Drama Major
Monologues or Technical Theatre Projects
Name: _________________________________
__________ / 50 points
DRAMATURGY
(Researching Given Circumstances)
PLAY: ________________________________ FOCUS: ________________________________
DIRECTIONS:
 Complete this form as best suits your needs as an actor, director, designer, or marketing, stagemanagement or other technical theatre project you have chosen to complete.
 The best way to approach Dramaturgy is to ask questions, get curious about everything in the
script, and then go digging. That’s how you find gems that can really grab your imagination and
focus your project. That’s why Given Circumstances and Dramaturgy are likened to digging for
buried treasure!
 Bottom line, you are expected to dig up a minimum of 25 “golden nuggets” per monologue or 50 for
a technical theatre project that will increase your understanding of the play and your role in the project. Most of all get inspired! You’re about to read some advice in A Practical Handbook for the Actor: Pick an action that is compelling! Well, search out all the information that is specific for your
play(s) and makes your monologues or project compelling!
 Below is a beginning list for Dramaturgy. This list is by no means complete but should be used as
suggestions. There will be some items that have no relevance for your particular project or there
are some items or ideas not listed that may be more relevant that you will discover.
 Think of approaching Dramaturgy as a web search: One item leads you to click on the next, and the
next, and so forth!
 But don’t be just random in your research or search just general information. Your dramaturgy should be based and focused in the script, the text, and your specific job as an actor or technical theatre person.
 Let the play, the specific questions that you generate, and the Given Circumstances guide you on
your quest.
 Then merge what you have found with your natural instincts, curiosity, and imagination!
 AND Dramaturgy doesn’t have to be just text! In fact, don’t limit yourself to on-line text searches.
Dramaturgy can be paintings, photos, music, media, newspaper clippings, — books in F41 and the
IMC (hint, hint!) — the skies the limit!
 Finally, decide how you are going to organize your material for a production book/portfolio of your
project.
 Remember to create an MLA Works Cited List for all sources used. This must be in your final
Production Book.
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Time
Place
Location
Culture
Geography
Government
Social Standing
Social Structures
Social Customs
Economic Status
Religious Customs
Myths & Legends
Educational Background
Political Circumstances
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Familial Relationships
Manners
Foods and Drink
Architecture
Technology
Fashions in Clothing
Clothing and Accessories
Fashions in Decorating
Props and Accessories
Cultural Figures & Icons
Celebrities and Leaders
Heroes and Models
Music
Art Styles
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Headlines of the Day
Humor
Entertainment
Play and Recreation
Sports
Employment
People, Places, Things,
Ideas, Events, etc.
mentioned in the Play
Other stuff?
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