founder and the principal director of the plays presented by the theatre. The creative director of a bigger non-profit theatre (commonly referred to as regional theatres in Canada and the United States) may be appointed by the board of directors of the organisation.

When it comes to performing arts companies, the artistic director is comparable to the musical director of an orchestra in that they are the key person responsible for arranging their season. In addition to selecting the content to be presented in a season, the artistic director is responsible for the employment of creative/production professionals (such as directors) and performing other theatre administration duties as needed. He or she may also get the opportunity to direct projects for the organisation. Creative directors collaborate closely with the general manager of the theatre and contribute to the artistic appraisal of projects and shows that are included in promotional, fundraising, and publicity materials. They are also responsible for overseeing the artistic direction of the theatre. When it comes to mounting shows at the theatre, an artistic director may also serve as a resource for the directors who are working on them, and can provide assistance, advise, and/or creative input as needed. In the event that the director is unable to finish his or her responsibilities, the artistic director is normally prepared to take over the production. Theatre companies typically consider their artistic directors to be their creative ambassadors, and they are frequently compelled to talk about their productions to the press on their behalf. In the United States, creative directors are often charged with the responsibility of fundraising.

In certain ensemble companies, the artistic director is in charge of hiring actors to serve as a talent pool for the company's shows, which is under the purview of the creative director. This group might comprise performers and artists from a variety of different fields. The artistic director serves as the group's head, with the goal of creating and/or bringing to life a variety of new and old pieces of work.