Our History

Judge Saul Streit, Presiding Justice of the New York Supreme Court (seated), signs the incorporation documents witnessed by original Members (left to right) Agnes de Mille, Ezra Stone, Shepard Traube, Hanya Holm and legal counsel Erwin Feldman

SDC fearlessly protects the rights of directors and choreographers. Over fifty years ago, under the helm of Director Shepard Traube, the founding Members of SDC united to create a theatrical labor union devoted to empowering the stage director and choreographer. When Bob Fosse withheld his services on a production of Little Me, Broadway producers were forced to recognize the Union, and in the case against producer Jay Julien, SDC won the important distinction of employee for its Membership. In addition to tackling the complex issue of intellectual property rights with such cases as Gerald Gutierrez’s Most Happy Fella, Joe Mantello’s Love! Valour! Compassion! and John Rando’s and John Carrafa’s Urinetown, SDC has repeatedly achieved equitable fees and contracts for its Members. Today the Union is stronger than ever, celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2009 with a rebranding initiative – striving to raise the profile of directors’ and choreographers’ work, and reconnect with its mission to unite, empower and protect professional directors and choreographers across the nation.

HISTORY OF SDC’S EXECUTIVE BOARD PRESIDENTS AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

founders