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What does an Assistant Choreographer do?

An Assistant Choreographer is a key member of a choreography team, working closely with the lead Choreographer to create and execute dance routines for various productions.

What are the main responsibilities of an Assistant Choreographer?

  • Create choreographies with the lead Choreographer 
  • Run rehearsals 
  • Ensure that the movement remains correct and to the Choreographer’s original vision
  • Teach Actors and Dancers 
  • Document the choreography 
  • Collaborate with the creative team 

You can find dance and choreography opportunities to help you get into theatre here

What qualifications do I need to be an Assistant Choreographer?

A formal qualification is not necessary as Assistant Choreographers typically begin their career as a Dancer and study a variety of routines through this. However, here are some useful subjects and courses that you can study to gain knowledge and experience:

  • Dance
  • Choreography 
  • Physical Theatre 
  • Directing
  • Creative Arts
  • Theatre Studies/Drama
  • Acting

Search theatre training courses to help you get into theatre here

Here are some subjects that you can study at school which will teach you some useful skills for becoming an Assistant Choreographer:

  • Dance 
  • Drama/Theatre Studies
  • Physical Education 

Always keep a showreel of your individual work and where your work has been shown as well as choreography for any previous productions. 

What skills do I need to be an Assistant Choreographer?

  • Rhythm and musicality  
  • Able to follow choreography and create original dance sequences
  • Time management
  • Attention to detail 
  • Collaboration skills 
  • Self promotion
  • Team building and leadership 
  • Teaching skills 
  • Knowledge of theatre 

What does a career as an Assistant Choreographer look like?

Starting a career as an Assistant Choreographer often begins with formal dance training. Performance experience is beneficial to understand the job from a performer's point of view. Mentorship / shadowing Choreographers or Movement Directors will help you gain relevant experience. Equally essential is building a portfolio showcasing your unique choreography to show potential employers and collaborators. 

How much does an Assistant Choreographer earn?

For a lead Choreographer working on one show, the Independent Theatre Council states that the minimum preparatory fee for preparation and up to 2 weeks’ rehearsals is £2,310. If rehearsals continue past this, the weekly fee is £572 or daily fee is £186 (correct as of May 2024). Choreographers are often freelance. Read our blog 'How to become a freelancer in theatre' here.

The above is a guide. Pay, salary or fee can vary depending on the theatre or company, as well as your personal experience. National institutions or commercial productions can pay in excess of the above, with profit-share or community theatre paying less.

You can find theatre jobs via The Stage Jobs here 

Find all careers advice by reading our selection of blogs here

References:

https://www.itc-arts.org/rates-of-pay/

https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/Salaries/assistant-choreographer-salary-SRCH_KO0,23.htm

https://careers.atg.co.uk/job-search/job-detail.html?jobid=215794

Published: 24th May 2024

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