In the theater, film, or television, a person who conducts rehearsals for actors and co-ordinates other aspects of production. In early periods of theater, rehearsals were conducted by the dramatist, the leading actor, or a prompter. From the late 19th century the role of the director in co-ordinating performance with scenic design, and in providing a stylistic discipline for the actors, became paramount. The director is also expected to provide an interpretation of the theatrical script, and in the cinema may be regarded as the “author” of the film (see auteur theory).