Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC), the national union of stage directors and choreographers, and The Broadway League (League), the national trade association for the Broadway and touring industry, announce that they have reached agreement on a new four-year contract. The agreement, which covers directors and choreographers on Broadway and League productions in North America and the British Isles, now includes associate directors and choreographers.

This landmark agreement covers associates working on Broadway and companies across North America, who will receive union protections including health and pension benefit contributions. Additionally, the agreement includes increases in compensation and benefits for covered directors and choreographers; new compensation structures for co-directors and co-choreographers; modified terms for recognized activity in the British Isles; and language codifying the parties’ mutual commitment to non-discrimination and anti-harassment.

“These talks have resulted in an agreement that we believe meets the needs of both parties,” said SDC Executive Director Laura Penn. “Notably SDC has secured coverage for associate directors and choreographers on Broadway and on tours. Associates play an increasingly vital role in the life of a Broadway show and SDC has worked to make certain that these collaborators receive full recognition for their contributions. That the League was able to find a way to meet our needs is significant.”

“The Broadway League is pleased to have reached an agreement with SDC that achieves meaningful gains for our producing members and acknowledges the evolving needs of our Broadway and Touring productions,” said Charlotte St. Martin, President of The Broadway League. “The agreement, which has significant improvements for both producers and creatives, is a reflection of the strong relationship between the parties.” 

The terms for the new contract were ratified by SDC’s Executive Board on December 26, 2023, and went into effect on January 1, 2024.