SSDC Union Renamed as Stage Directors and Choreographers Society

Variety reports that the legit director's union has a new name, with the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers now rechristened the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society.

It has also shortened the org's acronym from SSDC into SDC according to the trade paper.

Timed to the union's 50th anniversary, they have also revamped the official website with an online member forum. You can visit by going to www.sdcweb.org.

SDC is the theatrical union that unites, empowers and protects professional stage Directors and Choreographers throughout the United States.

SDC fearlessly protects the rights of directors and choreographers. Over fifty years ago, under the helm of Director Shepard Traube, the founding Members of SDC united to create a theatrical labor union devoted to empowering the stage director and choreographer. When Bob Fosse withheld his services on a production of Little Me, Broadway producers were forced to recognize the Union, and in the case against producer Jay Julien, SDC won the important distinction of employee for its Membership. In addition to tackling the complex issue of intellectual property rights with such cases as Gerald Gutierrez's Most Happy Fella, Joe Mantello's Love! Valour! Compassion! and John Rando's and John Carrafa's Urinetown, SDC has repeatedly achieved equitable fees and contracts for its Members. Today the Union is stronger than ever, celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2009 with a rebranding initiative - striving to raise the profile of directors' and choreographers' work, and reconnect with its mission to unite, empower and protect professional directors and choreographers across the nation.

The SDC mission is to foster a national community of professional stage Directors and Choreographers by protecting the rights, health and livelihoods of all our Members. To facilitate the exchange of ideas, information and opportunities, while educating the current and future generations about the role of Directors and Choreographers and providing effective administration, negotiations and contractual support.