Artistic Director Interview Questions and Answers

Updated on: July 28, 2017

Once you reach the interview stage, you are on your own. This is when the real test begins.

You may have made your way up here through a well-written cover letter and resume, but the interview stage is where you are made to stand under a spotlight, and it is not as easy as writing a document from the comfort of your desk.

The challenge is real here.

To see what challenging questions (and their potential answers) may be thrown at you at the interview for an artistic director position, have a look at the following set:

 

 

Artistic Director Sample Interview Questions and Answers

 

Artistic direction – how did you end up here?
I have always had a great love for performing arts, and perused a degree in it so that I could eventually contribute to it. This is how I ended up working as an artistic director.

In this role, what have been your main work duties?
As an artistic director, I have been responsible for determining concert and play themes, researching for props for them, acquiring talent such as musicians, soloists and actors, identifying and coaching volunteers, creating and maintaining liaison with local agencies to acquire performing opportunities, assisting in directing plays and concerts, and writing narratives.

What skills set does one need to be able to work as an artistic director?
Working as an artistic director means that you have to possess strong leadership qualities, backed by an aesthetic sense. Strong written and communication skills, the ability to pick talent from a pool of candidates, exceptional knowledge of picking themes and providing resources for them, and capability of organizing performance and rehearsal schedules are also required to work successfully at this position.

Which medium do you prefer working in?
I love theater, which is why most of my professional commitments have been stage plays and concerts.

Why did you choose this medium?
Organizing events such as plays and concerts in a theater environment poses a lot of challenges in terms of space and organization. I love working in a challenging environment which is why I chose this medium. Also, an inherent love for theater and the aura that stage work presents is something that gives me quite a high.

What is your dream as far as artistic direction is concerned?
I have always wanted to rewrite and direct Macbeth for stage, with an alternative ending that I have in mind. And I intend to do this soon – as soon as I am sure that my skills in artistic direction are polished enough.