Question 1

What is the single biggest suggestion you would give to someone wanting to get into this career?

Kathryn Burns · Accepted Answer

“Don’t wait for someone to give you an opportunity to create. Take your camera and start creating and playing, and just putting it out there With your iPhone you can create all the time. Create little musical moments on your iPhone with your friends at any moment.”

Question 2

What’s the #1 mistake people make when trying to get into this career?

Kathryn Burns · Accepted Answer

“I think people’s biggest mistake is trying to be someone else. You have to find what it is that excites you and ultimately that’s what you will be good at. You have to find a little bit of a hole in the marketplace. Don’t follow someone else’s path. It’s important to just be yourself.”

Question 3

What is the question people should ask about this career but rarely do?

Kathryn Burns · Accepted Answer

“No one asks me what my process is. I think there’s an incredible amount that goes into the mental process of choreography. I’d just say, don’t be afraid to ask questions!”

Question 4

If you could describe in one word what makes you successful, what would it be?

Kathryn Burns · Accepted Answer

“Playfulness.
“I just wanted to add that for the last season of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, I created a Set PA position for choreography. I feel like this is an amazing way to pay it forward. I called it a Choreography PA. It’s a lot of getting water, and running playback, and helping in the room.
“For me, it was helpful to have someone help with timing and communicate with an AD. It’s a bit like what a Stage Manager would do. It’s a fantastic way for someone who wants to learn the ins and outs of the job but doesn’t yet have the relationships to assist. 
“I think it’s something you should ask for if you are interested. Doing something like this can show you everyone’s process is so different and can really give you great insight into the job in general.”

Film Career Finder

Start Here:

Choreographer