UPDATE (20 July 2023): This course has been postponed. Should you be interested to participate in this programme, or something similar, do email us at info@centre42.sg to register your interest.

Engaging Dramaturgs in the Devising Process is a 5-session course for artists with a practice in creating devised work for the stage and who are curious to explore and mobilise the dramaturg as a resource.

The course aims to build the devising artist’s understanding of the functions and uses of dramaturgs and to provide the artist with tools to optimise these collaborations. Participants will explore how to:

match the right dramaturg for their project
clarify the boundaries of what the dramaturg can be expected to do or not do
customise the dramaturg’s role at various stages of the devising process
prompt and sustain productive conversations with the dramaturg
negotiate potential challenges or differences during the collaboration

Co-facilitated by Dr Robin Loon and Juliet Chia, the experience is designed to be hands-on and practice-oriented, through the use of discussions and role-plays. The course comprises a mix of group sessions and one-on-one consultations with the facilitators. Participants will also engage with supplementary materials such as readings and podcasts or other mediatized resources.

Not sure if this is for you? Join us for an online FAQ and briefing on 28 June 2023 (Wed), 7pm - 8pm. RSVP here.

Course Details

Course Fee

$400 per participant
There are only 6 spots available. The small capacity ensures a well-facilitated and supported environment for each participant to engage in robust discussion and practical experience. This course will only run with a min. of 4 participants.
Applicants who are facing financial difficulty can write in to us for assistance at info@centre42.sg
Full time freelance arts practitioners can apply for a 20% subsidy. Please write in to us at info@centre42.sg

Schedule Course Duration: 5 August - 20 September 2023
Group Session #1 Sat, 5 Aug \| 2pm - 4pm Introduction: Establishing common terms and language - What can dramaturgs do?
1:1 Consult #1 between 5 Aug to 25 Aug The first meeting: Articulating expectations and the working relationship
Group Session #2 Sat, 26 Aug \| 2pm - 4pm Better conversations: Reflective thinking, deep listening and active conferring
1:1 Consult #2 between 26 Aug to 15 Sep A mid-process meeting: Negotiating differences
Group Session #3 Sat, 16 Sep \| 2pm - 4pm Finding a place for the devising dramaturg: third wheel or training wheels?
Group Session #4 Wed, 20 Sep \| 7.30pm - 9.30pm Sharing Presentation
To Note: Total expected contact time: ~11 hours Expect individual and group assignment(s) participants will need to prepare and work on outside of the scheduled Sessions. This course will be conducted in English, and held in person at Centre 42, 42 Waterloo Street.

Schedule

Course Duration: 5 August - 20 September 2023

Group Session #1
Sat, 5 Aug | 2pm - 4pm

Introduction: Establishing common terms and language - What can dramaturgs do?

1:1 Consult #1
between 5 Aug to 25 Aug

The first meeting: Articulating expectations and the working relationship

Group Session #2
Sat, 26 Aug | 2pm - 4pm

Better conversations: Reflective thinking, deep listening and active conferring

1:1 Consult #2
between 26 Aug to 15 Sep

A mid-process meeting: Negotiating differences

Group Session #3
Sat, 16 Sep | 2pm - 4pm

Finding a place for the devising dramaturg: third wheel or training wheels?

Group Session #4
Wed, 20 Sep | 7.30pm - 9.30pm

Sharing Presentation

To Note:

Total expected contact time: ~11 hours
Expect individual and group assignment(s) participants will need to prepare and work on outside of the scheduled Sessions.
This course will be conducted in English, and held in person at Centre 42, 42 Waterloo Street.

FAQ

Will taking this course equip me with the knowledge to practise as a dramaturg?

No. This course focuses on helping performance makers (eg writers, directors, choreographers, performers) understand how to engage with dramaturgs and optimise the collaboration.

I have no experience making devised work, but would like to learn. Will this course help me?

No, this course will not teach methods for devising new work.

I have some experience making devised work, how will this course be useful to me?

This course will help you understand what a dramaturg can add to your devising process, how to identify the right dramaturg for your project and how to build a fruitful working relationship with your dramaturg.

How will the course be conducted?

There will be 3 group sessions involving a combination of short lectures, group discussions and role plays.

Each participant will also engage in 2 individual sessions with a course facilitator.

Is this course very academic and theoretical?

There will be some reading and theories to consider but the course focuses on practical skills applicable to collaborating with dramaturgs.

Application

– Application Period: 15 June to 15 July 2023 –

Pre-requisites:

Be aged above 21 years old.
Be a Singapore Citizen, Permanent Resident, or Resident in Singapore.
Have a practice in the performing arts, or have been engaged professionally in the performing arts for a minimum of 2 years.
Have previous experience with creating devised work for the stage.
Be able to commit to the full duration of the programme

To apply:

Complete the online application form here.
Submit by Saturday, 15 July 2023, 11.59PM (SGT).
Confirmation of your spot in the Course will be announced on 20 July 2023.

Featured Facilitator

Juliet Chia

Course Facilitator

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Engaging Dramaturgs in the Devising Process 2023

Overview