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The Artistic Director of a theatre company is the individual with the ultimate artistic control of the theatres production choices, directorial choices and overall artistic vision. In smaller theatre's the Artistic Director may be the founder of the theater and the primary director of its plays. In larger non-profit theatres (often known in the United States as regional theaters)) the Artistic Director may be appointed by the Board of Directors.

The Artistic Director's responsibilities can include but are not limited to: choosing the material staged in a season; the hiring of creative/production personnel (such as directors), as well as other theatre management tasks. They also may direct productions for the company. They work closely with the producer of a theatre and contribute the artistic evaluation of projects and productions to be included in promotional, funding, and press materials. An artistic director also functions as a resource for the directors who are working to mount productions at the theatre and can provide support, counsel, and/or artistic input where requested. The artistic director may be called to assume the production should the director become unable to complete his/her duties. They are frequently regarded as the artistic representative of the company and are often required to speak about the theatre to the press. In the United States, Artistic Director's often have fundraising responsibilities as well.

In some ensemble companies, the AD is responsible for recruiting performers to act as a talent pool for the company's productions. This ensemble may include actors and artists of various disciplines. The AD functions as leader of this group, with the aim to create and/or realize various new and established works.

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