Staging from Score
Staging dances from Labanotation scores offers numerous benefits for dance companies and schools alike. It provides access to a diverse range of works spanning various eras and styles, enriching both audiences and performers.
At the Dance Notation Bureau, WE FACILITATE EVERY STEP of the staging process:
- Save money: our efficient stagers rely on the detailed dance score, eliminating memory lapses and ensuring consistency
- Select suitable works tailored to your style and preferences
- Assist in obtaining permissions from choreographers or estates
- Provide rehearsal materials such as music recording, marked scores, and videos
- Offer production information including costume, set, and lighting information
- Supply experienced stagers and style coaches to guide the process
- Assist in sourcing costumes or set rentals
- Guide you in obtaining music rights and permissions
With the DNB’s support, staging from Labanotation scores becomes a seamless and rewarding endeavor for dance companies and schools alike.
If you have a particular dance in mind for staging, we encourage you to SUBMIT THIS FORM with these details
We can provide you with information on associated fees. If you are seeking inspiration or exploring options, we invite you to browse our Notated Theatrical Dances Catalog.
For personalized recommendations or assistance with selecting dances, please do not hesitate to contact our Director of Library Services.
Royalty and license fees are determined by the choreographer or their estate.
The DNB service fee is $295 for universities or colleges and $395 for dance companies.
FAQs
What are the steps involved
in the process of staging a work?
in the process of staging a work?
Step 1: Select a Work
To initiate the staging process, start by selecting a work from our extensive archive listed in the Notated Theatrical Dances Catalog. Additionally, you can browse works by Doris Humphrey. If you need assistance in choosing a piece, reach out to our Director of Library Services. Our Director of Library Services and Director of Programs will then guide you through the entire process, from selecting an appropriate piece to negotiating the contract details.
Step 2: Contact Us
When contacting us, please provide the following information:
- Name of the dance and choreographer
- Name of contact person (if different)
- Name of dance company or university department
- Contact address, phone number and email
- Name of the stager
- Length of the requested contract
- Date of the first performance
- Number of performances
Step 3: Obtain Permission
Once a work is selected, the next step is obtaining permission from the choreographer or estate. DNB can assist or guide you through this process. If you need a stager, we can help find one.
Step 4: Draw a Contract
After permission is granted, a contract needs to be negotiated. DNB may execute the contract on behalf of the artist or negotiate directly with the artist or designated representative. Please note the owner of the rights sets the license and royalty fees.
Once the contract is finalized, all materials required for staging the dance will be sent to the stager. DNB remains available throughout the staging process to provide additional information and advice.
The DNB service fee is due within 30 days of receiving the contract, whereas the license and royalty fees are due one week before the first public performance.
The DNB kindly requires sending us a copy of performance production and program.
What scores are available?
You can explore a comprehensive listing of notated works at the DNB in our Notated Theatrical Dances Catalog. Additionally, on our website, you will find listings of works by Doris Humphrey. The DNB serves as the contracting agency for all of Humphrey’s works, including the ones without Labanotation score.
Please be aware that the presence of a dance work in these listings does not automatically grant permission for performance. Typically, choreographers and estates evaluate requests on a case-by-case basis. For guidance on which works are typically available and which may have restrictions, feel free to consult with our Director of Programs or Director of Library Services.
What are the costs involved?
Inquiry Fee:
There is a nominal fee of $20 per dance to request to borrow a score and/or a DVD of work for examination for potential staging projects.
DNB Service Fee:
The current service fee charged by the DNB is $295 for universities or educational institutes, and $395 for dance companies. This fee is due within 30 days of receiving the contract.
License Fee:
This fee, paid to the choreographer or their estate, grants the privilege of performing the work for a specific period, typically ranging from one to three years. License fees vary widely, often falling between $100 and several thousand dollars, depending on the choreographer and the complexity of the work. The license fee is due one week before the first public performance.
Royalty Fee:
Royalties are a per-performance fee, usually less than the license fee, paid to the choreographer or their estate. These fees typically range from $30 to $100 per performance and are also due one week before the first public performance.
Stager’s Fee:
Separate from the DNB service charge, the stager’s fee encompasses a per-week charge, as well as travel expenses, lodging, and per diem allowances if applicable. Costs vary depending on factors such as location, the complex of the dance, and the stager’s experience. The stager’s fee is due one week before the first rehearsal and generally ranges from $1500 to $2000 per week, plus expenses.
Artist Coach Fee:
In some cases, an artist coach may be required by the choreographer or their estate, with fees determined by the individual coach. This fee is also due one week before the first rehearsal and varies depending on the coach, with less time typically required.
What is the payment schedule?
The standard payment schedule is outlined below:
- DNB Service Fee: Payment is due within 30 days of receiving the contract.
- License and Royalty Fee: Payment is required one week prior to the first public performance of the staged work.
- Stager Fee (if applicable): Payment is due one week before the first rehearsal.
- Artist Coach Fee (if applicable): Payment is due one week before the first rehearsal.
- Per Diem and Travel (if applicable): These expenses are typically paid directly to the stager and/or coach upon their arrival.
What is the difference between a stager and an artist coach?
Do I need both a stager and an artist coach?
Is a contract required for performances without admission fees?
Admission fees do not solely determine the need for a contract. A performance is considered public when it is open to anyone outside of family and close friends, regardless of admission charges. This applies equally to student and professional performances. Additionally, the use of portions of a dance is governed by the same criteria as staging the entire dance.
According to Public Law 94-553:
To “perform” a work means to recite, render, play, dance, or act it, either directly or by means of any device or process or, in the case of a motion picture or other audiovisual work, to show its images in any sequence or to make the sounds accompanying it audible.
To perform or display a work “publicly” means:
- to perform or display it at a place open to the public or at any place where a substantial number of persons outside of a normal circle of a family and its social acquaintances is gathered; or
- to transmit or otherwise communicate a performance or display of the work to a place specified by clause 1 or to the public, by means of any device or process, whether the members of the public capable of receiving the performance or display receive it in the same place or in separate places and at the same time or at different time.
