Get in the Know of Dancer Contracts

The L.A. Local Dancers Committee held a contracts panel on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024 in the James Cagney Boardroom at SAG-AFTRA Plaza. This panel was held specifically for Los Angeles Local members who work as dancers under our various contracts. Panelists included National Director, Music Kristina Gorbacsov; Senior Lead Business Representative, Music Janée Lynch; and L.A. Local Dancers Committee Chair Anthony Marciona. Panelists discussed various topics such as:

Covered Contracts

Dancers are considered principal performers under all SAG-AFTRA contracts. This includes the Television Agreement (scripted dramatic), Network Television Code (non-dramatic), Theatrical Agreement, New Media (scripted and non-dramatic), Music Videos, Commercials and the Interactive Agreement.

View specifics of each contract on the SAG-AFTRA website.

Best Auditions Practices

While audition practices differ between each contract, it is important to note that sign-in and sign-out sheets are required at all auditions. In certain contracts, such as the Network Television Code and New Media Non-Dramatic Agreements, SAG-AFTRA members have first priority to be seen.

In general, when it comes to auditions, the producer must supply specific choreography that cannot exceed four eight counts, and they may not ask a dancer to improv or freestyle. The choreography also should be for a solo performer and must be able to be performed in an indoor space that is no larger than 8 feet by 8 feet.

For self-tape auditions specifically, the producer must supply all of the required music for the audition. For the TV/Theatrical and New Media Agreements, a performer may not be charged a fee to access any casting notice, breakdown or casting materials, or a fee to upload a self-tape to submit themselves. Editing software, lights, mics, backgrounds and a video with an upload with a resolution higher than 720p is not required. A slate can only include the dancer’s name, height, city of residence, current location, age and birthday, special skills headshot or full body shot in portrait orientation. A performer cannot be requested to appear nude or wearing any attire more revealing than a bathing suit that can be worn at a public pool.

On-Set Expectations

Once on set, dancers are required to sign in and out using Exhibit G’s on a daily basis. It is important to remember to verify that your hours are notated properly and never sign a blank Exhibit G. Be sure to take a picture and save it for your records.

For wardrobe, dancers are responsible to provide all necessary undergarments and the production is responsible to provide the proper shoes and wardrobe. If a dancer is requested to supply their own shoes or wardrobe, fees will apply.

Warmup rooms and trailers are dependent upon the contract. However, chairs and water are to be available for all performers. If the provisions cannot be met due to space restrictions, production must contact the union immediately for further discussion.

Break times and lengths also vary by contract, so it is crucial that dancers are familiar with the contract they are working and what the provisions are for dancers.

Hazardous Pay Language

Hazard language is dependent upon what contract the production is signed to and is not always a guarantee.

Factors that are included when considering if there is a hazardous condition is flooring, choreography and visual impairment. For example, knee work, aerial work and acrobatics are covered under hazard pay language. However, dancing in heels would not be considered for hazardous pay. When it comes to stunt work, it must be given under the direction of the stunt coordinator, and the dancer has the right to negotiate a stunt bump for this work.  

Claims

When something on set seems hazardous or outside of the contract’s dancer provisions, it is important to file a claim. SAG-AFTRA will review all pertinent information and will advise whether or not a claim is valid. Claims are filed on an individual basis unless the union determines that a blanket claim should be filed on behalf of all affected performers.

Performers are our eyes and ears on set, so please remember to speak up and talk to a field representative that may visit set or contact the office using the information below or by filing a claim.

To learn how to file a claim properly, please check out The Claims Process and How to Submit a Claim Inquiry.

How to Get Involved

It is simple to get involved in the union as a dancer! First, make sure you are registered under the Dancer category. Then make sure you attend wages and working conditions (W&W) meetings that are held prior to each contract negotiation. You can also join one of Los Angeles Local’s 33 committees. Finally, make sure you stay connected by reading the union’s emails, following the Los Angeles Local on Facebook and X, and by attending events like our monthly orientation, where you can learn more about what we do.

To learn more about dancer-specific contract provisions and how to get involved, email music@sagaftra.org or call (323) 549-6864.

For after hours set emergencies, please call (844) SAFER-SET (723-3773).

Photo: From left, National Director, Music Kristina Gorbacsov; Senior Lead Business Representative, Music Janée Lynch; and L.A. Local Dancers Committee Chair Anthony Marciona lead a contracts workshop for L.A. Local members who work as dancers under SAG-AFTRA agreements.