Choreographer Checklist
Phase-by-phase task list for the Choreographer — check off as you complete. Companion to the Choreographer role guide; the role doc has narrative context, this is the tick-box working version.
Pre-Production Phase
Initial Preparation
- Obtain and read script thoroughly
- Obtain and study musical score
- Develop comprehensive understanding of script and score
- Analyze script for movement and dance opportunities
- Identify areas where choreography enhances storytelling
- Create preliminary choreographic concepts
Team Collaboration
- Attend onboarding meeting with full production team
- Participate in all scheduled production meetings
- Meet individually with Director to understand vision
- Meet individually with Music Supervisor to coordinate musical elements
- Meet with designers (Set, Costume, Lighting) to understand staging parameters
- Discuss scope and limitations of each dance number with Director
- Align choreographic vision with overall production concept
Planning and Coordination
- Communicate any cuts, additions, or adjustments needed in choreography
- Identify specific dance or movement elements to support creative vision
- Understand rehearsal space limitations and capabilities
- Plan choreography that works within budget and design constraints
- Coordinate with costume designer on movement-friendly designs
Casting Phase
Pre-Audition Preparation
- Participate in discussions about ideal cast size
- Understand if Young Artists will be cut or all included
- Determine dance skill requirements for each role
- Create appropriate choreography for dance call
- Prepare audition materials showcasing different skill levels
- Design audition choreography that reveals performer abilities
Audition Process
- Confirm audition dates (3 weeks before first rehearsal)
- Confirm callback dates (2 weeks before first rehearsal)
- Attend all audition sessions
- Run dance call to determine most appropriate dancers
- Assess movement abilities and potential of auditionees
- Collaborate with Director and Music Supervisor on casting decisions
- Provide input on casting considering both dance ability and ensemble needs
Post-Casting
- Attend parent meeting
- Assess final cast’s dance abilities and adjust choreography as needed
- Plan individualized coaching for varying skill levels
- Communicate dance expectations to cast and families
Rehearsal Phase
First Week
- Attend design presentations with cast
- Establish dance rehearsal expectations and atmosphere
- Begin movement and dance warm-ups with cast
- Start teaching basic choreographic vocabulary
- Assess individual cast member abilities
Daily Rehearsal Responsibilities
- Arrive prepared for each rehearsal session
- Follow rehearsal schedule for teaching and refining dance numbers
- Lead movement-based warm-ups for cast
- Educate young artists on safe dance techniques
- Provide positive feedback, reminders, and encouragement
- Correct mistakes with high expectations for execution
Choreographic Development
- Create and teach choreography for all musical numbers
- Develop movement sequences for transitions
- Adapt choreography for different skill levels while maintaining integrity
- Ensure movement supports character development and storytelling
- Design choreography that complements production’s overall aesthetic
Weekly Tasks
- Communicate regularly with Director and Music Supervisor
- Attend bi-weekly production meetings
- Update production team on choreographic progress
- Address any movement-related challenges or concerns
- Coordinate timing and synchronization with musical elements
Preparation for Designer Run
- Complete all choreography by Designer Run date
- Ensure cast is proficient in all dance numbers
- Clean and polish all movement sequences
- Prepare to demonstrate how choreography integrates with other elements
Designer Run
Preparation
- Confirm all choreography is complete and polished
- Brief cast on expectations for Designer Run
- Review any staging adjustments needed for performance space
- Prepare notes and questions for post-run meeting
Designer Run Day
- Attend run with complete understanding of all choreography
- Observe how movement integrates with lighting, set, and costumes
- Take notes on adjustments needed for technical elements
- Be ready to answer questions from other designers about movement
Post-Designer Run
- Attend production meeting immediately following run
- Address questions about choreography with design team
- Make necessary adjustments before moving to performance space
- Coordinate final details with costume and set designers
Paper Tech
Participation (if applicable)
- Attend paper tech if significant dance elements require coordination
- Review choreographic moments that intersect with technical cues
- Coordinate movement timing with lighting and sound cues
- Ensure Stage Manager understands choreographic requirements
Dry Tech
Preparation
- Review tech schedule and expectations
- Prepare notes on how movement facilitates transitions
- Coordinate with Stage Manager on timing requirements
Dry Tech Session
- Attend dry tech with entire design team
- Observe coordination of lights, sounds, and set moves
- Provide input on how movement elements facilitate transitions
- Ensure choreography works with all technical elements
Tech Rehearsals
Daily Tech Responsibilities
- Assist Director in integrating all production elements
- Work with Sound Designer and Music Supervisor on audio balance
- Ensure choreography maintains quality with technical additions
- Continue coaching cast through technical challenges
- Make adjustments to movement as needed for safety and effectiveness
Technical Integration
- Ensure dance and movement elements integrate with other design elements
- Monitor how costumes affect movement and make adjustments
- Coordinate with lighting to enhance choreographic moments
- Address any spacing or safety issues that arise
Communication and Support
- Attend nightly production meetings
- Continue collaboration with Director and Stage Manager
- Provide notes and encouragement to cast during tech process
- Document any final choreographic adjustments
Performance Phase
Pre-Show Responsibilities
- Design 5–10 minute physical warm-up for pre-show call
- Oversee cast physical warm-up before each performance
- Ensure warm-up becomes part of regular pre-show routine
During Run
- Attend scheduled performances
- Take notes on choreographic precision and energy
- Provide ongoing support and encouragement to cast
- Address any movement-related issues that arise
- Maintain choreographic standards throughout run
Ongoing Support
- Conduct dance brush-up rehearsals as needed
- Adapt choreography if required due to performer injuries
- Monitor and maintain movement quality and consistency
- Support special performances with any needed modifications
Post-Production
Immediate Post-Closing
- Participate in strike as needed
- Thank cast and crew for their dance work
- Complete any required final paperwork
- Ensure all choreographic materials are properly archived
Evaluation and Documentation
- Reflect on choreographic success and challenges
- Document notes for future reference and improvement
- Complete production evaluation forms
- Provide feedback on dance aspects of production
- Archive choreographic notes and materials
Final Tasks
- Return any borrowed music or materials
- Submit final reports as required
- Write thank you notes to key collaborators
- Update portfolio with production photos/videos
Ongoing Responsibilities (All Phases)
- Maintain understanding of choreography and movement techniques needed
- Communicate regularly with Director and Stage Manager
- Stay updated on current dance and movement trends
- Work within budget constraints for all choreographic elements
- Uphold Encore’s educational mission in all interactions with young artists
- Model positive, professional behavior and dance technique
- Support phone-free rehearsal environment (see Phone Free)
- Maintain collaborative, growth-oriented atmosphere
- Prioritize safety in all movement and dance instruction
- Adapt teaching methods for varying skill levels and learning styles
Remember: This checklist serves as a guide to ensure all essential choreographer responsibilities are completed. Adapt timing and specific tasks based on your production’s unique needs while maintaining Encore’s commitment to artistic excellence, safety, and young artist development through movement and dance.
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Status: Working · Portal: Team · Last reviewed: 2026-05-11 · Owner: Rhett