Essential Dramaturgy: The Mindset and Skillset - Softcover

Theresa Lang's Essential Dramaturgy: The Mindset and Skillset offers a productive theoretical and methodological contribution to a growing literature on the field of dramaturgy. Lang argues for shifting away from task-based definitions of dramaturgy, advocating instead for understanding a dramaturgical mindset through the use of to dramaturg as an active verb. The book is divided into two parts, beginning with a theoretical approach (mindset) and concluding with practical applications (skillset). This structure makes for engaging and accessible reading that will appeal to upper-level undergraduates and graduate students with interests in dramaturgy, and to early career dramaturgs.

-Daniel Smith, Theatre Topics

Essential Dramaturgy: The Mindset and Skillset provides a concrete way to approach the work of a dramaturg. It explores ways to refine the process of defining, evaluating, and communicating that is essential to effective dramaturgical work. It then looks at how this outlook enhances the practical skills of production and new play dramaturgy. The book explains what a dramaturg does, what the role can be, and how best to refine and teach the skillset and mindset.