Lesson Plan--Calli Leventis

Title: Dramaturgical Research for The Visit

Standards:

ISAIL-Illinois Standards Aligned Instruction for Libraries
Standard 3: Use information accurately, creatively, and ethically to share knowledge and to
participate collaboratively and productively as a member of a democratic society
- Organize information for practical application
- Produce and communicate information and ideas in appropriate formats
- Use problem-solving techniques to devise strategies for improving process or product
- Practice ethical behavior when using print and digital resources (including freedom of speech,
intellectual freedom, copyright, and plagiarism)

ISTE-International Society for Technology in Education
4. Critical thinking, problem solving, and decision making
Students use critical thinking skills to plan
and conduct research, manage projects, solve
problems, and make informed decisions using
appropriate digital tools and resources.

Objectives:
Students will be able to use primary source images and documents to aid
their creation of a lobby display for The Visit production
Students will be able to articulate the importance of dramaturgical research
to the creative process

Grade Level/Learner Population/Grouping Arrangements:
Sophomore Drama class

Time:
2 45-minute lesson

Environment:
Learning will take place in the library

Materials & Resources
Chromebooks
Selection from the Dramaturgy Student Handbook about production
dramaturgy (selection and citation found below)
Access to CPS databases and loc.gov

Instructional Roles:
Librarian will work with drama teacher to form a collaborative lesson about
the role of the dramaturg in the theatre
Librarian will teach the use of the databases for the purpose of research

Activity and Procedures for Completion:

The librarian will lead the class in a discussion about what dramaturgy is, and where its
place is in the creative process. The librarian will explain the role of the dramaturg,
providing examples of dramaturgical research and products. The class will read the
selection from Dramaturgy Student Handbook aloud, making notes of the dramaturgical
roles that apply to their assignment in this class, and how this type of research might
inform other roles in the theatre.

She will then demonstrate the use of databases for primary source research, including the
Library of Congress and other CPS databases. Students will be responsible for finding
images of the time period, related to the characters, or in other ways relevant to the
production. Ideally, students will come away with materials they can use in their lobby
display, including images, charts, timelines, biographies, etc.

The librarian will also demonstrate the use of proper citations and explain how educational
fair use rules apply to their assignment. Students will have the opportunity to create
citations for their work, and the librarian will instruct them on proper formatting for lobby
display sources.

Modifications/Differentiation:
Students may work in groups
Both librarian and teacher will be present for more individualized
help

Evaluation/Assessment:
Librarian will observe students participation and ability to work independently. Teacher
will be responsible for grading of final product; librarian will give feedback if requested.

Extension/Follow-up:
Students will use elements of their research, primary source images, charts, etc. in their
lobby displays. Students will also use their research skills in future theatre-related
pursuits.









Handout--
Romanska, Magda. Dramaturgy Student Handbook. 2008. PDF file.
http://www.lmda.org/sites/default/files/Madga%20Romanska's%20Dramaturgy%20Handb
ook%20for%20Emerson.pdf

PRODUCTION DRAMATURGY

Most large theatres in the U.S. have a resident dramaturg, who works closely with the
directors on each production. The role of the production dramaturg is to serve the director
with pre-production research on the playwright and the historical context of the story.
The dramaturg prepares reading and visual materials for the actors and assists them with
any research related to their roles. Sometimes the dramaturg prepares a display with
various images that he or she and the director have agreed to share with the actors.
During the rehearsal process, drawing on his or her in-depth knowledge of the script, the
dramaturg ensures the integrity of the production, providing production notes that help to
facilitate the directors artistic vision. The dramaturg also writes program notes and often
leads post-show discussions. The production dramaturg is integral to the artistic process
and receives full credit for his or her contribution as a collaborator (program bio,
academic credit, etc.). Since the primary role of the dramaturg is to serve the director, the
extent of the dramaturgs responsibilities depends on the individual directors needs and
can vary for each production. The following guidelines outline the typical range of
dramaturgical responsibilities.

PRE-REHEARSAL:

1. Dramaturg works closely with the Director and Playwright.
2. Prepares texts as needed. This includes the following:
a. Translating as needed.
b. Revising/ editing scripts as needed.
c. Adapting non-theatrical text into a script if needed.
3. Does all research for the production. This can include the following:
a. Making a vocabulary list, including definitions of any ambiguous phrases, societal/time
period references.
b. Finding character name meanings. If they are historical or real people, researching them
as well.
c. Researching any previous productions of the play, including reviews, criticism, and theory
of the performances.
d. If it is a new play, and the playwright will not be involved in the rehearsal process,
compiling a list of questions to ask the playwright either in person or in writing.
e. Creating a timeline of important events of the time period of the setting of the play,
and the time when the play was written (if different).
f. Compiling images or any other type of appropriate structural analysis for the play.
g. Writing or finding an appropriate biography of the playwright.
h. Compiling any sensory media which could help define the world of the play (i.e.,
photographs, music, smells, artwork)
4. Creating packets for the cast and production company including:
a. All research information.
b. A reference page (including online references that would be easy for the cast/crew to
access).
c. Custom charts or graphs, which illustrate the progression of action, the activity of
individual characters, the events of the play, and any other elements of action for the play.
5. Preparing and presenting a short but lively presentation for the cast and crew.
6. Being prepared to answer any and all questions that might arise.

DRAMATURGS PROTOCOL is a five-part pre-production study of a play together
with a glossary of the text, for the information of the director and possibly the rest of the
company. The parts consist of (a) the historical, cultural, and social background of the
play; (b) relevant biographical information concerning the playwright, plus a history of
the writing of the play and an assessment of its place in the authors oeuvre; (c) a critical
and production history of the play, including a report on the textual problems (if any) of
the original and an assessment of the major translations (if the play was written in a
language other than English); (d) a comprehensive critical analysis of the play, including
the dramaturgs suggestions for a directorial-design concept for a new production; and (e)
a comprehensive bibliography of materials on the play: editions, essays, articles, reviews,
interviews, recordings, films, video tapes, etc.
- Cardullo, Bert. What is Dramaturgy? New York: Peter Lang Publishing, 2005. p. 14.

DURING REHEARSAL:

1. The Dramaturg attends at least one third of production rehearsals.
a. Attends the first read-through and as many run-throughs as possible.
2. Sits next to the Director and is prepared to ask and answer any questions.
3. Observes the rehearsals, being certain to notice character and world of the play consistency.
4. Writes and revises program notes.
5. Plans lobby displays.
6. Prepares for audience outreach, if necessary.
7. Takes notes as needed.
8. Is prepared to answer any and all questions that might arise.

POST-REHEARSAL AND DURING PRODUCTION

1. Plans and executes audience talkback sessions.
2. Is prepared to answer any and all questions that might arise.