How much do you pay a theatre director?

Here is the annual salary. I would think you could break it down to hourly and offer that.

Salary: Median—$52,840 per year

The best way to go about it is treat it as a business transacation. You meet with her and go over the details of the play so that she has an understanding of the expectations from her. From there, you flat out ask her what compensation package she expects for such an undertaking, explaining that you need to create a Budget or P&L Projections. There is no shame or embarassment in getting this matter settled between you and her. If you ask around and assume that the info you had gathered and used to compensate her is sufficent, and it turns out that it falls short of her expectations, then you may be faced with a more serious problem.

I second what @njnyjobs – Put it all in writing, with both parties including their input.

If you’re the producer offer what you think it’s worth to you and your group. I’m sure she’ll let you know if it’s acceptable.

I have a close friend who has been paid to direct community theater production, getting $1,000 to $1,500 for a show, but that was conducting rehearsals 5 days a week for 6–9 weeks, and being responsible for a lot of the producer-type things, like set design and construction, costumes, etc.

You can probably offer him a minimum salary and then a percentage over the sold tickets, lets say 15–20%.

Be sure to take into consideration cost of living for your area. Working for nonprofit arts organizations is mostly a labor of love, but it sure is nice to have food on the table.

I vote for @njnyjobs suggestion.

As a director, I’d much rather the producer was straightforward about money.
I don’t think it is dirty or “commercial” to pay your directors or actors. Furthermore, if the script is compelling enough and the enterprise/ensemble exciting enough, the money will be a side-issue.

I think the main thing is you should have an idea of how much you’re willing to pay, and then, talk with her about what she is expecting. I second the idea of a box-office split, that way you’re much safer.