Introduction to Dramaturgy
Course Description
Summary
The dramaturg serves as a powerful medium in the theatre. They bridge the past and the present, the creative team and the audience, while providing critical generosity and historical and literary insight. In this course, we will learn about the history and practice of dramaturgy, while learning how the critical and research skills of the dramaturg can apply to a wide array of theatrical and artistic disciplines. Through a varied blend of weekly readings, discussion, small-group activities, and independent projects, students will engage with various tools and methods of dramaturgy. These include script analysis, research skills, exploring the archive, new play development, and theatrical translation. Introduction to Dramaturgy is recommended for theater practitioners—actors, directors, designers, and playwrights—as well as for students with an interest in literature, history, and criticism. Participation in this course also prioritizes admission into a future unit of Advanced Dramaturgy: the course into which Introduction to Dramaturgy continues.
Learning Outcomes
- Students will:
o Become familiar with a wide range of basic skills and functions of dramaturgy, including script analysis, research skills, exploring the archive, translation, writing and editing, and methods of constructive playwriting critique. 

o Learn the basic history, background, and essential theories of dramaturgy informing the practical application of dramaturgical skills.
o Use the methods of dramaturgy to sharpen skills in collaboration, research, writing, critical thinking, and creative engagement with theatrical texts. 

o Learn about dramaturgy’s continuing transformations as both an artistic discipline and a professional practice, as well as learn about possible paths for a continued engagement with dramaturgy, either as professional theater artists or blended in with other courses of study.
Prerequisites
By application. Determination will be given based on a statement of interest and evidence of prior academic preparation, including previous Drama or Literature courses. Please email mayacantu@bennington.edu by TBD.
Please contact the faculty member : mayacantu@bennington.edu