Choreography

Choreography comprises not only dances per se, but planning and arranging the movements, steps, and patterns of actors on stage during musical numbers. In a show featuring more than 40 actors such as Amazing Grace: The True Story, this can be a tall order particularly when some of the actors are performing in and on the rigging of a sailing ship. The fact that the show is a period piece set in the 1740s means there is a heavy research component involved and may encompass elements of many dance styles including the Scottish “Reel,” the English “Hornpipe,” the “Minuet,” and what would become the “Waltz.” The individual who creates these dance compositions is known as the Choreographer. Choreographers are experienced dancers with years of training and experience working in the theater. They can have one or more assistants and work closely with the Dance Captain, a member of the cast who maintains the artistic standards of all choreography and musical staging in the production.

The Dance Captain may also serve as the Fight Captain or this may be a separate person. A professional Fight Choreographer and/or Fight Captain is typically used to train and supervise actors in a show that includes fighting. Amazing Grace: The True Story takes place at a time of great conflict in Europe and features a battle at sea between the HMS Harwich and an unknown French Man-O-War. This scene and the two storm scenes also require coordination of stunts, lightning effects and fire effects, all of which are set on and around the moving deck of a ship.