I was having an interesting discussion about directing the other day, which led me to Wikipedia.

I found the definition interesting, and thought I’d share:
Here’s the first bit of what the wikipedia had to say about theatre directing, under the link.

The director’s function is to ensure the quality and completeness of a theatrical product. The director works with the key individuals and other staff, coordinating research, stagecraft, costume design, props, lighting design, acting, set design and sound design for the production. The director may also work with the playwright on works in progress.

In contemporary theatre, the director is generally the primary visionary, making decisions on the artistic concept and interpretation of the text. Different directors occupy different places of authority and responsibility, depending on the structure and philosophy of individual theatre companies. Directors utilize a wide variety of techniques, philosophies, and levels of collaboration.

The external director is a relatively new innovation in the history of theatre, the first examples appearing in the late 1800’s. It was in the early part of the new century that they gained widespread popularity. Prior to that, the leading actor or actress would dictate the shape of stage arrangements, usually for their own benefit. The eighteenth century actress Sarah Siddons was famous for this, even once ending Macbeth at the sleepwalking scene.

Once a show has opened (premiered before a regular audience), theatre directors are generally considered to have fulfilled their function. From that point forward the stage manager is left in charge of all essential concerns.