Dance Production

Dance composition is the choreography. How the dance work is put together. Dance production
are all the elements of lighting, staging, costuming, and music. The production may include
scenery, props, and other technical elements. Dance Production is and always has been a
collaborative effort. Being among and working with many people who assume a wide variety of
roles, titles and responsibilities. The task of planning and organizing a dance concert is an
overwhelming and sometimes exhausting undertaking. Therefore, it is crucial to have a well
thought-out plan of action and adhere to the timing and schedule of that plan. Every production
is unique. There is constant overlap and combining between areas of responsibility that are
worked out from show to show.

Uses/Elements of Dance Production

Artistic Director, over sees entire production and is responsible for the overall aesthetic and
artistic vision of the production and makes all final decisions relative to all artistic issues. One of
the many responsibilities of the artistic director is to choreograph for the production and/or invite
guest choreographers to create dances that will be performed. 
Stage Manager, runs all rehearsals – tech & dress, assigns dressing rooms, in charge of sign-
in, is basically responsible for everything that happens backstage. The stage manager is also
responsible for ‘calling the show’; giving directions for the sound and lighting cues. 
House Manager, is responsible for and runs everything in the front of the house, including
tickets/booth, all ushers and vendors.
Lighting Director runs the show from a light board/booth and is in charge of all lights on
stage, in the house and follow spot. The Lighting Designer transforms the stage space and helps
choreographers ‘say’ what they want by making sure all lighting instruments are strategically
placed on the stage. 
Technical Director, is in charge of all equipment, instruments backstage and technical
aspects of the performance, including hanging lights and building any sets.
Audio Engineer, is in charge of all sound equipment and projections.
Artistic Collaborators are; costume designer & construction, seamstress, hair & make-up
artist, scenic designer, musical director, composer(s) live accompanist, prop master/coordinator,
in charge of building, moving and storing. 
The time of performance can be varied effectively with results appropriate to different
levels of proficiency.
Costumes and lighting are crucial to any work of dance. Choreographers must
consider the effects of costumes and lighting. Elaborate costumes in a two minute work
composed of simple ‘step-together-step-touch’ patterns may mislead the audience into expecting
a work of a more substantial nature. 

Submitted by:
Friel G. Ragil
10-Ramon Obusan