The Art of Active Dramaturgy

"This is the first real text, the first real primer for how to be a dramaturg in a variety of settingsfrom production to new plays. It takes a student from a close reading (really directing that reading) to formulating questions, to meeting with directors, playwrights, designers, to formulating acting packets and finally to opening night. I don't think any other book on the market does such a complete job with such research and in such a great format." -- Mark Charney, Clemson University "In this valuable new book Brown builds upon the practice of existing professional dramaturgs across the United States by clarifying how a dramaturg can play an active role in the development and creation of a production for the stage. Brown's book demonstrates how at every phase of the production process the dramaturg can play a significant role in transforming "heady ideas" into stage language and action that the other collaboratorsdirectors, playwrights, actors, designers -- can deploy in their creative explorations. This is a useful tool for those at a formative stage as a dramaturg learning a set of skills and for those unfamiliar with the complexity of the dramaturg's process and her potential impact on the artistic event being created." -- Mark Bly, Senior Dramaturg, Alley Theatre "The Art of Active Dramaturgy serves a truly useful function in introducing newcomers to the work of a dramaturg and offering ways for a student or anyone new to the practice a pathway towards tackling the role with confidence and a strong set of tools. But beyond that, it also takes what is often a murky and abstract set of tasks and outlines them with great clarity and through actionable steps, yet in a way that never simplifies or codifies the mysterious nature of art making. I will recommend this book to students but will also use it in my own practicein training young emerging dramaturgs who work in our department as interns, but also in refreshing and focusing my own approach to reading new plays and working with playwrights on advancing their work." -- Tanya Palmer, Director of New Play Development, Goodman Theatre