My practice of dramaturgy focuses on understanding identity, its formation, and its effects on how we work in communion. Borrowing from Erving Goffman’s theory of the performance of self, I believe that our identities are fabulations meant to influence how we are seen: simultaneously concrete and immaterial. The beauty of life, and therefore theatre, lies in this contradiction. I see the cast of a play as its community, made up of individuals with personal and group identities. This community is, then, also a microcosm of the larger society in the world of the play, with which the characters’ identities must be compromised.
It’s a lot to think about. That’s where I come in.
My dramaturgy prioritizes curiosity and play. I never assume to have the answer. I want us to ask the question. And then another question. And then another question. I believe that as your dramaturg, my #1 responsibility is assuring the clarity of your story. From the gem of the idea to the outline to the first draft to draft 202, I will be in the trenches with you, aiding in generation and specification. To this end, I use literary analysis, sociological insight, and historical research to plumb through these layers and unlock the play's riches for the actors, creative team, and audience. This can take many forms! Character profiles, tracking sheets, thematic explorations, tours through history.
My services include script analysis and feedback, consultation on creative team building, deep-dive research, short-term new play development (for readings/workshops), and long-term production dramaturgy (for full productions of new or existing dramatic work). Please reach out if you have any questions about these services or those not listed! Call me or beep me if you want to reach me.
