<P> From Renaissance times up until the 19th century , the role of director was often carried by the actor - manager . This would usually be a senior actor in a troupe who took the responsibility for choosing the repertoire of work , staging it and managing the company . This was the case for instance with Commedia dell'Arte companies and English actor - managers like Colley Cibber and David Garrick . </P>
who would take on the role of the director during the renaissance and through the 19th century
actor - manager