When applying for an O-1 visa as an alien of extraordinary ability in the arts, the alien applicants should make sure that their work fits the immigration law’s definition of art. The USCIS regulations define the art very broadly, which includes "any field of creative activity or endeavor such as fine arts, visual arts, culinary arts, and performing arts." 

The alien applicants engaged in the field of arts include the principal creators and performers, and also essential persons such as directors, set designers, lighting designers, sound designers, choreographers, choreologists, conductors, orchestrators, coaches, arrangers, musical supervisors, costume designers, makeup artists, flight masters, stage technicians, and animal trainers.

The O-1 visa applicants must come to the United States to perform in the area of extraordinary ability. They must be recognized as prominent in the field of endeavor. To demonstrate such recognition, the alien applicant need to supply documents showing that he / she has been recognized for the contribution in the field.