Essays

05/12/2023

Dramaturg !

Title: Dramaturg Role Questionnaire

Credit: Based on original concept by: Benedikt Eickhoff

Draft date: 2023-12-05

Draft number: Draft 1 (on demand)

Contact info: mail@benedikt-eickhoff.de

Notes: This questionnaire is designed to guide individuals considering a commitment to the role of 'Dramaturg' in a German state theater. It aims to explore their understanding, skills, and approach to this unique and critical role in theater production.

URL: http://coach.benedikt-eickhoff.de/essays/2023/12/dramaturg/

URL: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liste_deutschsprachiger_Theaterbühnen

URL: https://www.buehnenverein.de/de/jobs-und-bildung/jobboerse.html

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Dramaturg Role Questionnaire

Introduction

This questionnaire is intended for individuals aspiring to embrace the role of a Dramaturg in a German state theater. It serves to self-assess their readiness, understanding of the role, and alignment with the theater's expectations and cultural milieu.

What is my energizer ?This image presents a minimalist yet evocative scene, featuring the silhouette of a figure against a fabric-draped cube. The silhouette is distinctly outlined, showcasing a character wearing a top hat and holding a cane, reminiscent of a classical or Victorian-era gentleman. The character's pose is upright and poised, exuding a sense of confidence or authority. The backdrop is simple and unadorned, drawing the viewer's focus to the striking black form against the cream-colored fabric. The setting, likely a gallery or a modern theater space, uses soft lighting to create a tranquil and contemplative atmosphere. The image seems to be a part of an artistic installation, where the silhouette invites various interpretations, potentially representing themes of identity, history, or performance.

Understanding of the Role

1. What is your current understanding of the role and responsibilities of a Dramaturg in a German state theater?

2. How do you envision contributing to the theater's productions in this role?

What made me strong ? two characters: one in front of a large canvas, facing the other character who stands with arms wide open and guns in both hands, reminiscent of a dramatic moment from a Western duel. The character with the guns is wearing a costume that includes a bowler hat, a fake mustache, and a suit, suggesting a vintage or period piece. The setting looks like a gallery or a modern theater space, and the canvas behind the character gives the impression of a minimalist stage set. The scene seems to be frozen in a climactic pose, capturing a moment of tension or confrontation.

Where do I come from ?..an art installation that involves performance. It depicts two individuals carrying large, cube-shaped structures draped with fabric, which obscures their bodies. The fabric is arranged in a way that suggests classical drapery, often seen in statues, providing a sense of movement and flow to the otherwise static cubes. The room appears to be a gallery with a minimalistic design, marked by clean lines and neutral colors, which contrasts with the intricate patterns on the floor that seem to be created by the shadows or traces of the cubes. The scene is enigmatic, inviting viewers to ponder the relationship between the figures, the structures they carry, and the space around them.

Experience and Skills

1. What relevant experience do you have that prepares you for this role?

2. Can you describe any previous dramaturgical work you've done? What were the challenges and successes?

3. What are your strongest skills that you bring to this position?

Approach to Research and Development

1. How do you approach researching for a new production?

2. What methods do you use to ensure historical and cultural accuracy in your research?

How do I see myself ?...an artistic performance or installation with a large, draped canvas as the centerpiece, backlit with a warm, golden glow. A figure, likely a performer, stands at the entrance of the canvas, poised as if stepping out or making an entrance. This person is dressed in a dark suit and hat, suggesting a formal or theatrical character. Another figure stands off to the side, observing. The space looks like a gallery or an installation stage, with reflective flooring that mirrors the structure and the subdued lighting from above. The scene conveys a sense of drama and anticipation, as if the characters are part of a narrative unfolding within this staged environment.

How do others see you ?... a staged interaction between two characters, part of a theatrical or artistic performance. On the left, one character is seated on a wooden chair, dressed in a black suit with a red vest, his expression contemplative or perhaps expectant. The other character is integrated into a white cube-like structure, with only the upper half of his body visible as if he's emerging from or trapped within the cube. He is wearing a dark suit with a top hat and is gesturing towards the seated character, seemingly in the middle of a dialogue or performing an act. The setting is minimalistic, possibly a modern art gallery or a theater stage, allowing the focus to remain on the characters and their interaction. The overall scene suggests a narrative moment captured in a still image, emphasizing expression and body language.

Collaboration and Communication

1. How do you approach collaboration with directors, playwrights, and other members of the production team?

2. Can you give an example of a successful collaborative project you were involved in?

Understanding of German Theater

1. What is your understanding of the German state theater system and its cultural significance?

2. Are you familiar with any current trends or notable movements in German theater?

Adaptability and Creative Problem Solving

1. How do you adapt to changes in a production, such as directorial or script changes?

2. Can you describe a time when you had to solve a creative challenge in a production?

What I can do better than anybody else ?On the left, there is a character standing next to a large, cube-shaped object covered with a light-colored fabric. The character is dressed in a dark suit and is gesturing with an outstretched arm towards the object or perhaps addressing an unseen audience. On the right, another character emerges with a dynamic pose from behind a similar fabric-covered cube, holding a cane and wearing a traditional suit with a top hat, suggesting a character from a different era. The setting is minimalistic with blueish walls, possibly a modern art gallery or theater space, emphasizing the performance aspect. The interaction between the characters and their environment suggests a narrative or thematic exploration, inviting interpretation from viewers.

Engagement with Audience and Community

1. How do you view the role of the audience in a theater production?

2. What experience do you have in creating programs or materials that engage the audience?

Language and Cultural Sensitivity

1. How proficient are you in German, both written and spoken?

2. How do you ensure cultural sensitivity and appropriateness in your work?

Future Vision and Goals

1. What are your long-term goals in the field of dramaturgy?

2. How does this role at the German state theater align with your professional aspirations?

What makes me proud ?...a performer, portrayed in a black silhouette against a large, light-colored fabric backdrop that's stretched over a cube-like structure. The figure's pose is dynamic and exaggerated, suggesting movement or perhaps a fall, with a top hat and a distinct facial expression that conveys an element of performance, possibly mimicking a scene from silent film or pantomime. The setting is simplistic and modern, likely a gallery or an exhibition space, which draws the viewer's attention to the stark contrast between the figure and the fabric canvas. The image captures a moment of action and seems to invite an interpretation of the narrative or emotion being expressed.

Where do I want to go to? a theatrical or artistic scene within a gallery or exhibition space. The focal point is a large, box-like structure with a bright yellow interior that serves as a backdrop. Inside this structure, there are two figures: one seated on the ground, looking despondent or contemplative, holding what appears to be a cane or staff; the other figure stands in the entrance, casting a shadow, dressed in a long coat and hat, giving the impression of a guardian or perhaps an ominous character. The lighting highlights the contrast between the yellow interior and the surrounding area, and the reflective floor enhances the dramatic effect of the scene. The staging of this scene suggests a narrative moment, potentially exploring themes of power, protection, or confrontation.

Personal Reflection

1. Why do you feel passionate about working in theater and specifically as a Dramaturg?

2. What do you hope to learn and achieve in this role?

/ coaching, counseling, therapy

A Midsummer Nights Dream