STAGE CHOREOGRAPHER

Job Description:

Responsible for creating, designing, and directing the movement and dance routines for performances, and other live stage productions.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Choreograph Dance Sequences:
   Create and stage choreography for performances based on the script, music, and director’s vision.
   Develop dance routines that fit the tone and style of the production (e.g., classical, modern, jazz, or contemporary).
   Collaborate with the director, music director, and other creative team members to ensure cohesion between movement and narrative.
2. Work with Performers:
   Teach choreography to cast members and ensure they understand and can execute the movements.
   Provide individual coaching to performers who need additional help with their technique.
   Adapt choreography as necessary for individual performers’ abilities, the production’s needs, or unforeseen challenges during rehearsals.
3. Rehearsal Preparation & Management:
   Organize and lead rehearsals focused on choreography, ensuring that all performers are learning and refining their movements.
   Work within the time constraints of rehearsals to effectively implement choreography while maintaining a positive and productive rehearsal environment.
   Keep track of any changes to the choreography based on the director's feedback, casting changes, or other production needs.
4. Creative Collaboration:
   Collaborate with designers (set, lighting, costume) to ensure the choreography works within the spatial and aesthetic design of the stage.
   Align with the musical director to synchronize movement with music and lyrics.
   Take direction from the director but also offer creative input to elevate the performance.
5. Innovation & Artistic Vision:
   Ensure that choreography is fresh and innovative while staying true to the artistic direction of the production.
   Push the boundaries of dance and movement to create visually impactful moments.
   Stay updated with current dance trends to keep choreography modern and relevant.
6. Safety & Wellness:
   Promote a safe rehearsal environment, particularly when teaching complex or physically demanding choreography.
   Be mindful of performers’ physical limitations and ensure proper warm-up and cool-down exercises are in place.

Job Requirements:

1. Experience: Proven experience as a choreographer, ideally with a background in professional stage or performance production.
   Performance Experience: Extensive knowledge of different dance styles and movement techniques
2. Skills & Competencies:
   Choreographic Ability: Ability to create and design engaging and effective choreography for a variety of performances and genres.
   Communication: Strong verbal communication skills to clearly teach, direct, and coach performers.
   Collaboration: Ability to work well with directors, designers, and other creatives to ensure choreography complements the overall vision of the production.
   Creative Vision: A keen sense of artistic and aesthetic vision, with the ability to translate ideas into movement on stage.
   Problem-Solving: Ability to adapt and make changes to choreography on the fly, whether due to performer limitations, technical issues, or directorial feedback.
3. Personal Traits:
   Leadership: Must be a strong leader with the ability to motivate performers and maintain a positive, productive rehearsal environment.
   Detail-Oriented: Precision and attention to detail are critical when designing choreography that needs to fit seamlessly with music, costumes, and set design.
   Passion for Dance/Performance: A deep love and understanding of dance and movement are essential to inspire and guide performers.
4. Physical Requirements:
   Stamina: Ability to demonstrate and lead dance sequences in rehearsals, sometimes for long hours.
   Physical Fitness: Good physical fitness and stamina to lead and participate in rehearsals, including physical coaching of dancers and performers.
   Flexibility: Must be adaptable to the demands of the production, working irregular hours including evenings and weekends.
5. Technical Skills:
   Familiarity with digital tools (such as notation software or video editing) can be useful for documenting and communicating choreography.
   Understanding of stage mechanics and technical aspects, including how choreography interacts with lighting, set design, and stage direction.