Choreographer

The Choreographer is responsible to the Director for creating and teaching dance numbers that fit within the vision and aesthetic of the show. Sometimes there is original choreography that needs to be utilized or referenced. Choreographers must often work closely with the Costume Designer to ensure that any choreography will work with costume design. Choreographer also works with the Orchestra Director to ensure recordings for choreo and rehearsal purposes match the score provided by the licensing company. Choreographers often must work with a variety of abilities and may need to be able to modify choreography depending on final casting. 

Duties and Responsbilities

  • Read the script and/or be familiar with productions of the show, especially dance numbers. 
  • Responsible for knowing OTP policies on the following: (see Conduct Guidelines)
    • Harassment
    • Drugs/Alcohol
    • Safety
  • Attend any production meetings called by the Director before and during  production. 
  • In communication with the Director to understand their artistic vision.
  • In communication with other Designers and Music Team as needed to understand their concepts and how best to incorporate Choreography within the larger vision of the production. 
  • Create and teach audition combinations at auditions, and make casting recommendations to the director from a dance perspective regarding actors’ abilities.
  • Communicate needs for rehearsals and work with the Director to ensure there are ample rehearsals scheduled.
  • Run dance rehearsals in a safe environment for all performers: working within performers' physical limitations and ensuring safe and proper practice for difficult moves (lifts, partnerwork, technical elements, etc.). Best practices suggest recording videos at each rehearsal for cast reference to practice/review on their own. 
  • Inform the Stage Manager if any lift call should take place at warm ups prior to technical rehearsals and performances. 
  • Attend Tech Sunday, and other technical rehearsals to provide notes and clean dances with all technical elements in place.

Expectations

  • Director and other Production Team members will communicate with you on a consistent basis. 
  • You will be given resources needed (such as rehearsal tracks) to fulfill your duties. 
  • You will be treated with respect and dignity by all production staff, administration and other volunteers, and we expect the same from you.  
  • All concerns and conflicts will be handled through the Concern Resolution Path.