Butts Acting Guild Dance Company

Choreographer’s Duties: Pre-Production to Post-Show

Butts Acting Guild

Pre-Production Duties

1. Meet with Director & Creative Team

• Review the show’s movement style, pacing, and tone.

• Identify all musical numbers requiring choreography or staging movement.

• Determine skill levels of cast and ensemble.

Examples & Best Practices:

• Bring reference videos or movement styles for inspiration.

• Collaborate early with Music Director to align tempo and feel.

• Plan choreography to match the physical space and scenic layout.

2. Create Choreography Concepts

• Develop choreography that supports character personality and storytelling.

• Design movement that is achievable for all cast skill levels.

• Coordinate with Costumes and Props to ensure safe and functional movement.

Examples & Best Practices:

• Use counts and visual markers to simplify learning.

• Provide modified versions for dancers of different abilities.

• Record yourself performing the choreography for teaching reference.

Rehearsal Period

1. Teach Choreography

• Lead dance rehearsals and teach all movement sections.

• Clean formations, spacing, and transitions.

• Adjust choreography to solve spacing or cast challenges.

Examples & Best Practices:

• Break numbers into small segments for teaching efficiency.

• Use floor tape to mark formations clearly.

• Give the cast video recordings to practice at home.

2. Work With Director & SM on Scene Integration

• Ensure choreography fits into blocking and scene transitions.

• Provide timing notes for cues (lights, music, props).

• Update choreography as the show evolves.

Examples & Best Practices:

• Attend run-throughs to identify problem transitions.

• Trim or expand choreography for pacing as needed.

• Pair new dancers with experienced dancers for support.

Technical & Dress Rehearsals

3. Clean & Finalize Choreography

• Confirm lighting, props, and costumes support movement safely.

• Make final adjustments for timing, spacing, and energy.

• Communicate any changes to Stage Management for cue sheets.

Examples & Best Practices:

• Practice full dance numbers in performance shoes.

• Run notes after each run-through to tighten precision.

• Watch from the audience perspective to assess visual impact.

Performance Period

4. Provide Notes & Fixes

• Attend select performances to maintain dance quality.

• Give notes on energy, timing, and technique as needed.

• Refresh spacing and choreography for swings or cast changes.

Examples & Best Practices:

• Keep a written choreography map for all numbers.

• Run brief brush-ups before shows with heavy dance content.

• Maintain open communication with SM about any choreo concerns.