Guide to Dramaturgy

Dramaturgy is a professional art that ensures that a play or script is thoroughly researched and historically accurate before production. Dramaturgs may be thought of as in-house editors who oversee every step of the play and make certain it is developed in a manner that is true to the script, the characters, the main plot, and the period in which it is set. A playwright or director may change a script, setting, character direction, or spoken words based upon the advice and leadership of a dramaturg. Once a play reaches the production stage, a dramaturg may shift focus from the script to ensuring that character traits, behaviors, emotions, and mannerisms are true to the time in which they are set. This often involves plenty of research on the dramaturg’s part. Dramaturgs research multiple aspects of plays to ensure that they are realistic and correct and may rewrite scripts before they reach production.

The role of a dramaturg in writing and production cannot be overlooked. If a script calls for a certain animal or bird in a scene, the dramaturg will research and ensure that the particular animal is native to the area. If not, the animal description will be changed to one that is probable. Should a script describe women in the 1950s, the dramaturg will research hairstyles, makeup worn, common clothing, etc., and ensure that the characters are dressed appropriately. They serve in the role of historical linguists and ensure that actors are using phrasing, wordings, and dialects applicable to the time. Playwrights and directors depend upon the dramaturg from writing to production to ensure that they are on track and historically accurate and that their finished product is believable, regardless of whether it is a work of fiction or not.

Other roles of a dramaturg include helping characters find their voice, reviewing and reading scripts to help the director determine the direction the play should take, and suggesting rewrites, changes, or cuts to a script. Dramaturgs focus on the play’s context and ensure that every aspect has been thoroughly explored. A dramaturg must be someone who is not only fascinated by the culture they are exposed to but also cultures from the past. Often, the main theme of a play varies over time, as a modern interpretation may wish to bring out something that is relevant to today’s culture. A dramaturg may help a playwright find the best script to bring that vision to life. Dramaturgs must have curious minds and intuitiveness matched only by intellect, as they have enormous responsibilities in varied areas.

Dramaturgs are critics, as they approach everything from script production to casting and performance with a critic’s eye. Dramaturgs are not only critics and researchers, but they are also writers. Many programs focus on honing a dramaturg’s writing skills, as dramaturgs often edit scripts in order to help the playwright achieve their vision. In addition, many dramaturgs are bilingual or feel skilled translating foreign plays into English.

Those interested in the dramaturgy field will find courses at higher education facilities. Dramaturgy students come from many lifestyles and occupations. Some may have very little experience with theater, while others may have worked in the theater for years. Dramaturgy programs focus on written and practical skills and hold plenty of workshops year-round. Schools that pair student dramaturgs with student playwrights and directors provide a realistic learning experience. As dramaturgs will work with directors, playwrights, and actors in their careers, they should feel comfortable communicating and sharing their ideas. Dramaturgy students should ensure the school they select puts these skills into early practice by pairing them with other students. Students may earn graduate degrees including a doctorate in dramaturgy.