Tap Dance & Musical Theater Choreographer/Teacher

Job Description

Young Actors Theater Academy (YATA) is seeking a talented, collaborative, and student-centered Tap Dance and Musical Theater Choreographer/Teacher to lead choreography and tap dance instruction for our upcoming production of Shrek the Musical.

This is a 12-week independent contract position that combines teaching and choreography. It includes a 10-week, one-hour Tap Class alongside choreography for the production, working with students in grades 4–12 with varying skill levels.

We believe choreography is more than teaching steps. Great choreographers help performers tell stories through movement, develop confidence, understand character, and strengthen their stage presence. This role asks for someone who can bring strong tap technique, musical theater style, comedy, character-driven movement, and ensemble storytelling to a young performer cast while meeting each dancer where they are.

 This agreement outlines the scope of work, deliverables, compensation, expectations, and the independent contractor relationship between the parties.

Overview

This is a Independent Contractor position.
  • Contract Length: 12 weeks
  • Included Hours ten (10) one-hour Tap Class lessons, choreography design and prep time, and one or more tech rehearsals for choreography refinement.
  • Flat Fee: $1,200
  • Production: Shrek the Musical
  • Student Grade Levels: 4th–12th grade
  • Application Deadline: By July 20, 2026 
  • Hiring Decision: By July 25, 2026 
  • Student Callbacks: Tuesday, August 11, 2026
    • Tap Class Begins: Tuesday August 18, 2026

    Note: All dates and times are subject to change.

Application Materials

Interested candidates should submit:

  • Resume 
  • Choreography reel, production videos, teaching samples, or portfolio materials 
  • Brief statement describing their choreography and teaching philosophy 
  • Teaching Demonstration:  Candidates will prepare a prepared 32-count combination, four 8-counts, set to one of the songs from the production. Candidates may choose from the following songs:
    • “What’s Up Duloc?”
    • “Freak Flag”
    • “I’m a Believer”

Responsibilities

  • Lead a 10-week Tap Class focused on tap technique, rhythm, musicality, coordination, and musical theater performance skills.
  • Develop choreography that supports storytelling, character development, comedy, and ensemble energy.
  • Create choreography for the following numbers: 
    • “What’s Up Duloc?”
    • “Morning Person”
    • “Make a Move”
    • “Freak Flag”
    • “I’m a Believer”
  • Collaborate with the director on stage direction, ensemble and lead assignments, character movement, prop use, and style direction.
  • Teach choreography to performers of varying ages and skill levels with an emphasis on:
    • Positive rapport with students
    • Clear communication and teaching style
    • Ability to teach across ability levels and ages
    • Musical theater instincts
    • Choreographic clarity and professionalism
  • Ensure movement that is appropriate for the production, cast abilities, student ages, and performance space.
  • Attend dance auditions and provide input on casting, if applicable.
  • Attend 1 to 3 general rehearsal sessions for the production.
  • Attend at least one tech rehearsal day to clean and refine choreography.
  • Maintain organized rehearsal plans and clear communication.
  • Support a positive and educational rehearsal environment.
  • Help students build confidence, performance quality, rhythm, musicality, and stage presence.

You Might Be a Great Fit If…

  • You prioritize responsiveness as a key to a show’s success. Texts, calls, and emails do not go unanswered for unreasonable periods of time.
  • You understand that choreography should tell a story, not just fill eight counts.
  • You can teach both advanced dancers and students who are stepping onto a stage for the first time.
  • You can capture the precision and attitude of Fosse and translate it for young performers.
  • You enjoy collaborating with directors rather than competing with them.
  • You can maintain high standards without creating a toxic culture.
  • You believe confidence is built one rehearsal at a time.
  • You value positive relationships, clear communication, and mutual respect.
  • You want to help build something exceptional.

Position Details

Independent Contractor Relationship

  • The choreographer is engaged as an independent contractor, not an employee.
  • Nothing in this agreement creates an employment relationship, partnership, joint venture, or agency.
  • The contractor is responsible for their own taxes, insurance, tools, equipment, and business expenses.
  • The contractor is not eligible for YATA employee benefits.
  • YATA controls only the final deliverables, not the contractor’s schedule or methods.
  • This agreement does not guarantee future work.

Confidentiality

  • Contractor agrees to maintain confidentiality regarding student information, rehearsal materials, production plans, and internal communications.
  • Confidentiality obligations survive the completion of the contract.

Student Safety, Boundaries, and Conduct

  • Contractors must always maintain appropriate professional boundaries with students.
  • Physical contact must be instructional, appropriate, and clearly communicated.
  • Contractors must comply with all YATA safety policies and Texas child-protection laws.
  • Contractor must report any concerns or incidents immediately.

Ownership of Choreography

  • Upon full payment, YATA receives a license to use choreography for this production, including rehearsals, performances, recordings, and internal training.
  • Contractors retain ownership of their original choreography but may not restrict YATA’s use for this production.
  • Contractor may not reuse or sell YATA-specific staging, notes, or confidential materials.

Liability and Indemnification

  • Contractor agrees to perform services in a professional manner consistent with industry standards.
  • Contractor agrees to indemnify YATA against claims arising from negligence, misconduct, or violation of intellectual property rights.
  • YATA is not liable for delays caused by contractor scheduling, missing materials, or external factors.

Entire Agreement

This document constitutes the entire agreement between the parties. No verbal statements or prior communications modify these terms unless agreed to in writing and signed by both parties.