What is Dramaturgy? Some Answers From Our Members:

“I define dramaturgy as a specialty in dramatic literature, performance studies, and performance arts. Dramaturgs do such a broad range of things that I find it difficult to put into words something all-encompassing. As a dramaturg, I feel it is my role to be a strong voice for a sense of integrity and rigor in the work that I do, as well as to facilitate connections and insights among the various people working on a performance. As a producer, I bring a strong dramaturgical sensibility to bear on projects that I feel are important and that move me personally.”

-- David G. Schultz, Freelance Dramaturg

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Metro Philadelphia

The Dramaturg in the World: LMDA Philly Spring Panel Wrap-UP

Submitted by amefree on May 5, 2013 - 11:14am

On Sunday, April 28, a group of LMDA members and people interested in exploring dramaturgy's use in other areas gathered in Philadelphia to attend a panel discussion titled "The Dramaturg in the World."

The goal of the panel was to provide early career dramaturgs and recent graduates with ideas for ways that they can make use of their dramaturgical skills in other areas. Two panelists, Allison Lyman and Martha Wade Steketee, shared their own stories and the ways they came to dramaturgy and how they use it in other parts of life.

Lyman has an MFA in dramaturgy from Brooklyn College and has found herself working in the field of development, serving as assistant director of institution relations at the Met. She discussed the way that her skills as a dramaturg- especially research skills - play a big role in her day-to-day life in development and grant-writing.

Steketee came to dramaturgy later on, beginning her career as a court researcher and realizing through that career that what she was really interested in was theater. The two panelist's different backgrounds but also their similarities led to an engaging discussion.

Philly LMDA Spring Panel: The Dramaturg in the World

Submitted by amefree on April 23, 2013 - 9:06pm

The Philly LMDA spring panel, "The Dramaturg in the World," will explore ways to make use of dramaturgical skills in other professions. Two panelists, Allison Lyman and Martha Wade Steketee, will discuss their experiences both as dramaturgs and in other occupations, as well as the intersection of dramaturgy with those occupations. More info on each panelist is below.

The panel will take place at St. Peter's School, 319 Lombard St., Philadelphia on Sunday, April 28 at 4pm. The panel will be free for members of LMDA and $5 for non-members. Information on transportation and parking is below.

There will be time for questions at the end of the panel. After the panel, we'll have an informal reception with snacks and drinks in the same location.

Freelancing and Beyond Panel

Submitted by amefree on October 16, 2012 - 2:52pm

On Sunday, October 14, Philadelphia area LMDA members and students from the University of the Arts and Villanova University gathered to hear a panel discussion on freelancing as a dramaturg, finding a fulltime dramaturg or literary manager job, and attending graduate school. The "Freelancing and Beyond" panel was supported by LMDA.

Shakespeare in Clark Park

Submitted by amefree on August 5, 2012 - 2:36pm

The threat of rain didn't keep nine dramaturgs and their families from venturing out to catch a performance of The Merry Wives of Windsor at Clark Park in West Philadelphia last Sunday. Before the play began, LMDA members enjoyed an informal picnic and social time together. Although a downpour did ultimately cut the play short just before the final scenes, a great time was had by all.

Metro Philadelphia

Philly Summer Gelato Social

Submitted by Jacqueline Gold... on July 28, 2012 - 10:23am

This year, Metro Philly expanded their annual summer gelato social to include members of the Philadelphia Director's Lab and PlayPenn (a national new play conference). 29 dramaturgs and theater artists from LMDA, the Director's Lab, and PlayPenn networked and socialized over gelato for two hours in downtown Philadelphia before the PlayPenn Conference's kick-off reading of their summer festival.

Metro Philadelphia

Invite to Philly-area Dramaturgs

For all our Philadelphia area dramaturgs: PlayPenn and LMDA invite you to a Networking Happy Hour on Monday, November 7 from 7-9p.m. at Quig's Pub at Plays & Players. All theatre makers are welcome!

Questions? Contact Regional Vice President Jackie Goldfinger. A special thanks to Keith Conallen, Madi DiStefano, Andrew Beale and Plays & Players.

Dramaturg Speed Dating Event

Submitted by Jacqueline Gold... on August 1, 2011 - 1:53pm

On Monday, September 26 from 7-9p.m. the Philadelphia-area LMDA will host a networking event that connects dramaturgs and theatre companies. At the beginning of the event, there will be a brief presentation explaining the role of a dramaturg and how she/he can be an asset to a company, production, and individual artist. The main focus of the event will be an opportunity to network in the style of “speed dating.” Each dramaturg will have 5 minutes to speak with a representative from a company. After the 5 minutes are up, they will chat with a new representative until everyone has had a chance to interact with everyone else. After the speed dating, participants will be encouraged to stay and socialize. Refreshments will be provided. The entire event will last two hours.

Contact Jackie (jacquelinegoldfinger@yahoo.com) for further details.

Metro Philadelphia