Dance Director Onboarding Checklist

Dance Director Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Dance Director starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Arts/Entertainment onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Dance Director, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Dance Director onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Dance Director Onboarding Checklist

1. Introduction to the company: The new Dance Director should be provided with a comprehensive introduction to the company, including its history, mission, values, and organizational structure. This task is typically performed by the Human Resources department or a designated company representative.

2. Familiarization with the dance department: The new Dance Director should be given a tour of the dance department, including the rehearsal spaces, studios, costume and prop storage areas, and any other relevant facilities. This task is usually performed by a senior member of the dance department or a designated mentor.

3. Introduction to the team: The new Dance Director should be introduced to the members of their team, including dancers, choreographers, instructors, and administrative staff. This task is typically performed by the department head or a designated team leader.

4. Review of company policies and procedures: The new Dance Director should be provided with a thorough review of the company’s policies and procedures, including those related to safety, scheduling, budgeting, and artistic direction. This task is usually performed by the Human Resources department or a designated company representative.

5. Review of artistic vision and goals: The new Dance Director should have a meeting with the artistic director or company director to discuss the artistic vision and goals of the company. This task is typically performed by the artistic director or company director.

6. Review of current productions and projects: The new Dance Director should be briefed on the current productions and projects that the company is working on, including their themes, choreographers, and timelines. This task is typically performed by the artistic director or production manager.

7. Review of budget and financial responsibilities: The new Dance Director should be provided with an overview of the department’s budget and their financial responsibilities, including expense tracking, budget allocation, and fundraising efforts. This task is typically performed by the finance department or a designated financial manager.

8. Training on company software and systems: The new Dance Director should receive training on any software or systems used by the company for scheduling, communication, and performance management. This task is typically performed by the IT department or a designated software trainer.

9. Introduction to key stakeholders: The new Dance Director should be introduced to key stakeholders, such as board members, donors, sponsors, and community partners. This task is typically performed by the artistic director or company director.

10. Review of marketing and promotional strategies: The new Dance Director should be briefed on the company’s marketing and promotional strategies, including social media campaigns, press releases, and community outreach initiatives. This task is typically performed by the marketing department or a designated marketing manager.

11. Attendance at rehearsals and performances: The new Dance Director should attend rehearsals and performances to familiarize themselves with the company’s artistic style, dancers’ abilities, and production processes. This task is typically performed by the Dance Director themselves.

12. Collaboration with other departments: The new Dance Director should collaborate with other departments, such as costume design, lighting, and stage management, to ensure smooth coordination and execution of productions. This task is typically performed by the Dance Director in collaboration with other department heads.

13. Development of a strategic plan: The new Dance Director should develop a strategic plan for the department, outlining goals, objectives, and action steps to achieve artistic and financial success. This task is typically performed by the Dance Director in collaboration with the artistic director and executive team.

14. Ongoing professional development: The new Dance Director should be encouraged to participate in ongoing professional development opportunities, such as workshops, conferences, and networking events, to enhance their skills and stay updated with industry trends. This task is typically supported by the company through funding and time allowances.

15. Performance evaluation and feedback: The new Dance Director should receive regular performance evaluations and feedback from the artistic director, executive team, and dancers to ensure continuous improvement and alignment with the company’s goals. This task is typically performed by the artistic director or a designated performance evaluator

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Dance Director checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Dance Director up to speed and working well in your Arts/Entertainment team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.