When you hear the words “theatrical director,” what do you envision? If you have kids like I do, maybe you think of Sing’s Buster Moon, the obsessive visionary koala voiced by Mathew McConaughey. Perhaps you think of a director like the temperamental Lloyd Dallas from the slapstick theatrical classic Noises Off. Or maybe you even envision James Franco’s depiction of the eccentric Tommy Wiseau, the real-life director of the cult film The Room. 

While all of these depictions are fun to watch, they do not always encapsulate the actual job of a director. During my first years of teaching theatre, I received an excellent piece of directing advice: my role as the director is to create space for actors to feel comfortable to explore, fail, and create. Yes, directors cast vision for a production, but great directors make those they work with feel at ease, enabling them to create with freedom.

A GREAT DIRECTOR

The majority of a director’s time is spent with actors and actresses, who are a particularly self-conscious breed of artists. So much of their craft depends on factors such as how they look, whether the audience will enjoy their performance, and whether they are performing with utmost honesty. 

It takes an enormous emotional capacity to become an actor. The rehearsal process can be particularly daunting as the cast and director work together to find the truth of the characters, which requires a lot of trial and error. A great director recognizes this process and works to create an environment where actors feel the freedom to try new actions or line deliveries. Great directors encourage what is working and gently redirect what is not.

I recently worked with a director who was a master at creating great spaces for actors. A few characteristics stood out to me:

• He had an obsessive enthusiasm for the play that made me want to join the production before I even read the script.

• When offering me the role, he affirmed what he saw in me as a performer, giving me confidence that I could perform the difficult part.

• During the rehearsal process, he praised specific elements with genuineness. This encouragement eliminated nerves of self-doubt and inspired me to work harder.

• When a bit was not working, he would gently guide me, such that finding a solution felt like a team effort. 

I learned a lot about directing from the experience, and maybe even more about life and the journey with fellow believers in Christ.

IN THE SPACE OF DISCIPLESHIP

A director’s job is not so different from the spiritual practice of discipleship. In a discipleship relationship, the discipler is aiding fellow Christians towards becoming a more authentic reflection of Jesus. The discipler comes alongside the believer with love and encouragement as the Holy Spirit does its work. Creating a safe space in a discipling relationship is vitally important. Much like a director, a great discipler:

• Has a deep love for God and his word.

• Strives to see the best in those they are discipling, praising growth and the reflection of Jesus they see in others.

• Allows fellow believers to fail and lean on them for support when sin is crushing them or life goes off the rails.

Discipleship is not just leading others through teaching, sermons, or reprimands. A great mentor creates space for other Christians to experience God and grow with him. The discipler follows alongside the fellow believer with wisdom and love.

A DISCIPLER’S TOOLKIT 

We can adopt three practical tools from great directors to use in creating better spaces in discipleship relationships:

1. Passion. Passion is contagious. If you are discipling people in God’s word, I must assume you also love it. Let that be known! What is it about the topic of the day that excites you? How has God’s word impacted your life recently? Don’t underestimate the power of honest and specific passion.

2. Encouragement. Nothing makes a person feel better than someone expressing genuine delight in them. We shouldn’t have to wait until we get to heaven to hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Proclaim it now! Begin to see others through God’s eyes. Tell them specifically what you see in them that is special and unique. Tell them how they reflect God’s love, holiness, righteousness, justice, patience, or kindness. Be on the lookout for specific moments and share them with those you disciple. Honest praise can squash shame and build Godly confidence.  

3. Gentle Exhortation. In healthy discipling relationships, accountability delves into struggles and sins. While there is a time and a place for blunt corrections, most instances call for gentle redirection. In the theatre, a director may want to tell an actor exactly how to say a line, but a great director will take the time to ask questions that help the actor discover the honesty of a moment. Questions are one of the best ways to teach because they allow the other person to reflect and own their responses. Great questions create a safe space for sharing. Rather than asking, “what are your sin struggles?” begin with something like, “what challenges are going on for you right now?” This kind of question takes shame out of the equation, acknowledges that friction and sin exist, and recognizes that transformation is possible. Become a master of asking gentle and open-ended questions, and you will see those you disciple own their discoveries and be transformed by the Holy Spirit.

Hopefully, the next time you hear the phrase “theatrical director,” it will inspire you to become great at creating spaces for others to grow and flourish. And if you still imagine a fuzzy koala, I won’t judge.