Isabelle Coleman
Research Mentor: Karin Waidley
Mentor Department: Theatre and Drama, Music
Author(s): Isabelle Coleman
Session: Session 6 (3:00 PM – 3:50 PM)
Presentation Type: Creative Project
Abstract
Dramaturgy is a creative research process used for theatrical productions where the explorations that dramaturgs do inform the artistic decision making process that audiences eventually see in performance. This process, in particular, happens during three phases – pre-rehearsal, during rehearsal, and post rehearsal (the production is now in the performance stage). This is done to first gather relevant resources that will help the cast and creative team build the world of the play and then translate the story of that world in the most effective and ethical manner to audiences. This project will describe what resources and skills a dramaturg needs to bring to a production in all three phases by thoroughly exploring all of the contexts (societal, historical, cultural, etc.) surrounding a show and its script. This project will focus on two different works, a new musical in development about Marian Anderson (Marian) and a canonical musical with a production history that spans 40 years, Into the Woods. Dramaturgy is significantly dependent on each production, so learning and understanding the foundational dramaturgical tasks needed for each piece was vital to performing the process well and will be the focus of this research project. The necessary research took multiple and different forms, ranging from reading books to archiving letters and then communicating this information to cast members and audiences in the most meaningful, relevant, and accessible ways to ensure effectiveness. Many only see the final outcome of a dramaturg’s work in the form of a staged production and even then it is difficult to discern. What most do not see is the ongoing process behind this creative act. The goal of the production dramaturg is to help curate an experience for an audience. This project will draw conclusions on how to best affect this experience in the most positive ways for inward-facing creatives and intended audiences so that dramaturgy is seen as essential to performance-based storytelling.
