In the bustling ecosystem of a theatre production, roles like the director, actor, and playwright are well-known. But what about the dramaturg? Often called the “play’s detective,” the “audience’s advocate,” or the “in-house critic,” the dramaturg is one of the most vital yet misunderstood roles in contemporary theatre. This article serves as a guide for aspiring dramaturgs and a central hub for understanding the dynamic, evolving world of hub for modern dramaturgy.
What is a Dramaturg? Beyond the Textbook Definition
At its core, dramaturgy is the art of dramatic composition and the theatrical representation of the story. A dramaturg is the curator and guardian of that story, working on both a macro and micro level.
The classic definitions break their work into three spheres:
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Production Dramaturgy: Working directly on a specific show. This involves:
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Research: Delving into the play’s historical context, philosophical themes, biographical details of the playwright, and previous productions. They provide this information to the director, designers, and cast in the form of a “dramaturgical protocol” or one-pagers.
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Script Analysis: A deep structural and thematic breakdown of the text. They might track character arcs, imagery, rhythm, and the mechanics of the plot.
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In-Rehearsal Advocacy: Serving as the “keeper of the text,” they ensure the production’s choices align with its goals. They ask crucial questions: “Why does this character say this here?” “Is this moment clear to an audience?”
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New Play Dramaturgy: A collaborative and generative process of working with a living playwright.
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Workshopping: Providing feedback on drafts, identifying plot holes, helping to sharpen themes, and asking the questions that help the playwright hear their own work anew.
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Dramatic Structure: Assisting with the architecture of the play, helping to build a compelling journey for the audience.
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Literary Management: Working with a theatre company to curate an entire season. This includes reading new scripts, tracking down exciting plays, understanding the cultural moment, and building a repertoire that speaks to a community.
The Modern Dramaturg: Expanded Roles in a Changing World
Today’s dramaturg has evolved far beyond a research librarian. Modern dramaturgy is active, engaged, and often interdisciplinary.
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Audience Engagement: Dramaturgs now frequently design and lead talkbacks, create innovative program notes (or digital content like blogs and podcasts), and curate lobby displays that deepen the audience’s connection to the work.
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Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Dramaturgs work on opera, dance, immersive theatre, and performance art, applying their analytical skills to non-text-based performances.
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Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advocacy: A modern dramaturg is often crucial in ensuring cultural competency, responsible representation, and ethical storytelling, especially when dealing with works from or about marginalized communities.
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Dramaturgy for Devised Work: In productions created collaboratively by an ensemble (often without a pre-written script), the dramaturg helps shape the emerging material, find its narrative through-line, and ensure its coherence.
A Hub for the Modern Dramaturg: Essential Resources
To thrive as a dramaturg, you need to be connected. Here is your starter kit for navigating the field:
1. Professional Organizations & Networks:
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LMDA (Literary Managers and Dramaturgs of the Americas): The premier organization in North America. They offer conferences, job lists, networking opportunities, and mentorship programs. Their website is an indispensable resource.
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The Dramaturgy Network (UK): A vibrant hub for dramaturgs in the UK and Europe, offering events, workshops, and a supportive community.
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HowlRound Theatre Commons: A free, digital platform based on the principle of “theatre commons.” It hosts thousands of articles, podcasts, and videos about dramaturgy, new play development, and equitable theatre practice.
2. Key Texts & Reading:
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The Dramaturgy Toolkit by Michael Mark Chemers
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Dramaturgy in the Making by Katalin Trencsényi
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The Process of Dramaturgy: A Handbook by Scott R. Irelan, Anne Fletcher, and Julie Felise Dubiner
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What is Dramaturgy? edited by Bert Cardullo
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The Frantic Assembly Book of Devising Theatre (for devising dramaturgy)
3. Building Your Practice: A Starter Guide
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Read. Everything. Read plays constantly—classics, new works, plays in translation. Read history, philosophy, sociology, and current events. Your value is in the breadth and depth of your knowledge.
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See. Everything. See as much theatre as you can. Analyze what works, what doesn’t, and why. Think about the audience’s experience from curtain up to curtain down.
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Start a Conversation. Email a literary manager or a dramaturg you admire for an informational interview. Most are passionate about their work and happy to talk.
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Develop Your Skills. Offer to work as a dramaturg on a university or fringe festival production. There’s no substitute for hands-on experience.
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Ask “Why?” This is your most powerful tool. Cultivate a curious mind. Your job isn’t to have the right answers, but to ask the most compelling questions that unlock the production for everyone else.
The Heart of the Work
Being a dramaturg is not about being the smartest person in the room; it’s about being the most helpful. It is a role of service—to the play, to the playwright, to the production, and ultimately, to the audience. In a world of increasingly complex stories, the dramaturg is the essential architect who helps build the bridge between the stage and the world, ensuring the theatre remains a vital, resonant, and thoughtful art form.
