What is a dramaturg? And why you don’t need a map until you’re lost.
(Estimated reading time 2-3 minutes)
Once when I was working with a dramaturg on a script I’d written, they wisely said to me, “You don’t need a map until you’re lost.” It’s a great insight into what a dramaturg is, and how useful they can be to your work.
What they meant is that people have an instinct for stories. As a writer, or someone drawn to express yourself through crafting a story, you know the world you’re creating. You’ve sat hunched over a laptop or notepad, bringing these characters to the page. Or else they are drawn directly from your life. That’s why you can plough ahead at speed. But what happens when you reach a fork in the road and don’t know where to go next? Or worse, you find yourself just plain lost in a forest of your own making, wood and trees completely indecipherable, and have no idea what that thing is you started writing in the first place. Don’t worry, I’d be happy to join you there (I’ve spent many years there myself).
This is often the point when a dramaturg steps in
A dramaturg’s key role is to help the creator get to where they set out to get to. In this instance, they are both the map and the person holding the compass. They know the terrain; they can get you where you need to go. In my work with artists, writers and leaders, this kind of dramaturgical thinking is often where breakthroughs happen. It’s the point where vision meets structure, and ideas become real things in the world.
The role has its roots in theatre, where dramaturgs have long been part of the development process.
What does a dramaturg do?
My favourite expression comes from Anne Cattaneo, in her book The Art of Dramaturgy, where she describes the responsibility as someone who, “shines a light on the work”. In practical terms, that means a dramaturg:
asks questions of a piece to get the writer or artist closer to where they set out to go.
tracks structure, spots where a story loses focus, and good one helps a writer or artist find their way again.
acts as the defender of the work when it goes into production, where fast decisions get made, they are there to ensure that what the writer set out to do, is being achieved.
may also be research point-person, to make sure that the script is accurate to time and place.
A dramaturg, in short, is a trusted outside eye on the creation of a piece of work.
Unlike an editor, in other forms of writing, a dramaturg doesn’t necessarily get hands on and cut your script down for you (though I’m sure they’ll offer suggestions where needed!).
AN ARTIST’S FRIEND
The dramaturg’s key role is to map out the forest you with. To walk alongside you whilst you find the path again. To reassure you that the challenge you’ve undertaken is worth pursuing. They might also go by the name script consultant, or my favourite, artist’s friend. Like any good friend, they ride the whole journey with you, through all the ups and downs. So, you don’t need a map to begin writing, but it can make all the difference once you’re deep in the woods and don’t know where to turn.
I’m Doug Crossley, I tell stories and I help people tell theirs. I know that choosing the right script consultant is about finding someone you trust to walk beside you. If you’re ready to work with someone who brings warmth, rigour, and creative partnership to the process, explore my script consulting services and how I support creators and comedians making solo theatre performance. The right collaboration can help your story become what it’s meant to be. Want to discover more? Book in a free call to discuss your project.
