Dramaturgy

What Is Dramaturgy?

I earned my M.A. in Theatre focusing on Dramaturgy, that makes me a Dramaturg.
Pronunciation: Dramaturgy (DRAMA-ter-gee - "gee" as in "Gee Whiz!") / Dramaturg (DRAMA-turg "turg" rhymes with "HarrisBURG")
My love of Dramaturgy developed through my undergraduate and graduate studies where I learned the extraordinarily diverse and wide-ranging uses for dramaturgy within the performing arts, education, community, and cultural development. Dramaturgy can be difficult to define because it has evolved both in form and function at an exponential rate in the last four decades. Here is my own explanation:
Dramaturgy is the process of research in order to practice the performing arts.
Another way I define dramaturgy is this: Think of all the different participants and artists involved in a theatrical production and the tools they use to tell a story...Actors use emotion; Lighting Designers use light; Dramaturgs use research. Dramaturgs are researchers and become the experts of the content within and context surrounding a production. Dramaturgs disseminate information to all participants (i.e. actors, directors, playwrights, sound and costume designers, choreographers, lighting and props designers, set designers and company staff) so everyone can have a solid understanding of the material and intent of the project. Dramaturgs can help with everything from script development to design, rehearsals, construction, technical rehearsals, preview performances, audience interaction, archival preservation, and much more! I believe Dramaturgs can be utilized for all forms of performing and fine arts; yet the dramaturgical process best serves theatre.

This page provides an overview of the Dramaturgical services I offer, there are many links that connect to an additional dramaturgy page which contains a few samples of my work. Please feel free to contact me for any requests, additional samples, and/or pricing quotes for services.

Dramaturgical services I offer:

Thematic/Genre Research – Collection of references and sources for themes, objectives, and/or artistic vision connected to specific productions and/or company seasons (usually results in Program Notes, Pre/Post-Show Events, and/or Rehearsal Room and Lobby Displays)

Program Notes – Narrative form of research included in show program for audiences to gain a deeper understanding of production CLICK FOR SAMPLE
Rehearsal Room and Lobby Displays – Primarily visual research for performers/designers and audiences to deepen understanding of content and context of production ------->
Pre/Post- Show Events – Develop, Direct, and/or Implement pre- or post-show speaker presentations, lectures, interviews, tours, talk-backs, Q&A, and/or social events

Rehearsal Room Display

Text/Performance Research – Collection of research that answers specific questions regarding script, character, and production elements (usually results in a Script Analysis, Script Glossary, Actor Packets, Designer Packets)

Script Glossary Page

Script Glossary Page, tabs flipped

Script Analysis – A thorough analysis of a specific scene, monologue, song, dialogue, or dance with references to and/or comparison of the information provided to all the parties affected/participating in that specific scene CLICK FOR SAMPLE
<-------- Script Glossary – A thorough investigation and breakdown of the script with references added directly to the text; usually serves as a reference which lives in the rehearsal room for directors, designers, crew, and cast during the design and rehearsal process
Research Packets - Customized and synthesized information for Playwrights, Actors, and Designers (any any production team member) CLICK FOR SAMPLE
Translation/Version Comparison - for translated texts or historical texts with multiple publication or printing editions (i.e. Non-English Texts or Folio vs. Quarto Texts), a comparison of two or more scripts to compare different choices and illuminate a deeper understanding of the text CLICK FOR SAMPLE
Style/Period Behavior - Research and/or coaching for production set in distinct historical periods, cultural settings, and/or theatrical styles (i.e. 1770s standing postures, 1400s banquet toasts, 21st century eastern European wedding rituals)
Accent/Dialect Consistency – Researching and Monitoring accent and dialect consistency in performance or production

Dramaturgical Presentations – Presentation of body of research for Production Team, Designers, Cast and/or Audiences, can range in length anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours or occur at intervals throughout production process

Online Resource Sites – Collection, display and dissemination of body of research for Production Team, Designers, Cast, Crew and/or Audiences, usually customized website that can have private or public links through company websites.

Preview/Audience Feedback – Attend Final Rehearsals and/or Preview Performances and offer feedback for a production team; Collect and Synthesize Audience Feedback for production team (typically most valuable for Playwrights and Directors)

Script Development – Work closely with playwrights to develop proposals and script drafts into final scripts for production

Adaptation (Songs for Any Depression) – Work with artists (i.e. novelists, interviewers, visual artists, etc.) to adapt material into a theatrical format CLICK FOR SAMPLE ------------------------------------------->

Consultation – Work with with Producers, Playwrights, Directors, Designers, Actors, Technicians, Marketing, Promotion, Front of House, Press Relations, Fundraising and Development Staff to create unified message surrounding single production and/or entire season

Youth and Audience Educational Programs – Develop, direct, and/or implement pre-and/or post-show events for youth and or community audiences in the form of in-school workshops and/or assemblies, post-show talk-backs, academic lectures and/or interviews, production study guides, guest speaker visits and/or demonstrations to schools or local community locations (can be customized to meet regional education standards/requirements) CLICK FOR SAMPLE ------------->IMAGE BELOW FROM INSIDE A SMALL STUDY GUIDE

Book Cover of Underground America