Dramaturgy & Me

Your year/classification and major/focus?
I am currently in my fourth year at Sam Houston State University, thus making me a Senior! I hope to graduate May 2014. My major is Theatre with an acting/directing focus and I am a mass communications minor. 

Why you are taking this class?

I am taking this class because I thought that it would be beneficial not only for my degree requirements but I thought that I would learn an aspect within the field of theatre that I did not know anything about. 

How you might be able to apply what you learn in this course to the upcoming year(s)?
The practical application of this course that I will help me develop my skills in research, writing, blogging, organization, and expand my knowledge in the world of theatre.  

Any previous experience with dramaturgy or dramaturgs?
The only experience that I have had with a professional dramaturg was with a professor, who taught Theatre History II while Dave was teaching else where. She was very detailed and I could tell that she knew a great deal about dramaturgy. 

Title of your play and playwright?

The Crucible by Arthur Miller.

Defining Dramaturgy

"Dramaturgs are a special breed of artist who must handle multiple tasks at once. We are text analyzers; we are researchers; we are objective observers; we are expert question askers; we are a resource for the director and playwright and actors and designers, and we are creative diplomats who liaise with those involved. Generally, dramaturgs serve, as I learned from my dramaturgy mentor Lynn M. Thomson, as the memory of the process of theater making -- whatever that process may be -- and as Lynn has said, everything is process."

 "Sometimes the role of the dramaturg involves serving as a form of translator, diplomat, or simply buffer between two artistic egos: that of the playwright and that of the director."

Bess Rowen

"A dramaturg represents the play in the room."

Jeff Smith