Ghost Light: An Introductory Handbook for Dramaturgy

Theater in the Americas

by Michael Mark Chemers

Ghost Light: An Introductory Handbook for Dramaturgy offers useful and entertaining answers to the confounding questions: “What, exactly, is dramaturgy, and what does a dramaturg do?” According to Michael Mark Chemers, dramaturgs are the scientists of the theater world—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, “Philosophy,” describes what dramturgs do, presents a detailed history of dramaturgy, and summarizes many of the critical theories needed to analyze and understand dramatic texts. “Analysis” teaches the two essential skills of a dramaturg: reading and writing. It includes a “12-step program for script analysis” along with suggestions about how to approach various genres and play structures. “Practice,” 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.

Genres: Theatre, Nonfiction, Drama

232 pages, Paperback

First published March 16, 2010

Reviews

[Lukas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was suppose to read this book for my introduction to dramaturgy course....but I failed to do so. I finally read it, and I am really excited to even be pursuing this career. It's everything I love about theatre. Reading this book realized that this is the perfect job for me. The book has some nice advice for things to do such as lobby displays and talk backs that I will most likely try to do this year. I am definitely using this as my Bible until I find another book.

[Jess Esa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A perfect and accessible introduction to dramaturgy and a well-rounded intro to theatre history for anyone interested beyond the practical. As someone who's been brought on as a dramaturg for a show later in the year, and wanted to have a thorough understanding of my role, this was the perfect jumping-off point for further research. The first half is more useful than the second half, but still useful info to have.

[Joni Newman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this as part of my personal schooling over the summer (who says you need a professor to give you assignments?) and really enjoyed it. The first part of the book was particularly useful in laying out practical ideas and steps for accomplishing the task of good dramaturgy. Some of the later elements of the book I found a little less useful (largely because I think I had a good understanding of them already), but on the whole this is a really great place to start if you’re interested in learning about dramaturgy.

[H-Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good basic textbook. Caveat: more philosophical, than practical; more for upper classmen and graduate level intro.

[Sloan · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE DEFINITIVE DRAMATURGY HANDBOOK FOR BEGINNERS. A MUST-READ.

[k8]

i only got to the first part of the book PLS :<

[Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Why should we put limits on our explorations and our curiosities?"

[kayla michelle pisano ✮ · Rating 4 out of 5]

great tool for new dramaturgs! a lot of food for thought, a whole buffet. glad i read this!

[Gracie Burnham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super informative on the process and practice of dramaturgy in ways that can be transferred to many aspects of theatre. Fairly well written and super interesting.

[Dolores · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book on the foundations of Dramaturgy. Unfortunately many of the resource links (like the blogs) no longer exist. But I can see that this is one of those books that I will be writing notes all over.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great introduction to dramaturgy for the classroom.