What is Dramaturgy? Some Answers From Our Members:

"Brian Quirt, a former president of LMDA, defined it as “the exploration of stories and how they are told in the theater.” I truly like that definition. So I would like to add to it.

Dramaturgy is the exploration of stories and how they are told in the theater, and a dramaturg does this in a number of ways

1) A dramaturg can introduce the story to an audience

a. As a Literary Manager discovering new plays for a theater

b. As a translator

c. As an adaptor

d. As an aid to a playwright who is constructing a new story for the stage

2) A dramaturg can explore the story

a. In rehearsal as a production dramaturg

b. By writing scholarly essays on the story

c. By writing criticism

d. As a teacher helping students discover these stories

A dramaturg has the opportunity (and the absolute pleasure) of looking at a story for the theater from conception, through production, and even reflect upon it after the production is done, and present all those facets to the world. How cool is that?"

-- Debra Cardona-DePeahul, Dramaturg at Classical Theatre of Harlem

About LMDA

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Member Benefits

As a member of Literary Managers & Dramaturgs of the Americas, you get

discounted registration fees for our annual conference
invitations to exclusive local member news and events
access to back issues of our journal of dramaturgy, Review.
access to the University Caucus Sourcebooks, invaluable resources for teaching dramaturgy, including syllabi, class exercises, readings and assignments
access to our Guide to Dramaturgy in Colleges and Universities
access to our Guide to Internships in North America

Plus, LMDA members can now join Fractured Atlas as an Associate Member free of charge!

Fractured Atlas is a non-profit organization that serves a national community of artists and arts organizations. Their programs and services facilitate the creation of art by offering vital support to the artists who produce it. They help artists and arts organizations function more effectively as businesses by providing access to funding, healthcare, education, and more, all in a context that honors their individuality and independent spirit.

How do I become an Associate Member?

Through the Open Arts Network, a collaborative partnership has been formed between Fractured Atlas and LMDA. As a result, we are pleased to offer you this free Associate Membership. Join LMDA here! Already a member of LMDA? Then simply go to www.fracturedatlas.org/lmda and fill out the online Associate Membership application. You will instantly become an Associate Member of the nation's fastest growing arts service organization. And it’s all free!

ASSOCIATE MEMBER SERVICES

As an Associate Member of Fractured Atlas you have access to a limited but large selection of our services:

LIABILITY INSURANCE

Through multiple highly-rated carriers, we are pleased to offer our members access to high-quality, low-cost liability coverage for: annual general liability, studio rental (for visual artists), events (a requirement for many artistic events), film production & equipment, public art installations (covering fabrication / installation, as well as providing coverage for the artwork itself), independent theater designers and technicians, teaching artists, craft artists, director’s and officer’s (which can also include employment practices insurance), errors and omissions, volunteer accident, and worker’s comp.

HEALTHCARE

Understanding it and getting insured is a critical challenge for many in the arts community. Fractured Atlas works to provide guidance on navigating the best options available. This includes featuring quality health insurance plan options available through highly rated insurance companies. All of the information about first choice recommended plans and eligibility requirements can be found on our website.

ONLINE COURSES

Fractured U. presents online courses developed by industry professionals that can help with fundraising, marketing, budgeting, producing strategies, and other D.I.Y. aspects of the arts and creative industries.

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Our discounts to both businesses and arts organizations have been specifically negotiated for our members. Visit www.fracturedatlas.org for more details.