Industrial Theatre Director

The industrial theatre business has grown rapidly because it serves as an innovative and non-threatening means of bringing about change within organizations. It is a uniquely flexible and vigorous medium that gets people laughing and talking about problems in the organization in an affable way.

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An industrial theatre director spends a lot of time researching a play, getting the flashpoints of the organisation and most of the dialogue from the people on the ground. He or she writes clues for the play and suggests solutions for problems without being didactic. The best place for the play to take place needs to be identified and this may be a corner of the factory or an office area.

Decisions are made about props and costumes, which may be only a large trunk and yellow overalls. The play is then rehearsed and presented, being directed “live” by the industrial theatre director.

Industrial theatre directors have to know how to conduct physical, interactive comedy. This is a highly kinetic form of theatre with few silences and directors need to choreograph the plays and make visual jokes to punctuate and support the emotional progression and learning points. These directors also need to induct actors in the special demands and responsibilities of presenting industrial theatre.

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Personal Requirements

• acting talent
• creative and imaginative
• quick thinker
• committed
• able to convey the special demands and responsibilities of industrial theatre
• able to take criticism well
• good health, physical strength and stamina
• clear, well-trained voice

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How to Enter

Schooling & School Subjects

• National Senior Certificate meeting degree requirements for a degree course
• National Senior Certificate meeting diploma requirements for a diploma course

Each institution has its own entry requirements.

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What to Study

Degree: Drama / Drama and Theatre Arts may be studied at RU, US, UP, UCT, UKZN, Wits, UFS.

Diploma: Drama is offered at TUT, Drama Studies at DUT.

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Employment

• industries
• organisations
• councils for performing arts
• South African television and film industry
• freelance work

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Further Information

National Television and Video Association of South Africa (NTVA)
P O Box 16140
Vlaeberg, 8018
Tel: (021) 424-7575

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Getting Started

• study languages if possible
• take private acting, singing and dancing lessons
• try to obtain theatre experience by acting in school and community plays
• speak to an industrial theatre director and try to join such a troupe during a vacation to see whether you would like this type of work

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Related Occupations

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