Position: Middle School Musical - Choreographer
Reports To: Building Principal or Designee
Schedule: Seasonal, including after-school, evening, and weekend rehearsals and performances
Position Summary: The Middle School Musical Choreographer is responsible for developing, teaching, and coordinating the dance and movement components of the annual middle school theatrical production. Working collaboratively with the Musical Director, Music Director, and production team, the Choreographer prepares students for musical performances through age-appropriate choreography and movement instruction. The position focuses on developing students'' performance skills, confidence, coordination, and teamwork while providing a positive and inclusive performing arts experience.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with the Musical Director, Music Director, and production team to plan and coordinate the choreography and movement elements of the production.
- Develop age-appropriate choreography for musical numbers that complements the production''s artistic vision and accommodates students of varying abilities.
- Teach and rehearse dance routines, movement sequences, and stage blocking associated with musical performances.
- Assist with student auditions and casting by evaluating dance and movement abilities and providing recommendations as appropriate.
- Develop and implement a choreography rehearsal schedule in coordination with the overall production schedule.
- Provide instruction in dance techniques, coordination, rhythm, stage presence, and movement appropriate for middle school students.
- Adapt choreography as needed to accommodate student abilities, ensure accessibility, and promote successful participation.
- Coordinate with the Music Director to ensure choreography aligns with musical arrangements, timing, and vocal performances.
- Collaborate with the Musical Director and technical staff to integrate choreography with staging, costumes, props, and set design.
- Prepare students for performances by ensuring familiarity with dance routines, transitions, and movement expectations.
- Participate in technical rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and performances to provide direction and support as needed.
- Supervise students during assigned rehearsals and performances, maintaining a safe, respectful, and productive environment.
- Communicate regularly with the Musical Director regarding student progress, rehearsal needs, and production readiness.
- Promote student participation, teamwork, creativity, and confidence through positive instruction and encouragement.
- Perform other related duties as assigned by the Building Principal or designee.
Qualifications:
- Background in dance, choreography, musical theater, performing arts, or a related field preferred.
- Experience developing and teaching choreography for theatrical or musical performances.
- Experience working with middle school students in an educational or extracurricular setting.
- Ability to develop and adapt choreography for students with varying levels of dance experience and physical abilities.
- Strong organizational, communication, and collaborative skills.
- Ability to provide clear instruction, constructive feedback, and positive reinforcement.
- Commitment to providing an inclusive, supportive, and developmentally appropriate performing arts experience.
Terms of Employment: This is a seasonal extracurricular assignment requiring participation in auditions, choreography rehearsals, technical rehearsals, dress rehearsals, performances, and related production activities. The Choreographer works collaboratively with the Musical Director, Music Director, and production team to ensure students are prepared for the movement and dance components of the production. Evening and weekend commitments may be required.