Dramaturgy

The LMDA/KCACTF Student Dramaturgy Award is designed to recognize contributions by student dramaturges to the conception, development and production of theater within their colleges and universities, or to educational projects in dramaturgy. The philosophical foundation of this award - like that of dramaturgy itself - rests in the belief that art benefits from examination on the parts of both artist and audience, and that creative inspiration accompanied by analysis and reflection is most likely to lead to productions and projects that fulfill the spiritual, social and personal potential of the theatrical event.

Also inherent in the guidelines is the belief that the dramaturge should participate fully and uniquely in the collaborative act of making theater and in promoting social discourse around the theatrical event. To validate the significance of the dramaturge's contributions - and to raise awareness of dramaturgy in the academic field - a letter of nomination from a faculty member is required.

This award is the result of a unique collaboration between Literary Managers and Dramaturgs of the Americas (LMDA), the professional association of dramaturges and literary managers working in North America, and the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF), a national program dedicated to improving the quality of college and university theater in the United States. Three professional dramaturges, (members of LMDA who live in each region) will select the winner of that region's LMDA/KCACTF Student Award in Dramaturgy.

What does the award entail?
The winner of the LMDA/KCACTF Student Dramaturgy Award will receive a $100 cash prize, and one year's membership in LMDA paid for by KCACTF.

Who is eligible?
Undergraduate and graduate students who work specifically as the dramaturge on a production or workshop, or who submit work created for a dramaturgy class. If the project is a workshop or production, the student must be credited as the dramaturge. A student who also writes, directs, designs, performs in, or otherwise collaborates on a project will be responsible for articulating the boundaries of the dramaturgical work and speaking on its behalf. The student need not be enrolled full-time to submit work for this award. Projects must be completed (plays closed, workshops completed, projects turned in) by December 1 to be eligible. Projects completed after December 1 may be submitted for this award the following year.

How to apply

• Fill out the application form, identifying the dramaturge and the project and including two statements written by the dramaturge
• Enclose a letter of nomination from a faculty member. If you wish, you may include more letters of support from persons directly related to the project - collaborating artists or audience members for a workshop or production, or fellow students/teachers in a classroom project.
• Submit three copies of the entire application packet to:
  • Susan Merson
    Theatre & Dance Department
    Cal State University, Fullerton
    800 N. State College Blvd.
    Fullerton, CA 92634
• The postmark deadline has been extended to January 15.
• With questions, contact:
  • Susan Merson

Award Criteria:

• Distinctiveness: what is creative about the dramaturge's approach and/or analysis?
• Contextualization: how is the production or project enhanced by dramaturgical analysis or research; alternatively, how is the academic project in dramaturgy imaginatively projected into a larger social, political, academic or artistic setting?
• Impact: in what way are the audience, artists or institution enriched by dramaturgical ideas and execution?
• Ethics: how are issues that might be raised by the terms of the collaboration or changing responsibilities dealt with and/or resolved?
• Significance: how does this project inform, challenge or advance the field of dramaturgy, in general and/or within the student's school?