As one of the premier studio production companies in New York, Broadway Stages works to meet the growing needs of the film and TV industry while also focusing on the needs of our community. We provide the industry with a soundstage or location where they shoot their scenes, but they also need a skilled and experienced workforce. In this series, we look at the various jobs that make a production come to life. We hope it provides insight and encourages you to consider a career in the film and TV industry. This week, we look at the role of Choreographer.

What does a Choreographer do?

In our last blog, we looked at how the special effects makeup artist transforms an actor’s appearance. In this post, we focus on the role that uses creativity and industry knowledge to design and implement dance and movement, communicating emotion and tone to help tell the story in a TV or film production. This is the choreographer. Read on for an overview of this role.

Dance and movement are not standalone aspects of a production, they are interconnected with other set activities and departments. Therefore, the choreographer collaborates and coordinates with others on set, such as the director and music director, and the costume, set, and lighting departments. The choreographer will be concerned with researching different styles of dance, creating the dance or movement either alone or in collaboration with others; casting the dancers and instructing them; conducting rehearsals, and being on set to guide and coach the dancers and actors.

How do I become a Choreographer?

In addition to knowledge of and experience with dance and movement, a choreographer needs to possess a number of skills. As with other lead roles on set, the choreographer should be a strong leader and communicator as they interact with and instruct others. Berklee College of Music lists these additional abilities, skills, and areas of knowledge that a choreographer should have: teaching; designing movement sequences; knowledge of anatomy and physical fitness; creativity and inventiveness. As for education, a formal degree isn’t necessary, but can provide theoretical knowledge, additional experience, and networking opportunities. However, a choreographer needs years of dance experience as well as experience developing other skills. Backstage lists important skills including the following: knowledge of dance technique; choreographic conceptualizing to tell a story; choreographic writing including stage directions, describing dance formations, and making notes about other related aspects; passion for dance, and more.

There are different ways to pursue the choreographer role. MasterClass suggests the following: mastering different types of dance; studying dance at school; creating dances; and assisting a choreographer. In a Careers in Film interview, choreographer Kathryn Burns (“Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” “Drunk History,” and “Teachers” recommends sharing one’s work on social media and studying TV and Film as two helpful steps to being a choreographer. See the full interview here.

Read about a professional choreographer’s experiences in this NPR piece on how Justin Peck (the resident choreographer for the New York City Ballet) worked with Stephen Spielberg to “reimagine 'West Side Story' for the 21st century.” Finally, to get into the holiday spirit, watch this Today video, “Rockettes React To 6 Christmas Movie Dance Scenes.” Happy holidays!

Learn about film and TV industry jobs, training, and more in the Broadway Stages’ Industry Resource Guide. Our guide provides information about industry-focused job posting sites; links to general recruiting sites; education and training programs; and state, city, and borough industry information.