Ghost Light: An Introductory Handbook for Dramaturgy offers useful and entertaining answers to the confounding questions: ldquo;What; exactly; is dramaturgy; and what does a dramaturg do?rdquo; According to Michael Mark Chemers; dramaturgs are the scientists of the theater worldmdash;their primary responsibility is to query the creative possibilities in every step of the production process; from play selection to costume design; and then research the various options and find ways to transform that knowledge into useful ideas. To say that dramaturgs are well-rounded is an understatement: those who choose this profession must possess an acute aesthetic sensibility in combination with an extensive knowledge of theater history and practice; world history; and critical theory; and they must be able to collaborate with every member of the creative team and theater administration.Ghost Light is divided into three sections. Part 1; ldquo;Philosophy;rdquo; describes what dramturgs do; presents a detailed history of dramaturgy; and summarizes many of the critical theories needed to analyze and understand dramatic texts. ldquo;Analysisrdquo; teaches the two essential skills of a dramaturg: reading and writing. It includes a ldquo;12-step program for script analysisrdquo; along with suggestions about how to approach various genres and play structures. ldquo;Practice;rdquo; the third part; delves into the relationships that dramaturgs forge and offers useful advice about collaborating with other artists. It also includes ideas for audience outreach initiatives such as marketing and publicity plans; educational programs; talkbacks; blogs; and program notes and lobby displays; all of which are often the responsibility of the dramaturg. Ghost Light was written with undergraduate students in mind and is perfectly suited for the classroom (each chapter concludes with a series of practical exercises that can be used as course assignments). However; dramaturgy is a skill that is essential to all theater practitioners; not just professional or aspiring dramaturgs; making Ghost Light a valuable addition to all theater libraries.
#1405054 in eBooks 2000-08-14 2000-08-14File Name: B00EDCBB3Q
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A Joy to ReadBy ANiceCupOfTeaThis book was a joy to read and was beautifully illustrated with the artists work. Ray Balkwill is a very talented artist and teacher.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Water MediaBy George C. VailA jewel of a book for the artist interested in a combination of water media along with the unusual use of pastel.Very free use of watercolor in demonstrations should make all artists unafraid of its use.