| |
| author |
Alyssa Sileo
| | title |
The Virtues of Virtual Dramaturgy: Collaboration, Engagement, Access
| | abstract |
Throughout the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, theatre artists have been creating and
distributing theatrical content on virtual platforms. As members of production teams, dramaturgs
have been charged to support in-depth development of performance and audience engagement in
a new terrain. This thesis uses the Performance as Research method to explore the adaptations
dramaturgs adopt to successfully carry out their responsibilities inside virtual rehearsal rooms
and during virtual productions. In particular, this research zeroes in on devised works of theatre,
and how I and other professional dramaturgs have utilized technology and modified facilitation
techniques in our virtual productions, in comparison to in-person projects. While the challenge of
the learning curve of technology use exists, there are many benefits from the shift from stage to
screen that may inspire dramaturgs to continue embracing digital solutions even as theatre
re-opens in the future post-pandemic world. Cloud-based and video chat platforms allow creative
teams and audiences from distant locations and timezones to form, effectively removing many
barriers that in-person collaboration implicates, like inaccessibility of public places, costs of
transportation, and the lack of physical proximity to a theatre. With the possibility of more
collaborative partners and audience members from more locations and life experiences, the
dramaturg has a potentially better opportunity to fulfill the responsibilities of facilitating the
understanding of context and connection of the play to the world at large.
| | school |
The College of Liberal Arts, Drew University
| | degree |
B.A. (2022)
|
| advisor |
Lisa Brenner
|
| full text | ASileo.pdf |
| |
