Lavastajad

Lavastajad (singular lavastaja) are theatre and stage directors who lead the artistic conception and realization of productions. In Estonian practice the term denotes the director of a live-performance project, and many lavastajad also work in film or television. The lavastaja shapes the interpretation of a script, determines the dramatic arc, and guides actors, designers, and technicians through rehearsals to a finished performance.

Role and responsibilities: The lavastaja develops the production concept with dramaturgy, makes casting decisions, and defines movement, pacing, and emotional emphasis. They collaborate with scenographers, lighting and sound designers, costume designers, and stage managers to ensure that set, light, sound, and acting align with the artistic vision. Rehearsals are used to refine performance, tempo, and transitions, with the lavastaja resolving creative and technical trade-offs.

Education and career path: Training is typically formal; many lavastajad study theatre directing at the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre (Eesti Muusika- ja Teatriakadeemia) in Tallinn. A common path is to begin as an assistant director and work on smaller productions before moving to larger stages. Experience across different theatres and close collaboration with dramaturgs and ensembles shapes a lavastaja’s professional profile.

In Estonia, lavastajad contribute to the country’s theatre culture, working in major venues such as Eesti Draamateater in Tallinn and Vanemuine in Tartu, as well as national opera and concert theatres. The role combines artistic leadership with collaborative production management, supporting both traditional repertoires and contemporary work.