Encore A–Z

Director Choreographer

7 min read

Director Choreographer

At a Glance

Position Overview

The Director/Choreographer holds both jobs simultaneously — interpreting the script and bringing it to life dramatically while also creating and directing all dance and movement sequences. The role requires thinking holistically about how every aspect of staging, from intimate character moments to large ensemble numbers, serves a single unified artistic vision.

The Director/Choreographer works closely with the Production Manager, Stage Manager, Music Supervisor, and design team to produce a show where movement and staging integrate seamlessly with the storytelling.

For the Encore-specific philosophy, see Director’s Guide (Heart Over Art, Ten Commandments in practice, Mike and Sully Principle, the canonical Transitions section) and Choreographer’s Guide (mixed-ability casts, layered choreography, safe technique, the dance call).

Key Responsibilities

  • Artistic Vision — Conceive and design the overall artistic vision that encompasses both dramatic staging and movement elements. Create atmosphere that evokes time period, setting, and emotional tone.
  • Collaboration — Work closely with actors, musicians, designers, and the team so staging and choreography integrate with the overarching vision.
  • Integrated Staging and Movement Design — Develop choreography that integrates with dramatic scenes, transitions, and character development. Blocking and staging that flows naturally into and out of musical numbers.
  • Rehearsal Management — Lead all rehearsals with the dual perspective of director and choreographer. Manage pacing to allow adequate time for both dramatic work and choreographic learning.
  • Casting — Assist with casting; balance dramatic capability with movement capability.
  • Technical Coordination — Work with lighting, set, and costume designers so all elements support both staging and choreographic elements.
  • Budget Management — Honor and help manage the production budget for both staging and movement elements.

Qualifications

Essential

  • Strong directorial AND choreographic instincts — proven ability in both disciplines.
  • Experience leading mixed-ability casts in both dramatic and movement work.
  • Knowledge of safe technique for young dancers.
  • Superior time management to balance dramatic and movement work within a single rehearsal schedule.
  • Communication skills to switch fluidly between directorial guidance and choreographic instruction.

Preferred

  • Prior Director/Choreographer experience in musical theater or educational settings.
  • Background in dramaturgy plus multiple dance idioms.
  • Familiarity with Encore’s Production Bible framework.

Personal Qualities

  • Creativity — imaginative mindset for both dramatic and movement aspects.
  • Attention to Detail — blocking, character development, choreography, and design integration executed reliably.
  • Leadership — guides the team through both dramatic and movement development simultaneously.
  • Heart Over Art — committed to the growth of every young artist, in story work and in movement. See Ten Commandments.

Ongoing Knowledge and Oversight

  • Maintain thorough understanding of the dramatic arc AND all movement/choreographic requirements.
  • Communicate regularly with the Production Manager, Stage Manager, Music Director, designers, and other production positions about both directorial and choreographic elements.
  • Stay current on directing and choreographic techniques for educational theater.

Working Conditions

  • Commitment: Roughly 2–4 months per production, from initial planning through closing.
  • Schedule: Evenings and weekends for rehearsals; expect 4–5 rehearsals per week during the rehearsal phase plus dance rehearsals on top; daily during tech week and performances.
  • Environment: Rehearsal rooms with safe flooring; performance venue; production meetings monthly. Double-load on the rehearsal calendar — plan accordingly.
  • Reports to: Producer / Artistic Director.
  • Compensation: Milestone-based per Payment Structure, typically combining the Director and Choreographer scopes. Specifics in the Creative Team Proposal Template.

Success Measures

  • A single, unified vision the entire creative team can serve — no split between “the directing version” and “the choreography version” of the show.
  • A cast that arrives at tech rehearsed in both scene work and choreography, with neither shortchanged.
  • A safety record with zero preventable injuries — see Safety Over Sequins in Ten Commandments.
  • A clean handoff to the Stage Manager at tech.

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 initial script and score review.
  • Note any particularly complex movement sequences early so they can be flagged in planning.
  • Attend the onboarding meeting with the full production team.

See 1 - Inception for the phase overview.

Pre-Production

  • Read and analyze the script and score thoroughly.
  • Write a mission and vision statement for the production addressing both dramatic storytelling and movement philosophy; share with the team.
  • Create preliminary character and scene breakdowns.
  • Develop a clear artistic vision and concept.
  • Determine ideal cast size and any double-casting needs.
  • Collaborate with the Production Manager on hiring: Music Director, Stage Manager (if applicable), and designers (set, costume, lighting, sound, props, makeup).
  • Hold initial production meetings; share artistic vision and key themes with the design team.
  • Communicate with designers and Music Director about any cuts, additions, or adjustments affecting staging and choreography.
  • Identify areas requiring complicated staging, choreography, or technical elements to support the vision.
  • Work with the Stage Manager and Production Manager to create a rehearsal schedule that completes all staging, vocal rehearsals, and choreography by the Designer Run.

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 Director/Choreographer’s contributions:

  • Create clear character breakdowns.
  • Find appropriate sides for callbacks.
  • Create appropriate choreography for the dance call.
  • Run auditions and dance calls; help build a cast that can handle both dramatic and movement requirements.
  • Make final casting decisions considering individual talent, group dynamics, educational opportunities, and scheduling.

Rehearsals

Maintain a well-structured, healthy, inquisitive atmosphere. See 4 - Rehearsals for the phase overview and Director’s Guide for Encore-specific rehearsal philosophy.

  • Lead the parent meeting (often on Launch Day / first rehearsal).
  • Present the unified vision with the design team during Design Presentations.
  • Conduct Table Work with the cast.
  • Be prepared and follow the rehearsal schedule to direct scenes, blocking, and teach choreography.
  • Block scenes and musical numbers; block and assign transitions (see Transitions in Director’s Guide).
  • Educate young artists on both performance and safe dance technique; lead warm-ups.
  • Correct mistakes as needed; have high expectations for execution.
  • Continually communicate with the Music Director to align dramatic pacing, musical timing, and choreographic execution.
  • Attend production meetings; update the design and production teams on progress, changes, and concerns.
  • Hold the Designer Run.

Important: The Designer Run should always be followed by a production meeting where questions and discrepancies can be addressed. This meeting essentially sets the table for tech.

Pre-Tech

See 5 - Pre-Tech for the phase overview.

  • Attend Paper Tech.
  • Attend the Dry Tech meeting with the entire design team. Provide input on how elements can be manipulated to facilitate transitions that accommodate both staging and choreographic needs.

Technical Rehearsals

During tech, guide all elements coming together and prepare to hand the show over to the Stage Manager.

  • Work with the Sound Designer and Music Director on music, mics, and balanced sound that supports both dramatic scenes and choreography.
  • Work with the Light Designer so lighting serves both staging and movement elements.
  • During technical rehearsals, ensure all design elements are maintained and continue to grow.
  • Attend production meetings at the end of tech at the Stage Manager’s discretion.
  • Continue to direct, note, and encourage the cast in both their dramatic and movement work.

See 6 - Technical Rehearsals for the phase overview.

Performance

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

  • Design and oversee a 5–10 minute physical warm-up that prepares the cast for both dramatic and movement demands. Part of the pre-show call; done as a cast.
  • Give opening night notes; provide performance notes during the run.
  • Help preparation for special performances (sensory-friendly, ASL, etc.).

See 7 - Performance for the phase overview.

Post-Production

  • Complete the production evaluation; provide feedback to the production team.
  • Assist and oversee the return of any borrowed equipment or materials.
  • Reflect on the production’s success and document notes for future reference, addressing both dramatic and choreographic elements.

See 8 - Post-Production for the phase overview.

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

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