Choreographers

Some dancers and choreographers belong to unions because they work in environments that are covered by union contracts. The Stage Directors and Choreographers Society is a union for choreographers and directors working in the following areas: Broadway and national tours, off-Broadway productions, resident summer stock companies and theatres, dinner theatres, regional musical theatre, and outdoor musical stock. Choreographers and dancers can join other unions such as the American Guild of Musical Artists (which represents those who perform in opera ballets, classical ballet, and modern dance), Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (live or recorded television and those in film), Actors’ Equity Association (musical stage comedies), and the American Guild of Variety Artists (nightclubs and variety shows).

Several associations provide useful resources to dancers and choreographers. Dance/USA is a membership organization for students who are interested in dance and choreography, independent artists and choreographers, dancers, and dance-related organizations. It offers a list of professional dance companies in the United States and job and internship listings on its Web site. The National Association of Schools of Dance accredits postsecondary dance education programs. Other noteworthy organizations for choreographers and dancers include USA Dance and SHAPE America.