SDC is the theatrical union that unites, empowers, and protects professional stage directors and choreographers throughout the United States. Our mission is to foster a national community of professional stage directors and choreographers by protecting the rights, health and livelihoods of all our Members; negotiating and enforcing employment agreements across a range of jurisdictions; facilitating the exchange of ideas, information and opportunities; and educating current and future generations about the critical role of directors and choreographers in leading the field.

Our Jurisdiction

SDC has jurisdiction over the employment of directors and choreographers working in the following areas:

    • Broadway and National tours
    • Off-Broadway
    • Association of Non-Profit Theatre Companies, New York City (ANTC)
    • Resident Theatre/League of Resident Theatres (LORT)
    • Resident Summer Stock Companies/Council of Resident Stock Theatres (CORST/TSS)
    • Dinner Theatre/Dinner Theatre Agreement (DTA)
    • Regional Musical Theatre (RMT)
    • Outdoor Musical Stock (OMS)

SDC also provides Tier, Regional Commercial, and Special contracts to protect Members who wish to work for theatres not covered or referenced in one of the above mentioned Collectively Bargained Agreements.

Visit Contracts to learn more.

The Core Responsibilities of the Union to its Members

As written upon its founding in 1959, SDC “shall carry into effect such policies as shall secure the united action of all its Members for their common good.”

SDC is the national labor union that represents stage directors and choreographers, securing the artistic and economic rights of its Members and ensuring that their interests are protected and respected.

Therefore, SDC’s core responsibilities to its Members are to:

  • Establish and protect employment terms and conditions, including minimum compensation levels; safe and equitable workplaces; health and pension contributions; and the safeguarding of intellectual property.
  • Manage the funds and property of the Union solely for the benefit of the Union and its Members in accordance with the Union’s By-laws.
  • Increase employment opportunities by expanding the jurisdiction and scope of work protected by SDC.
  • Promote solidarity, unity, and empowerment of SDC’s diverse Membership as participants in the Union.
  • Encourage and advance effective legislation and other governmental action in the interest of the profession.
  • Elevate the craft by advancing the reputation and centrality of SDC Members as key creators and leaders in the field, staying abreast of opportunities and alert to challenges to the artistic rights of all directors and choreographers.