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.
An industrial theatre director spends a lot of time researching a play, getting the flashpoints of the organization 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 in such a way as 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.
Satisfying Aspects
- challenge of writing specific plays for specific situations
- the camaraderie of working with people and actors
- knowing your work is helping employee / management relations in organizations
Demanding aspects
- being away on remote locations for long periods
- failing to get actors and/or audiences to convey or understand what needs to be done
Requirements
An industrial theatre director should:
- have acting talent;
- be creative and imaginative;
- be a quick thinker;
- be committed;
- direct players in the special demands and responsibilities of industrial theatre;
- able to take criticism well;
- have good health, physical strength and stamina;
- have a clear, well-trained voice.
School Subjects
National Senior Certificate meeting degree requirements for a degree course
National Senior Certificate meeting diploma requirements for a diploma course
Each institution will have its own minimum entry requirements.
Compulsory Subjects: None
Recommended Subjects: Drama Arts, Music, Visual Arts, Languages
Training
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.
Employer
- Industries
- Organizations
- Councils for performing arts
- South African Television and Film industry
- Freelance work
Contact
National Television and Video Association of South Africa (NTVA)
P O Box 16140
Vlaeberg, 8018
Tel: (021) 424-7575 Fax: (021) 424-7580
www.ntva.org.za