Danita Eldridge
Henderson,NV
Summary
Seasoned Artistic Director, boasting over two decades of expertise in the field. My journey began as a dancer and evolved into pivotal roles leading up to Associate Choreographer from touring productions to Broadway. Upon relocating to Las Vegas, I further honed my craft as a Resident Choreographer, contributing significantly to casting, scheduling and line-ups, staging, performer management and mentorship. With a wealth of experience overseeing casts exceeding 100 members in grand spectacles, my portfolio spans across theatrical productions, large -scale live events, cruise ships, television and film. Renowned for meticulous attention to detail and commitment to excellence, I strive to collaborate seamlessly with Directors and Choreographers ensuring the highest standards of quality in every project.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
RESIDENT DIRECTOR, AMERICA'S GOT TALENT PRESENTS SUPERSTARS LIVE
Cirque du Soleil / The Works Entertainment
09.2021 - 05.2023
- In the role of Resident Director my responsibilities included maintaining the overall artistic integrity of the show as directed by the AGT creative team
- Worked with all departments to keep consistency and the highest level of show production possible, working closely with Company and Stage Management daily to create the show flow and deal with last minute changes, while also staying in constant communication with executives from MGM, Cirque Du Soleil and Fremantle Media regarding the shows creative content
- It was my job to adjust the show as needed, oversee choreography challenges with the assistance of my Artist Coach, implement new headlining acts, schedule and run in-house auditions, and to prepare the cast for PR events and television appearances.
CHOREOGRAPHER & ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, ZAMBOOKA
Norwegian Cruise Lines
08.2022 - 09.2022
- I developed original choreography and organized rehearsals with team members.
- I worked with the creatives to recognize and utilize the talents of team.
- I collaborated with directors and producers to create visually stunning performances that captivated audiences.
- I assisted in elevating the overall production value through detailed planning of lighting, set design, and multimedia elements in collaboration with technical teams.
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR- SANTA SAVES CHRISTMAS-LIVE
Right Angle Entertainment
12.2020 - 12.2020
- I worked closely with the Director, Producers, creatives and cast to set, stage and block this production in a timely fashion for it's holiday run.
RESIDENT CHOREOGRAPHER, LE REVE - THE DREAM
Wynn Las Vegas
11.2006 - 06.2020
- As the Resident Choreographer at Le Reve it was my responsibility to maintain all aspects of the show choreography and uphold the overall artistic integrity
- I was responsible for collaborating with the Director and Choreographer, holding weekly note sessions, doing nightly show watches, running rehearsals and working closely with the Dance Captains, Acrobatic and Synchronized Swimming Coaches to integrate new performers., I worked in tandem with our casting department on all auditions and dealt extensively with upper management to amend the show as needed
- It was my responsibility to conceptualize, rehearse and stage PR events as well as preparing guest appearances for stage and television
- I worked with Stage Management on a nightly basis to construct the show lineup and create the weekly rehearsal schedule as well as planning the rotations of performers in this large cast to ensure an even work load amongst all performers.
- Le Reve Performances include: America's Got Talent, Ellen, Dancing with the Stars, Live with Kelly, Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2, Live with Kelly and Ryan, Latin Grammy's featuring: Pitbull, Marc Anthony, David Bibal, Marco Antonio Solis and Jesse & Joy
ASSISTANT CHOREOGRAPHER, HOT FEET - BROADWAY
Transamerica / Rudy Durand
03.2006 - 07.2006
- My position as the Assistant Choreographer consisted of working closely with the Director / Choreographer- Maurice Hines, overall maintenance of the show choreography, nightly show watches and note sessions, daily clean-up rehearsals with the cast, and adjusting the show lineup and choreography as needed
- I worked with Stage Management to adjust show lineups, and to run clean up and understudy rehearsals
- I would also assist the Director and Producers on auditions and assist in the casting process.
ARTISTIC SUPERVISOR / RESIDENT DIRECTOR, FAME ON 42ND STREET
The Little Shubert Theatre
08.2023 - 06.2004
- As the Artistic Supervisor / Resident Choreographer it was my responsibility to assist in casting, staging and setting the show while working closely with the Director and Stage Management on a daily basis
- My job consisted of training and integrating all new performers, running all clean up and understudy rehearsals, doing nightly show watches and note sessions with the cast and helping to maintain and uphold the overall artistic integrity of the show once it had been set
- I staged live and pre-taped guest performances such as commercial shoots and The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
- I also appeared on the Fame On 42nd Street Original Off-Broadway Cast recording.
