Dramaturgy

What do I offer?
I am very aware of the loneliness of the long-distance playwright (or writer). While I was writing, I was constantly on the lookout for someone who I could trust intellectually and emotionally, who not only understood the artform I was working in but also the ideas I was playing with; plus also with the concept of placement of the results of the writing process.
It’s a hard act to juggle, but as a dramaturg I am not only concerned about the writing but the writer as well. The play is important but so is the development of the writer – the skills involved, the ideas and themes of the play and its plotting. To have someone who completes the process of creation before the play goes out into the world is a benefit – not only for the play itself, but for the playwright too.

Assessment
If you need a yardstick to gauge your work, I can reflect, interpret and confirm what is already on the page.
Depending on your needs, I offer small assessments from 500 words through to 5 page ones (and beyond). Small assessments usually take the form of discussion of strengths and weaknesses, and perhaps areas of concern that may need addressing. Longer assessments can include the above as well as discussion of the skills areas in writing: language, characterization, stage/literary imagery, story, plotting, theatricality and originality.
I also offer to Australian playwrights the option of verbal assessments – where I can cover more skills areas in a shorter time as well as the overall strength of the work and its potential.
Assessments can be tailored to specific problems: for example; Is this play starting in the right place? Are the arcs of action strong enough? Where is this play going?

Costs in assessments include the time taken to read, assess and take notes on the work. If you want manuscripts returned, postage is an added cost (unless self stamped and addressed envelope is included).
For a more detailed list of services, click on the button to see my schedule of services.

Dramaturgy
The difference between assessment and dramaturgy is that I offer input. Solutions to problems are discussed as well as strengths and weaknesses to the writing.
With dramaturgy, I can extend, develop, question, offer suggestions. The length of the contact is dependent on the writer and their needs. This process is on-going and individual.
The offers given are freely offered and given. I am of the school who believes that dramaturgical assistance is not part of the creation process; paying my fees separates my role from any part of the creation of the work.

Costs are timed. It does not include the time taken to read the work, take notes or assess it.
For a more detailed list of services, click on the button to see my schedule of services.

Face to Face Dramaturgy
Where possible, I can meet the writer. This one on one dramaturgy is the most effective. It is not unusual to find the process infinitely faster with the process happening face to face.

Costs are timed. It does not include the time taken to read the work, take notes or assess it. Costs do not include travel components or any extras.
For a more detailed list of services, click on the button to see my schedule of services.

Teaching
I am a trained teacher, and have taken writing courses over an extended period for different level of skills areas in playwrighting. I have taught in tertiary institutions, creative camps, and learning institutions, from the hobbyist through to playwrights – from the emerging to the emerged – from playwrighting to scriptwriting for film.

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