Encore A–Z

Choreographer

7 min read

Choreographer

At a Glance

  • You design movement that serves story. Dance numbers AND transitions.
  • Read first: Choreographer’s Guide for working with young dancers, mixed-ability casts, the dance call.
  • Working checklist: Choreographer Checklist — phase-by-phase tick-box version of the responsibilities below.
  • Your closest partners: Director (vision), Music Supervisor (timing, breath), Stage Manager (tracking).
  • Where you live in the process: Pre-Production through Rehearsals; lighter involvement after.

Position Overview

The Choreographer designs and directs all dance and movement sequences in a production — both musical numbers and transitions — so that movement aligns with the show’s artistic vision and serves the storytelling.

The Choreographer works closely with the Director, Music Supervisor, Stage Manager, and design team to integrate movement with other production elements, and plays a critical role in teaching and rehearsing dance numbers with the cast — ensuring every performer can execute the work confidently and safely.

For the Encore-specific philosophy — Heart Over Art for movement, the dance call as audition, working with mixed-ability casts, age-appropriate choreography, safe technique — see Choreographer’s Guide.

Key Responsibilities

  • Dance Conceptualization — Conceive and design dance and movement elements that align with the Director’s vision and contribute to the storytelling. Reflect time period, setting, and emotional tone.
  • Collaboration — Work closely with the Director, actors, dancers, musicians, and team to integrate choreography with the artistic vision.
  • Choreography Creation — Develop original dance routines or adapt existing choreography. Craft movement sequences that enhance the musical and dramatic aspects.
  • Movement Coaching — Work with actors and dancers of varying skill levels; teach choreography so they can perform it confidently and safely.
  • Rehearsal Management — Lead dance rehearsals with clear direction, feedback, and motivation. Focus on timing, synchronization, and expression.
  • Casting — Assist with the casting process, particularly for roles requiring significant dance skills.
  • Technical Coordination — Collaborate with costume, lighting, and set designers so all elements support the choreography. Consider costume mobility and stage space.

Qualifications

Essential

  • Strong choreographic instincts with the ability to design movement that serves story rather than decorates it.
  • Experience teaching dance to mixed-ability casts, ideally including young performers.
  • Knowledge of safe technique — alignment, conditioning, lift mechanics, surface considerations.
  • Collaborative skills to work harmoniously with the Director, Music Supervisor, and design team.
  • Time management to meet rehearsal milestones.

Preferred

  • Prior choreographic experience in musical theater or educational theater.
  • Background in multiple dance idioms (jazz, ballet, contemporary, character, period).
  • Familiarity with Encore’s Production Bible framework.

Personal Qualities

  • Creativity — imaginative, story-driven movement vocabulary.
  • Attention to Detail — synchronization, expression, and safety executed reliably.
  • Leadership — calm, positive presence that lets young dancers take risks.
  • Heart Over Art — committed to the growth of every young dancer in the room, regardless of starting skill. See Ten Commandments and Choreographer’s Guide.

Ongoing Knowledge and Oversight

  • Maintain thorough understanding of the choreography and movement techniques required for the current production.
  • Communicate regularly with the Director, Stage Manager, and other production positions.
  • Stay current on safe practice and movement pedagogy for young dancers.

Working Conditions

  • Commitment: Roughly 2–3 months per production, from initial planning through closing.
  • Schedule: 4–5 rehearsals per week (~3 hours each) during the rehearsal phase; daily during tech week.
  • Environment: Rehearsal rooms with safe flooring; performance venue; production meetings monthly.
  • Reports to: Director (artistically) / Producer (administratively).
  • Compensation: Milestone-based per Payment Structure; specifics in the Creative Team Proposal Template.

Success Measures

  • Dance numbers that read clearly, serve story, and are within every cast member’s safe range.
  • Cast members who arrive at tech with clean, confident choreography and the language to talk about it.
  • A pre-show warm-up routine the cast can run themselves.
  • A safety record with zero preventable injuries — see Safety Over Sequins in Ten Commandments.

By Phase

Inception

Welcome to the Encore fam! Be sure to complete your onboarding items below — we look forward to building an incredible show that builds life skills through stage skills for young artists.

Onboarding

  • Complete child safety training.
  • Submit background check.
  • Submit W-9.
  • Sign and return contract.
  • Complete onboarding process.

Initial Production Work

  • Begin reviewing the script and score for dance scope and movement implications.
  • Note any particularly complex sequences early so they can be flagged in the production calendar.
  • Attend the onboarding meeting with the full production team.

See 1 - Inception for the phase overview.

Pre-Production

  • Obtain the script and musical score as soon as they are available.
  • Develop thorough knowledge of the script and score to assist auditions (matching dance skills to roles).
  • Participate in all production meetings.
  • Communicate with the Director and Music Supervisor about any cuts, additions, or adjustments in choreography or dance requirements.
  • Identify areas where specific dance or movement elements need to be added to support the creative vision.
  • Meet with the Director to understand vision, scope, and limitations of each dance number and transition.

See 2 - Pre-Production for the phase overview.

Casting

Cast size, audition timing, callbacks, and the role-offer process are documented in 3 - Casting. The Choreographer’s contributions:

  • Prepare audition dance routines; create appropriate choreography for the dance call.
  • Run the dance call and help determine the most appropriate dancers for the production.
  • Attend auditions and callbacks; assess movement abilities.
  • Provide input on casting decisions.

Rehearsals

  • Engage in and maintain a harmonious, collaborative working environment.
  • Be prepared and follow the rehearsal schedule to teach and refine dance numbers.
  • Teach choreography to cast; block movement sequences.
  • Assist blocking and choreographing transitions (see Transitions in Director’s Guide).
  • Work with actors on character physicality.
  • Ensure dance numbers are integrated with music and staging.
  • Educate young artists on safe dance techniques; lead warm-ups that support these concepts.
  • Correct mistakes as needed; have high expectations for execution.
  • Continually communicate with the Director and Music Supervisor to keep movement and storytelling aligned.

Designer Run — Attend with a complete understanding and readiness to answer questions from other designers. The Designer Run should always be followed by a production meeting that sets the table for tech.

See 4 - Rehearsals for the phase overview.

Pre-Tech

See 5 - Pre-Tech for the phase overview. Choreographer involvement during Paper Tech and Dry Tech is at the Director and Stage Manager’s discretion.

  • Attend the Dry Tech meeting with the design team to run through cues — focus on how movement elements facilitate transitions and contribute to overall flow.

Technical Rehearsals

Assist the Director in bringing elements together and preparing to hand the show over to the Stage Manager. Ensure all dances and transitions come together harmoniously.

  • Work with the Sound Designer and Music Supervisor so music, mics, and other sound elements create a balanced experience that supports the choreography.
  • During technical rehearsals, ensure dance and movement elements are maintained and continue to grow as they integrate with other design elements.
  • Attend production meetings at the end of tech at the Stage Manager’s discretion.
  • Continue collaboration with the Director and Stage Manager; note the cast.

See 6 - Technical Rehearsals for the phase overview.

Performance

Once the show is open, your job is essentially done. Continue to attend performances, cheer on the cast, and note the show as appropriate.

  • Design and oversee a 5–10 minute physical warm-up that becomes part of the pre-show call and is done as a cast.

See 7 - Performance for the phase overview.

Post-Production

  • Reflect on the production’s success and document notes for future reference and improvement.

See 8 - Post-Production for the phase overview.

Status: Working · Portal: Team · Last reviewed: 2026-05-11 · Owner: Rhett

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