Apply here by 20 June 2025, 11.59PM (UTC +8).
Confirmation of registration will be announced on 30 June 2025.
Course fee subsidies are available for selected applicants. Refer to application form for details.

Overview

An Introduction to the Dramaturg’s Work is a 4-session foundational course that will provide an introduction and grounding for performing arts practitioners who are curious about or want insight into the work that dramaturgs do.

Conducted fully online by Centre 42’s Consultant Dramaturg Juliet Chia, this course aims to equip participants with an understanding of and familiarisation with:

the brief history and evolution of the role of the dramaturg
the nature and scope of a dramaturg’s work
different kinds of dramaturgs
the role of the dramaturg in Asian performance practices
how to approach formulating job scopes and compensation structures for professional engagements of dramaturgs

Participants can expect to engage in discussions based on assigned readings and undertake individual/group assignment(s). At the end of the four sessions, participants should be able to:

articulate the work of a dramaturg and different types of dramaturgical interventions;
decide when and how to engage with dramaturgs on their projects;
clarify their area of interest should they choose to pursue a practice in dramaturgy.

This is the fifth run of the popular Introduction to the Dramaturg's Work course. Hear what previous participants have to say about their experiences, learnings and key takeaways from the past cohorts:

Attempting to analyze the dramaturgical structure of a text-based work, and imagining myself as a dance dramaturg and going through the thought process of what the role in that specific project brief entailed, were new attempts that seemed daunting at first. But having this opportunity to have a go at it allowed me to realize that it wasn't an impossible task. It was also great to attend this course with a diverse group of participants - hearing from them allowed me to identify the gaps in my thinking and process, for example my relative lack of knowledge with regard to performance history and different artistic practices. This course has therefore also allowed me to identify areas to continue working on.
~ Participant (2020)

I am more knowledgeable of the role of the dramaturg now than before and understand better how as a director/choreographer, I am able to maximise the role of a dramaturg in my work. I have also considered becoming a dramaturg myself and understand that although my training is predominantly in dance, the skills I possess as a researcher conducting performance, semiotic and critical analysis are necessary in the dramaturgy of any theatrical work.
~ Participant (2021)

I think it was a meaningful course in that it was a broad and incisive yet also a humble space. I felt like even experienced practitioners were also finding their way and also encouraging of newer practitioners to also find their own ways, making the dramaturg's work a welcoming space.
~ Participant (2022)

It was encouraging to be in the same virtual room as people who are also curious and invested in dramaturgy, and it was helpful to be acquainted with the terminology of the field... it was very useful to hear from practitioners from the region, not just locally - to hear and learn about their context was expansive and nourishing to my practice.
~ Participant (2023)

Course Details

Dates:
- Session #1 | Sat, 12 July 2025, 10am - 12pm UTC+8
- Session #2 | Sat, 19 July 2025, 10am - 12pm UTC+8
- Session #3 | Sat, 26 July 2025, 10am - 12pm UTC+8
- Session #4 | Sat, 2 August 2025, 10am - 12pm UTC+8
Total online contact time: 8hrs
You will be asked to prepare and work on individual and group assignment(s) outside of the scheduled sessions.
This course will be conducted in English, via Zoom virtual platform. There will be close-captioning (in English) enabled for all sessions.

Course Fee

Fee: SGD $160

The Asian Dramaturgs’ Network (ADN) will be offering full subsidies for up to two (2) selected participants from Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.

Satellites will be offering full subsidies to up to three (3) selected participants from Aotearoa.

Centre 42 will offer up to 20% subsidy for applicants who require financial assistance, on a case by case basis.

Please complete Section 3 in the application form indicate your interest to be considered for the course fee subsidy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How will the course be conducted?

All four sessions will be conducted online via Zoom.
The working language will be English. Captioning (in English) will be enabled for Zoom so you will be able to use this function if you wish.
The sessions will be conducted using a mix of short lectures and breakout group discussions exploring exercises or case studies.
In between Zoom sessions, there will be some reading as well as small group work assignments that you will be expected to complete.

Is this course very academic and theoretical?

There will certainly be some reading and theories to consider, but the course is really a broad introduction to the world of the dramaturg and the possibilities and value dramaturgs bring to the creation process.

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

This course is structured as an exposure course to orient practitioners and creatives on what a dramaturg’s role is in the creative process. As an introductory and foundation course, it is not designed to equip you fully to practise as a dramaturg upon completion. However, you should be able to apply the knowledge and understanding to decide if you would like to further pursue a practice in dramaturgy.

I am interested in pursuing a career as a dramaturg, how will this course help me?

This course will provide you with a clear understanding of what a dramaturg can or cannot do and the kind of interventions that a dramaturg can negotiate in the creative process.
This course will explore different roles a dramaturg might play and help you identify your specific area of interest as a dramaturg.

What will I get out of this course if I cannot practise as a dramaturg?

A clearer idea of what a dramaturg is and what a dramaturg does.
The difference between dramaturgy and a dramaturg’s work.
Whether you should enlist the help of a dramaturg and what he/she/they bring.
An understanding of the different kinds of dramaturgs operating in the field.

I am a performer, how will this course be useful to me?

This course will provide a performer (e.g. actor, dancer, musician, etc.) with a basic understanding of the role a dramaturg can play in the creative process and how the performer can engage with a dramaturg in their projects.

I am a writer, how will this course be useful to me?

This course will help a writer understand what they can and cannot expect a dramaturg to do and how to get the most from working with a dramaturg during the writing process.

I am a director or choreographer, how will this course be useful to me?

This course will help a director or choreographer articulate the difference between the dramaturgical work they do and the specific work of the dramaturg.

It will also provide a director or choreographer with an understanding of how to engage with a dramaturg as part of their creative process.

I am a producer or programmer, how will this course be useful to me?

This course will prompt producers or programmers to consider how dramaturgical thinking shows up in their producing / programming practice.

It will also help a producer or programmer identify whether a project could benefit from the input of a dramaturg, find the right dramaturg and be equipped to scope and structure terms for engaging professional dramaturgs.

Application

– Application Period: 20 May to 20 June 2025 –

To qualify for this online course, you must:

Be aged above 21 years old.
Have a practice in the performing arts, or are engaged professionally in the performing arts practice, for a minimum of 2 years.
Be comfortable communicating in English.
Have a stable internet connection so that you can fully participate via Zoom both on audio and video.
Commit to the full duration of the programme.

To apply:

Complete the online application form here.
Submit by Friday, 20 June 2025, 11.59PM (UTC+8).
Confirmation of your spot in the Course will be announced on 30 June 2025.

Featured Facilitator

Juliet Chia

Facilitator