FACTSHEET PRODUCED BY CREATIVE AND CULTURAL SKILLS AND EQUITY
Choreographer - Theatre
Choreographers work with Directors, Producers, Designers, and other members of the Production team to plan, create and realise the dance or movement design concept. Choreographers work with trained Dancers, and with Actors, to teach them the required steps and routines, and to ensure that continuity is maintained throughout productions. Choreographers are employed on any musical theatrical productions, and even on productions involving one dance number they create the dance, and may be involved in teaching the steps and routines. Choreographers may also be employed as Movement Directors, demonstrating correct Period etiquette, robotic movements, menacing movements for gang warfare sequences, helping male actors to play women characters and vice versa, etc.
The work
Choreographers are briefed by the Director about the production, and about the dance styles required. They may be expected to suggest their own ideas, or to realise the Director's vision, but they must always be able to assess the situation quickly in order to work effectively. They also work closely with a variety of production staff, including members of the Costume Department, Assistant Directors, etc. Choreographers are usually involved in the casting of dance roles for productions of all kinds. They also design routines, and may work with an Assistant to experiment in studios, before starting rehearsals with the performers.
Choreographers carry out any research required into period or contemporary dance styles. Dancers should be able to learn and adapt quickly to any steps and routines they are taught, but different techniques are required for teaching routines to Actors, as it may be necessary to adjust the movements in order to find a style that suits the characters they portray. The movement is almost always narrative driven. If an Actor has to learn different dance styles, and a partner is required for rehearsals, an Assistant Choreographer may work with them as their dance partner in order to ensure that the routines match the Actor's abilities and capabilities, and also so that the Choreographer can see how the routines look as they develop. If no Assistant is employed on the production, Choreographers rehearse steps and routines with Actors and Dancers. On long running productions, Choreographers may be required to teach steps and routines to new dancers after cast changes, and to ensure the continuity of performances. Choreographers must have very close working relationships with Assistant Choreographers, and may also provide them with training and career development opportunities.
Typical career routes
Choreographers usually start their working lives as Dancers. They may become Dance Captains (who are responsible for ensuring the continuity of the dance, but who have no creative input into its design) on theatrical productions, progress to become Assistant Choreographers, and ultimately Choreographers.
Essential knowledge and skills
Choreographers are usually trained Dancers, and in most cases work with Actors or Dancers to demonstrate and to teach steps and routines. They must be able to retain the steps and routines for each character. They must be imaginative and creative, able to interpret the Director's instructions, and contribute their own ideas to the routines. They must be able to research and prepare for particular styles, and know how to adapt them during rehearsals to suit the needs of the production, the performer, or the Director.
Choreographers need a wide knowledge and experience of different dance techniques, including both historical and contemporary styles. They may also have to adapt sequences, or create new routines at very short notice, and teach them quickly to Dancers or Actors.
Choreographers should be quick thinking, as they often work under great time pressures, but they must remain calm throughout. They must adopt a disciplined approach to their work, and this is acquired during their training as Dancers.
Key Skills include:
- A thorough knowledge of dance
- Visual and creative abilities
- Teaching skills
- Perseverance and stamina
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Self motivation
- Team working skills
- An awareness of the etiquette and traditions of working the theatre
- Practical and creative problem solving skills
- Organisational skills
- Knowledge of the requirements of the relevant Health and Safety legislation and procedures
Training and qualifications
Choreographers should be qualified Dancers. Courses are available at specialist schools which cater for young people from 10 years of age. Full time training may be undertaken from age 16. Choreography courses are offered by some specialist dance schools, e.g., The Laban Centre. As the work is physically demanding, most Choreographers maintain their stamina and fitness levels by attending regular dance or fitness classes throughout their careers. They should also continually research and learn new dance styles, in order to expand their repertoires.
Where to go for more information
CC Skills is the Sector Skills Council for the Creative and Cultural Industries. For information about training and professional qualifications, visit the website www.ccskills.org.uk T. 020 7089 5866
Equity is the trade union representing creative team members and performers across the whole spectrum of arts and entertainment, and offers representation, specialist knowledge and advice for its members and student members on work in Theatre and other Live Performance. T: 020 7379 6000. www.equity.org.uk
Dance UK - cover the independent dance sector. They provide information and publications, and arrange networking opportunities, forums for debate, and conferences.
T: 020 7228 4990 www.danceuk.orgCouncil for Dance Education & Training - provides information about courses throughout the UK. T: 020 7247 4030 www.cdet.org.uk
The Stage newspaper is the entertainment trade weekly. Recruitment advertisements, useful links, and 'how to guides', such as finding an agent or drama school, are on its website www.thestage.co.uk
Contacts is published annually by The Spotlight, and provides details of all aspects of the entertainment industry. www.spotlight.com