Dramaturgy Packet Assignment (PDF)
Due: April 14th
Your assignment is to create a dramaturgy packet for a hypothetical production of a play of your choice. I recommend (but do not require) that you work on a play related to your final project.
Dramaturgs conduct research about the context of a play, then they communicate that information to the production team. Dramaturgs conduct historical research and relay it to actors and directors. They point the production team towards useful resources and images. They review the production history and/or filmography of the play. They study the biography of key individuals involved in past productions. They teach the production team about the major themes and messages of the play. In short, dramaturgs provide the production team with an interpretive lens and a context for the play.
Your job for this assignment is to prepare a short dramaturgy packet (5-7 pages) about your play. Your task in this packet is not to make an argument. It is simply to distill the information that you have gathered into an interesting, readable, and concise format that could be used for developing a production.
The packet must include the following sections (see samples):
- Origins of the play
Where did this play come from? How was it created? By whom?
- Production History / Filmography
A brief recap of the most important productions and/or film versions of this play, highlighting any interesting features.
- Themes and Messages
What are the main themes of the play? How have people thought about what this play means?
- The World of the Play / Cast Resources
The time period, information about references made in the play, geographical and historical context, and other information that the cast might have questions about
- Recommended Additional Reading and Key Images (no more than 2 pages)
If someone wants to learn more, where can they go? What are some images that might help them better understand the play?
- Bibliography (not included in the page count)
A list of all of the sources you consulted for your research. Minimum: five sources.
This assignment is worth 15% of your overall grade for the semester (15 points). You will be assessed based on the following rubric.
Form (3 points): Is the packet 5-7 pages? Does it include the required sections?
Research (3 points): Does the packet demonstrate adequate research? Is the information substantiated? Does it include a bibliography?
Content (9 points): Is the text concise, readable, and informative? Is the information well-organized? Does the packet provide enough context about the play?