Choreographer - Vacancy ID: 269092

Waterford Union High School’s Music and Theatre departments are seeking a creative, collaborative, and student-centered Choreographer for our upcoming high school musical production. The Choreographer will design, teach, and polish all dance sequences and staged movement for the production. This role operates as part of a collaborative artistic trio alongside the Theater Director and Music Director to create a cohesive, high-quality production that elevates student talent and fosters a safe, inclusive ensemble environment.

Core Responsibilities

• Artistic Conception: Develop an overarching choreographic vision that aligns with the Theater Director’s concept, the period/style of the show, and the emotional arc of the script.

• Instruction & Rehearsal: Teach choreography to a cast of high school students with diverse experience levels—ranging from trained dancers to complete beginners. Break down movements into accessible, structured steps.

• Department Collaboration: Work hand-in-hand with the Music Director to ensure choreography supports vocal health, breath control, and musical cues. Coordinate with the Theater Director to seamlessly integrate dance with overall blocking and storytelling.

• Safety & Inclusivity: Prioritize the physical safety of all student performers. Adapt choreography to accommodate varying physical abilities and ensure a supportive, low-pressure audition and rehearsal environment.

• Polishing & Maintenance: Attend production meetings, technical rehearsals, and dress rehearsals to refine spacing, adjust for costumes/props, and ensure numbers are tight and performance-ready.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Experience: Proven experience as a choreographer or assistant choreographer for musical theater productions. Experience working with youth, high school, or community theater ensembles is highly preferred.

• Adaptability: The ability to pivot quickly and simplify or elevate choreography based on the skills of the cast that is auditioned.

• Strong Communication: Exceptional interpersonal skills; able to give constructive, encouraging feedback to teenagers while maintaining professional boundaries.

• Collaborative Spirit: A team-first mindset. Educational theater requires flexibility as schedules often conflict with high school sports, testing, and other academic commitments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in dance education or a degree in Dance, Theater, or Performing Arts.

• Familiarity with multiple styles of dance (e.g., Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Fosse, or Ballroom) depending on the specific show's demands.

Schedule & Compensation

• Schedule: Part-time, seasonal contract. Rehearsals typically take place after school hours (e.g., 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM) and occasionally on weekends. Must be fully available for all "Tech Week" rehearsals and opening weekend.

• Compensation: Paid as a flat stipend (commensurate with experience and production scale).