Hello, friends! I would love to read your play!
What is new play dramaturgy?
New play dramaturgy supports playwrights in the development of new work, from their first inkling of inspiration to a fully realized production! Part-editor, part-research assistant, and part-cheerleader, a dramaturg serves as a second pair of eyes on a script, keeping in mind myriad tools of dramatic composition, from narrative structure to character development to use of language. A dramaturg will never tell you how to write your play, but rather will provide compassionate, constructive feedback that allows a playwright to make informed decisions about how they wish to share their story.
As development of the play continues, a dramaturg may follow the script into production, providing context and resources to casts and creative teams, facilitating talkbacks, or curating supplementary materials such as program notes, lobby exhibits, and study guides.
What does a dramaturg have to offer?
For playwrights: integrity!
We ensure that the story the playwright wants to tell and their unique authorial voice is preserved, even as we invite in new collaborators such as directors, designers, actors, and audiences. Is the playwright’s intention truly being conveyed, or are what they want and what’s on the page not quite unified? What tools will help them fully realize their ideas, first in the text and then in performance?
For audiences: clarity!
We want the audience to understand and embrace the story of the play! Is there any uncertainty about plot, characterization, or thematic elements? What questions might they have, and how can we either address these queries or purposefully leave them up to individual interpretation? How can we make them feel cared for physically, mentally, and emotionally, so they can open their minds and hearts to the story we’re sharing?
For producing organizations: harmony!
We recognize the needs and wishes of the producing organization, be they fiscal, philosophical, or artistic. How can we best convey those needs to the playwright and artistic team? How can we develop a shared vocabulary that allows for straightforward, genial communication between all collaborators involved in the production process?
What is my dramaturgical philosophy?
My dramaturgical philosophy is adapted from Liz Lerman’s Critical Response Process. I approach plays one line at a time, and record my observations as I go, noting moments of emotional response, favorite lines, thematic threads, and most importantly, neutral questions: questions that do not involve my opinion, but are grounded in curiosity, an understanding of the craft of storytelling, and an appreciation for the vulnerability inherent in sharing one’s unfinished work. I also check for formatting edits, including grammar and spelling, and can provide information about historical or technical accuracy if appropriate and desired. I never offer opinions or suggestions without a playwright’s enthusiastic consent, and welcome plays that experiment with the form in new, imaginative ways!
What services do I offer?
Here they are!
My Dramaturgical Services and Rates
They are all named after the early works of Jane Austen.
First Impressions - $150
I would love to read your play! You’ll send me a draft of your play—whether a completed draft or any number of initial pages—and I will do a comprehensive read and take extensive notes, touching on narrative structure, characterization, thematic threads, and any other aspects of dramatic composition for which you're hoping to receive feedback. Then we can meet either in person or on Zoom to discuss your current draft, your future goals, and how else I can assist you. I’ll subsequently read one further draft and send you more notes and questions via email!
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The History of England - $100
For period pieces, verse plays, classical literature adaptations, or any other play involving historical source material—my favorite genre! Along with my usual neutral questions and line-by-line responses, I’ll do a read specifically focused on historical accuracy, writing in “pastiche” language, and managing anachronism to suit the story, and then we’ll meet via Zoom or in person to discuss.
An Interesting and Well-Written Tale - $50
As a complement to the First Impressions or History of England packages, I will read a further draft (or drafts) of your script and send you additional notes and questions.
Love and Friendship - $500
This six-month “subscription service” include once-a-month Zoom or in person meetings, a comprehensive reading and response for up to six drafts, a dramaturgy note, and a recommendation of your play on NPX should you so desire. This package proves $120 off these services selected separately; a specific cost breakdown and explanation of discount is available upon request!
The Mystery - $30
Have a tedious and brief question about playwriting, want to incorporate playwriting into your classroom, or wish to think out loud as you brainstorm your next writing project? We can meet in person or via Zoom for an hour and chat about it all! I’ll have a plethora of my favorite tools and exercises for writing and analyzing plays on hand, and we shall investigate these mysteries together.
The Visit - $250
I would love to pay a call to your classroom, arts organization, or tea party and present a sixty-to-ninety-minute playwriting class on any number of subjects, from an introductory “where to begin” workshop, to the particulars of characterization and dialogue, to niche topics like period dramas and horror plays. This cost includes travel and materials for up to 200 miles round trip and up to 20 students; for greater distances or greater numbers of students, please reach out via email!
A Beautiful Description of the Different Effects of Sensibility on Different Minds - $120
I will read your play (or watch your film, or come see your local-within-200-miles-roundtrip show!) and craft a dramaturgy note tailor made for your program, website, or press kit. This is a piece of creative scholarship that highlights the storytelling elements which caught my attention and imagination, not a review involving my subjective opinion of your work, and you’re welcome to specify particular elements you’d like me to highlight in my exploration.
Never hesitate to email me for special requests or pricing options that fall outside this “menu”!
Portfolio and Testimonial
It has been my honor to dramaturg nearly twenty plays by Claire F. Martin, artistic director of the Belle Esprit Theatre Collective in Atlanta, Georgia. She has graciously provided a testimonial to my work, as well as permitting me to share a sample of the work we’ve done together.
You can also read my work on my freshly minted Substack!
Play Commissions
If you enjoy my writing and wish to commission a play for your classroom, camp, theatre, or other artistic venture, I would be so honored to hear from you! I delight in the challenge of providing “custom fit” plays for precisely the technical needs, cast size, and content guidelines you desire.
My favorite subject matter includes:
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Large-cast ensemble plays
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Historical subject matter and period pieces, especially working with primary source documents
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Small-town stories and local folklore
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Literary adaptations
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Reimagined classical plays
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Plays centering and uplifting the experiences of children
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Small-scale touring shows for two to five actors
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Plays specifically intended for community and educational theatre
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Genre work; particularly romcom and horror
Commissions for one-acts begin at $500 and full-length pieces at $1000.
