An Introduction to the Dramaturg’s Work 2022

By Yanling, 13 September, 2022
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Overview
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An Introduction to the Dramaturg’s Work is a 4-session foundational course that will provide an introduction and grounding for performing arts practitioners who are curious about or want an insight into the dramaturg’s work.

Conducted by Dr Robin Loon, this course aims to equip participants with an understanding of and familiarisation with:

  • the brief history and evolution of the dramaturg
  • the nature and scope of the dramaturg’s work 
  • different kinds of dramaturgs
  • basic duties and responsibilities of dramaturgs
  • standards and competencies surrounding a professional dramaturg

Participants can expect to engage in discussions based on prescribed readings and undertake individual/group assignment(s) in mock-dramaturgy case projects. At the end of the four sessions, participants should be able to:

  • understand the work of a dramaturg and identify dramaturgical interventions;
  • clarify if they need to engage dramaturgs and how to engage them in the creative process;
  • discover their area of interest should they choose to pursue a practice in dramaturgy.
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This is the third run of the popular Introduction to the Dramaturg's Work course. Hear what previous participants have to say about their experiences, learnings and key takeaways from the 2020 and 2021 courses:

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Attempting to analyze the dramaturgical structure of a text-based work, and imagining myself as a dance dramaturg and going through the thought process of what the role in that specific project brief entailed, were new attempts that seemed daunting at first. But having this opportunity to have a go at it allowed me to realize that it wasn't an impossible task. It was also great to attend this course with a diverse group of participants - hearing from them allowed me to identify the gaps in my thinking and process, for example my relative lack of knowledge with regard to performance history and different artistic practices. This course has therefore also allowed me to identify areas to continue working on.

~ Participant (2020)

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I am more knowledgeable of the role of the dramaturg now than before and understand better how as a director/choreographer, I am able to maximise the role of a dramaturg in my work. I have also considered becoming a dramaturg myself and understand that although my training is predominantly in dance, the skills I possess as a researcher conducting performance, semiotic and critical analysis are necessary in the dramaturgy of any theatrical work. ~Participant (2021)

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Course Details
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  • Dates: Every Saturday, 10.30am – 12.30pm
    • Session #1 | 5 November 2022
    • Session #2 | 12 November 2022
    • Session #3 | 19 November 2022
    • Session #4 | 26 November 2022
  • Total contact time: 8hrs
  • Expect individual and group assignment(s) that require you to prepare and work on outside of the scheduled Sessions. 
  • This course will be conducted in English, and held in person at Centre 42, 42 Waterloo Street.
  • Fees: $150.
    • Applicants who are facing financial difficulty can write in to us for assistance at info@centre42.sg
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Will taking this course equip me with the knowledge to practise as a dramaturg?
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No. This course is structured as an exposure course to orientate practitioners and creatives on what a dramaturg’s role is in the creative process.

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How will the course be conducted?
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  • There will be some general information and lectures
  • There will be a lot of group discussions either on topics, readings or ideas
  • Some case studies and small group projects
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What will I get out of this course if I cannot practise as a dramaturg?
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  • A clearer idea of what a dramaturg is and what a dramaturg does
  • The difference between dramaturgy and a dramaturg’s work
  • Whether you should enlist the help of a dramaturg and what he/she/they bring
  • An understanding of the different kinds of dramaturgs operating in the field
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How will the course be conducted?
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  • There will be some general information and lectures
  • There will be a lot of group discussions either on topics, readings or ideas
  • Some case studies and small group projects
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Is this course very academic and theoretical?
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Certainly, there will be some reading and theories to consider but the course is really a broad introduction into the world of the dramaturg and the possibilities and value dramaturgs bring to the creation process.

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I am an actor, how will this course be useful to me?
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  • This course will provide the actor with some basic idea of the dramaturg in performance and in text work
  • This course will also help the actor identify flow and action within text and performance in relation to his/her/their performance/acting strategies
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I am a writer, how will this course be useful to me?
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  • This course will provide the writer with knowledge of structure and structuring and basic dramaturgy that underlies text
  • This course will also build the right expectations of what a dramaturg can bring to the writing process
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I am a director, how will this course be useful to me?
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  • This course will provide the director with sufficient knowledge to identify whether his/her/their project requires the input of a dramaturg and what kind of dramaturg he/she/they should enlist
  • This course will also help the director understand how to engage a dramaturg during the creative process
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I am interested in pursuing a career as a dramaturg, how will this course help me?
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  • This course will provide you with a clear understanding of what a dramaturg can or cannot do and the kind of interventions that a dramaturg can negotiate in the creative process
  • This course will delineate the types of dramaturgs and help you identify your specific area of interests as a dramaturg
Venue
Centre 42, 42 Waterloo Street
Course/Workshop Fees
$150
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Application Period: 23 September to 16 October 2022
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  • Apply here by Sunday, 16 Oct 2022, 11.59PM (SGT)
  • Results will be announced on 20 Oct 2022
Featured Facilitator
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Robin Loon
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Facilitator
Description
ROBIN LOON is a dramaturg, academic and playwright. He currently teaches the Introduction to Theatre & Performance module as well as modules in Singapore English Language Theatre and Theatre Criticism at the Theatre Studies Programme, National University of Singapore.

Robin has consulted on many theatre projects as a dramaturg. He was Co-commissioning Dramaturg for Full Frontal (2007-2009), a directors’ incubation platform at the Singapore Arts Festival. Subsequently, he was appointed Commissioning Dramaturg for Open Studio (2010-2012), Singapore Arts Festival Platform for new works. He has also been writer and dramaturg in several projects, including Casting Back (2012, Esplanade’s 10th Anniversary), 「男男自语」 (2012, Singapore Arts Festival), and Blue Prince (2012, The Blue Statesmen).

Robin was also the head of Singapore’s first Dramaturg Apprenticeship Programme under Centre 42’s Garage initiative. The Garage is a programme conceived for fresh theatre graduates wanting to move into dramaturgy and for practitioners eager to do a mid-career switch to or emphasis on dramaturgy. It is a 12-to-18 months programme comprising theoretical and historical contextualising and two professional attachments to ongoing productions.
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– Application Period: 23 September to 16 October 2022 –

 

To qualify for this workshop, you must:

  • Be aged above 21 years old.
  • Be a Singapore Citizen, Permanent Resident, or Resident in Singapore.
  • Have a practice in the performing arts, or are engaged professionally in the performing arts practice, for a minimum of 2 years.
  • Commit to the full duration of the programme

 

To apply: 

  • Complete the online application form here.
  • Submit by Sunday, 16 Oct 2022, 11.59PM (SGT).
  • Confirmation of your spot in the Course will be announced on 20 Oct 2022.
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Created By
Centre 42
Facilitated By
Robin Loon
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