A Turg is Born

The first time I heard the word Dramaturg I was in my sophomore year of my Undergraduate degree in Drama.  It was in reference to the Chair of the Drama department who was deemed the department Dramaturg due to his unparalleled knowledge of the Theatre.  The word struck me.  This was at a point in my life where everything was expanding. My knowledge of the craft was miniscule and I was slowly trying to find my way in the wide expanse of theatre professionals.  I already knew that acting was not for me based on my past experiences in that arena.  I always liked working with my hands, but Techie was a profession more in my fantasy than my conscious mind.  Directing was in sight but my indecisive nature proves to be quite frustrating. I have a tendency to see every possible angle/interpretation/etc. and choosing one ends up taking time away from details.  Throughout my college experience I started to see patterns in the ways I work best and what I enjoy doing the most.  Seeing shows, reading plays, RESEARCH, these are the things I found most enjoyable in my Undergraduate days.  Before I knew what I was, I knew what I liked.  So, naturally, if it feels good you tend to keep doing it.  Moderation is not a very strong word in the vocabulary of my life, so I went full force!

I started Dramaturging the student shows until a professor (and professional inspiration) noticed the work I was doing on my own and asked if I would be the Dramaturg on his production of the Laramie Project.  This, my friends, is where my Dramaturgical journey officially begins.  This show was my jumping off point and I took that flying leap with a smile on my face.  The Director wanted raw footage of Laramie, so of course, I took a five day road trip from New York to Wyoming with my dear friend in the middle of February in my Mitsubishi Galant named Mona.  Standing next to that buck fence up to my knees in snow with the Rockies at my back; I knew I found my niche.  We returned champions of the open road and with all the footage, research and then some.  The production was amazing and I achieved my first printed credit as Dramaturg.