Final answer:
The person who observes, analyzes, and comments on theatre productions is called a critic. Their role is distinct from the director who creates the vision, the playwright who writes the script, or the stage manager who runs the show.
Step-by-step explanation:
The individual tasked with observing theatre, analyzing, and commenting on it is known as a critic. A theatre critic offers a professional assessment of a performance, taking into account the director's choices, actor performances, design elements, and more.
The role of the critic is different from the other theater professionals such as the director, who is the creative lead responsible for the vision and execution of the production; the playwright, who is the author of the script; and the stage manager, who is in charge of running rehearsals and, upon opening, running the show.
The director's involvement with the play is deep, requiring thorough script analysis and collaboration with actors and designers. However, once a show opens, the director's job is considered done and any further alterations or issues are handled by the stage manager.
The director's profession, interestingly, did not exist in the way we understand it today until the second half of the 19th century in Europe, with earlier theater productions being managed by actor-managers or playwrights themselves.
Theatre criticism involves evaluating the performance against various criteria, including the director's interpretation of the play, the limitations of the stage, and the abilities of the actors.
A dramaturg may also assist the director, bringing expertise or research to the production. Established theatre companies typically have a resident dramaturg as part of their team.