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In the same way that painting and decorating lifts the set, so choreography lifts any performance. While both are unessential to the ability to stage the production they are in every way essential to the aesthetics of the production, giving the show life and vigour. |
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| Every scene of every production needs to be choreographed whether dancing is involved or not. Most non-dance choreography is carried out by the director initially in the form of ‘blocking’, then later adapted once the actors begin rehearsing. Where the director ends and the choreographer begins is something which needs to be agreed between the two in advance of rehearsals. |
| The choreographer may begin with merely cast movement, a crucial thing in scenes with a large cast where natural mingling is required without everyone: walking into each other, being bunched on one side of the stage or merely standing still. In a similar vein though there are points in musicals where the stage will be empty, aside from a solo dancer, for most musicals there will be a chorus on stage who, if not dancing but watching the dancers, need to be choreographed so as not to get in the way, especially on a small stage like the Hazlitt Theatre. |
| The script sometimes gives guidelines and sometimes not, as to the style of dancing for any particular number. It may prescribe a soft-shoe shuffle or to be in the style of a famous exponent of dance. Whether these are kept to or not is up to the choreographer. An audience may have a certain expectation for any well known musical, which they are free to indulge or subvert, as long as it complements the interpretation that the director is following. |
| Aside from our musical production and other variety events a choreographer may be required where any precision of movement is required. It is imperative that any fight scene is systematically choreographed, as any error could be dangerous. Any farce such as ‘Noises Off’, which requires very slick fast movement and timing may also benefit from a choreographers expertise over any director. |
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