- A thorough text/story analysis.
- Research into the prior productions of the text as needed.
- Historical research of various sorts.
- Attendance at (at least) one quarter of the rehearsals, the first read-through, and as many run-throughs as possible.
- Oral or written notes for the director.
- Attendance at some pre-production meetings.
- A loyalty to the basic mission and ideas of the production and the text. Maintaining that loyalty in the midst of technical difficulties.
- Program contributions.
- Flexibility.
Other supplementary jobs for the dramaturg, especially in an institution.
- Advising the marketing team.
- Working with the education staff.
- Participation in post-play discussions.
- Input on press releases.
- Text work — ranging from true adaptation to suggesting cuts. Keeping a copy of the script as performed (working with the stage manager).
- Historical research in conversation with the sound, light and set designers.
- Text work with the actors – especially on poetic drama.
- Active collaboration with the director during the rehearsal process — A vocal presence in rehearsals.
- Play selection.
- Organizing readings of new plays.
- Rooting and keeping logs of collaborative writing/performances.
- Keeping track of research materials — both those provided by the dramaturg and those brought in by other people.
© Copyright 1996, Celise Kalke. All rights reserved.