When I first entered the world of theatre as a shy high schooler, I never expected my passion for storytelling to become such a meaningful part of my life. Doing theatre has been a true journey of reflection and self-discovery. I started out as a performer, then grew into a director, and now am a dramaturg! Consistently working over the last ten years of my life in the industry, cultivating the craft of writing, editing, and artistic critique, was something I could only have dreamt of as a kid doing shows in her backyard.
Theatre allows us to process both our individual and collective thoughts and emotions. It allowed me to explore parts of myself that I hadn’t recognized before, as well as the world that we all live in. I feel it's safe to say that's true for all who engage in the art form! As an experienced practitioner working with new and professional artists alike, I am continuously reminded how powerful using your voice is. Now, I am starting to write my own plays and putting that into direct practice. Hopefully, soon, I may be able to call myself a playwright!
The Initial Spark of Creativity
The play that I am currently working on started with a simple image: a quiet room tucked away in the corner of a library. I had an idea of what I wanted to take place there, and characters started to evolve. Since that idea, it's become a goal of mine to finish writing a play that could be produced on both a community theatre and professional level. Initially, the task felt overwhelming. In my dramaturgy consultations, I am always trying to help people improve elements of their play: conflict, wants, needs, action, and so on. How does one create believable characters? What is the structure of a narrative that truly resonates in the world that I am creating?
These questions filled my mind as I began to write. Instead of giving in to anxiety and imposter syndrome (which has been difficult!), I've been pushing through to simply write something, anything, every day. I've started to notice how, even if subconsciously, the ideas that the characters are grappling with are reflections of my own vulnerabilities - things I've never really said out loud. This shift made writing more than a creative outlet; it evolved into a therapeutic process.
Finding Your Voice
Playwriting is about more than just crafting a story; it’s about sharing your truth. Each character I've encountered, whether in another playwright's work or my own, carries a part of our story. Creating authentic characters pushes us to confront our beliefs and emotions, whether consciously or subconsciously. Doing research on different practical elements for the play has been exciting as a dramaturg, and putting those ideas into the work has made me realize the unique perspective I can offer.
Through the characters in my work, I began to explore thoughts, feelings, and observations I've held onto without ever really sharing them before. Inadvertently, this has become a healing project for me. Amid the chaos of facts, dramatic writing elements, and emotions, I've discovered my voice does exist! I can make my own work while still supporting the creative work others make without those roles being at odds with each other. This empowerment has been freeing, allowing me to write with conviction.
The Power of Collaboration
One of the most thrilling aspects of theatre-making is collaboration. Sharing scripts with playwrights, directors, actors, and other artists always unleashes a wave of creativity and energy in the space. The rewrites, workshops, and rehearsal processes transforms into a space of learning, and in that space, I always find community.
Receiving feedback on my work has definitely cultivated joy, passion, and resilience in me. It has made me feel more grounded in the story I am telling, and I am excited to keep collaborating with other artists on this project. As a dramaturg, I'm always asking the playwright to view their work through different lenses, and offering them insights myself from my own perspective. This collaborative environment is invaluable to any writer - feel free to reach out if you'd like to work with me as an artistic consultant on your script! We can go on this journey together.
Reflecting on the Journey
As I reflect on my journey through playwriting, dramaturgy, and theatre-making in this moment, I realize how much I’ve simply learned about myself. These creative pursuits have enabled me to explore my identity, navigate emotions, and connect with others meaningfully.
If you are considering a journey into playwriting or the vibrant world of theatre, I encourage you to embrace the process. Allow yourself to explore, create, and collaborate. You might uncover a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you, one character at a time.
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