ENSEMBLE - GUYS AND DOLLS - 50TH NATIONAL ANNIVERSARY TOUR
KL Management
07.2001 - 06.2002
- I upheld high standards of professionalism by punctually attending rehearsals and maintaining excellent attendance records throughout the run of the show.
- Enhanced performance quality by diligently rehearsing and refining collaborative skills within the ensemble.
- Adapted quickly to script changes, ensuring seamless transitions during live performances.
DANCE CAPTAIN / SWING / UNDERSTUDY - FAME: THE MUSICAL
KL Management
09.1998 - 06.1999
- I served and the Dance Captain on the North American Tour of Fame- The Musical
- I was responsible for maintaining all show choreography, integrating new performers, leading all choreographic rehearsals, nightly note taking and show watches
- I also served as the female Swing and was responsible for covering all of the female dancer tracks as well as covering three of the character leads in the show
- I worked extremely close with Stage Management on a daily basis as well as communicating with the show producer on a weekly basis.
DANCE CAPTAIN / SWING / UNDERSTUDY - FAME - DAS TANZMUSICAL
Wolfgang Bosch Productions
12.1996 - 06.1998
- I worked with the producers , director and casting team to help organize and run all dance auditions in Europe as well as New York.
- I maintained high standards of professionalism during rehearsals, performances, and off-stage interactions.
- I provided constructive feedback to dancers, enabling them to improve their technique and stage presence.
- I coordinated with the director and other creative professionals to ensure a cohesive vision for the entirety of the run.
- I worked closely with stage management on rehearsal schedules to ensure timely preparation for shows and pr events.
Education
Musical Theater -
AMERICAN MUSICAL AND DRAMATIC ACADEMY
New York, NYHigh School Diploma -
SUSQUEHANNA VALLEY SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Conklin, NYSkills
- Verbal and Written Communication
- Creative vision
- Innovative thinking and Troubleshooting
- Audition Coordination
- Multi-tasking
- Leadership
- Experience working with multi-cultural performers
- Teamwork and Collaboration
References
- BRIAN BURKE, bpmburke@yahoo.com, (702) 491-3611
- RICK GRAY, rick.gray@wynnlasvegas.com, (702) 770-3701
- RICHARD MARTINI, Martini Entertainment, rich@martinient.com, (917) 354-8166
- LOUANNE MADORMA, Madorma Casting, madormacasting@me.com, (702) 469-7242
- ELLEN SZORADY-CHILDS, Wolfgang Bosch Productions, szoradychilds@gmail.com, (646) 418-6585
Timeline
ARTISTIC SUPERVISOR / RESIDENT DIRECTOR, FAME ON 42ND STREET
The Little Shubert Theatre
08.2023 - 06.2004
CHOREOGRAPHER & ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, ZAMBOOKA
Norwegian Cruise Lines
08.2022 - 09.2022
RESIDENT DIRECTOR, AMERICA'S GOT TALENT PRESENTS SUPERSTARS LIVE
Cirque du Soleil / The Works Entertainment
09.2021 - 05.2023
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR- SANTA SAVES CHRISTMAS-LIVE
Right Angle Entertainment
12.2020 - 12.2020
RESIDENT CHOREOGRAPHER, LE REVE - THE DREAM
Wynn Las Vegas
11.2006 - 06.2020
ASSISTANT CHOREOGRAPHER, HOT FEET - BROADWAY
Transamerica / Rudy Durand
03.2006 - 07.2006
ENSEMBLE - GUYS AND DOLLS - 50TH NATIONAL ANNIVERSARY TOUR
KL Management
07.2001 - 06.2002
DANCE CAPTAIN / SWING / UNDERSTUDY - FAME: THE MUSICAL
KL Management
09.1998 - 06.1999
DANCE CAPTAIN / SWING / UNDERSTUDY - FAME - DAS TANZMUSICAL
Wolfgang Bosch Productions
12.1996 - 06.1998
Musical Theater -
AMERICAN MUSICAL AND DRAMATIC ACADEMY
High School Diploma -
SUSQUEHANNA VALLEY SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Similar Profiles
Alyssa NicklesAlyssa Nickles
Lighting Technician (Cirque Du Soleil, Corteo) at Cirque Du Soleil Entertainment GroupLighting Technician (Cirque Du Soleil, Corteo) at Cirque Du Soleil Entertainment Group
Sam LemonSam Lemon
Calling Spotlight Operator at Cirque Du Soleil Entertainment GroupCalling Spotlight Operator at Cirque Du Soleil Entertainment Group
Timothy SmithTimothy Smith
Senior Artistic Director at Cirque Du Soleil Entertainment GroupSenior Artistic Director at Cirque Du Soleil Entertainment Group