Dramaturg Positions

The application to be a dramaturg is due any time prior to the Monday after spring break of the year prior to the assignment. The application should be given to the B.A. drama/theatre studies coordinator. The request should include a list of qualifications and specific plays, listed in order of preference.

Course Prerequisites:
Script Analysis and/or Intro to Theatre, Theatre History (the student should be in the 2nd semester of this course by the time of application).

After being approved as a possible dramaturg, an interview with the director(s) is required at the director’s and applicant’s earliest convenience. Sophomore standing is required.

Guidelines for a Dramaturg:

1. Meet with and develop a relationship with the director before rehearsal period, as determined by the director
2. Attend design conferences
3. Develop a clear understanding of the script
4. Become an expert on the world of the play, placing it in historical context, and researching any material requested, possibly including:
   • background on period (possibly including a time-line) 
   • author/composer
   • visuals (photos/paintings/drawings of costume, architecture, area)
   • production history
5. The above research should be done with an eye on the following:
   • possible presentation, perhaps with an information packet, for first rehearsal
   • communicating ideas about the play/production to an audience program notes 
   • above all, director’s and designers’ needs
6. Attend all production meetings
7. Attend rehearsals as called for by the director, in order to answer questions that may arise regarding any aspect of the play and production
8. If working on an opera, it may be necessary to take charge of supertitles

The following note from student dramaturg Emily Viterise is useful to any dramaturg:
Essentially there are a few things that are most important and everything else will fall into place:

Keep in good contact with not just the director, but the cast, as well as technical and musical directors and students. Building good relationships is important for staying on the same page, and having the ability to ask questions when they arise.

Stay on top of things. Earlier is always better because things will change a million times and it is best to make changes as they happen.

Find your own way of doing things; a solid way to organize work in your head so it doesn’t ever get disorganized or hectic.