Online Definition- the art of writing and producing plays [syn: dramatic art, dramatics, theater, theatre]
http://dictionary.die.net/dramaturgy
Dictionary definition- The art of the theater, especially the writing of plays.
http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=dramaturgy- Dictionary.com
Most unusual or noteworthy definition- The most straightforward definition of dramaturgy is that it is the study of how human beings accomplish meaning in their lives.
http://books.google.com/books?id=-QVC0AREKUC&pg=PA2&lpg=PA2&dq=dramaturgy+definition&source=web&ots=PQMJazlwY-&sig=QneTeHlkfFcK8HtX3Y4BFx6yiCI&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=9&ct=result#PPA2,M1
Job Description- historical and cultural knowledge, efficient research and writing skills, patient and objective observation skills, playwrighting experience, structural analysis skills, assertive and tactful communication skills, an ability to work in collaboration with others.
http://www.geocities.com/amylynnhess76/whatsadramaturg.html
Yale Repertory TheatreYale Repertory Theatre (YRT) seeks Literary Manager to coordinate the activities of the YRT Literary office and new play development programs. The person in this position will oversee the day-to-day management of YRT’s literary office and supervise graduate student literary office staff. In concert with the YRT Associate Artistic Director and Managing Director, they will coordinate all aspects of YRT’s new play programs. This person will write a wide variety of institutional materials. S/he must be a strong self-starter with strong writing, communication, team building, and organizational skills. Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree and three years experience in dramaturgy/literary management, or artistic administration, or producing in the regional, international and/or commercial theater. Competitive salary with full benefits. Applications accepted until the position is filled. Apply online at www.yale.edu/jobs. Apply to requisition #4599BR. Men and women of diverse racial/ethnic backgrounds and cultures are encouraged to apply. Yale University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.
http://www.backstagejobs.com/jobs.php
Historical context- In 1767 Lessing became associated with a group of actors in Hamburg, at which place he wrote the justly celebrated Hamburg Dramaturgy, in which he explained to the world the principles underlying the art of the theater.
LESSING'S THEORY OF DRAMA
Interesting as are the plays of Lessing, especially Minna von Barnhelm and Nathan, yet it is by reason of his constructive criticism that he holds his high place. First, he did a much needed piece of work when he attacked the French theories of tragedy. Instead of merely denying their validity, he analyzed and explained genuine Greek classicism, and pointed out the differences between it and French classicism. He recognized the genius of Shakespeare, showing that only a perverted interpretation of Aristotle would exclude the English poets from the ranks of the great dramatists. Secondly, he pointed out that drama should aim at giving a first-hand representation of life; that tragic elements should flow from the character concerned, and should induce sympathy as well as surprise. And thirdly, he proved with his own work that vital stage creations should reflect all grades of common life and experience; that stilted, borrowed forms should be discarded, and that sincerity is of all things the first requisite. His own plays are well contrived and theatrical, in the good sense. His characters have the speech and motions of real men and women; they are interesting and vigorous.
Schiller considered Lessing the clearest and most liberal thinker concerning questions of dramatic art; and men of learning in every country today recognize him as the first reasonable European writer upon the principles and conditions which govern the modern stage. As a man, he can scarcely be too highly praised. What he taught, as the true basis of art, he incorporated into his own work and life. He was admirable not only in courage, but in patient tenacity of will, clever, cultured, unselfish. In his search for truth he was tireless, and remained charitable in the face of almost constant abuse and misunderstanding.
http://www.theatredatabase.com/18th_century/gotthold_ephraim_lessing_001.html
His theoretical writings Laocoon and Hamburgian Dramaturgy (Hamburgische Dramaturgie) set the standards for the discussion of aesthetic and literary theoretical principles.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gotthold_Ephraim_Lessing
My definition of dramaturgy based on ideas and thoughts that I have read from the internet is that it is a position of artistic overseeer. I think the director decides the vision for the show and the dramaturg decides the information necessary to create and fulfill that vision both artisticly and intelligently. I think the study of dramaturgy should include in literature (all types), history (specfically theatre), interpersonal communication, and art (in its general capacities). Personally, I feel that this type of study would enable a dramaturg to be a liason to a theatre in almost any facet.
