Make Dance Your Business

BY FRAN KIRMSER

About Fran Kirmser

Fran Kirmser is a two-time Tony Award–winning producer, former professional dancer, and the creator of Make Dance Your Business. With more than two decades of experience in dance, theater, and arts consulting for stage and screen, Fran has built a career helping dancers and arts-based entrepreneurs turn their passion into sustainable, purpose-filled work.

After dancing professionally for a decade, a career-ending injury led Fran to launch the first consulting company dedicated to emerging artists—supporting them in career development, fundraising, promotion, career development, and production. Since then, she has coached thousands of artists, companies, and institutions across the country.

As a Broadway and performing arts producer, Fran’s acclaimed credits include:
  • Bob Fosse’s DANCIN’ (2023)
  • HAIR – Tony Award for Best Musical Revival (2009)
  • WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? – Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play (2013)
  • GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS starring Al Pacino
  • August Wilson’s RADIO GOLF
  • Conceiver of sports series featuring LOMBARDI, MAGIC/BIRD, and BRONX BOMBERS
Her work has been recognized with:
  • 2 Tony Awards
  • Drama Desk Award
  • Drama League Award
  • Outer Critics Circle Award
  • Servicing thousands of artists over her career

Beyond producing, Fran has served the dance field extensively—partnering with choreographers and companies such as Shen Wei, Francesca Harper, Doug Varone, Martha Graham Dance Company, Social Tango Project and supporting artists working at premier venues including The Joyce Theater, Lincoln Center, New York City Center, BAM, and New York Live Arts.

Fran is also a respected educator and arts advocate:
  • Master Class Lecturer at 40+ Universities
  • Instructor at Ailey/Fordham, JMU, NYU Tisch, HB Studio & Commercial Theater Institute
  • Former Tony Voter
  • Co-author of A Life in Dance: A Practical Guide
  • Panelist for the New York Foundation for the Arts
She holds degrees in Psychology and Dance, along with an Executive Certificate in Business Law and Finance from Cornell University—an ideal blend of artistry and strategy that fuels the heart of Make Dance Your Business.
Through this course, Fran equips dancers with the tools, structure, and confidence they need to build a thriving, long-lasting career in the arts.

Dance Artists & Projects Fran has worked with

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About the Course

Make Dance Your Business is a premier master class dedicated to equipping dancers with everything they need to know to build a sustainable life and career through dance. The course is dedicated to undoing the “struggling artist” stereotype and helping dancers learn everything from budgeting and insurance to auditioning and working with agents. More details about the course:
  • Auditioning
  • Self-paced and doable anywhere
  • Features 1-on-1 instruction and check-ins with Fran Kirmser
  • Covers everything needed for a career in dance
    • Reels
    • Resumes & Headshots
    • Marketing & Social Media
    • Auditions & Agents
    • Money Management
    • With downloads to keep forever
    • and more!
Preview the Course

More Resources

A Life In Dance: A Practical Guide

A Life in Dance: A Practical Guide is the perfect companion book to be read alongside or after taking the Make Dance Your Business Course. Co-authored by Fran, this book provides additional resources for the ins and outs of a professional life in dance, including: where to find classes, health insurance, rehearsal spaces, and somatic practices. 

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Everything you Need for a Career
in Dance is a Click Away

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