Dramaturgs work in theatre whether it is in new writing, the classics, devising, they work in dance and in performance and installation arts.

The Dramaturg works closely with the artists involved in a process aiming to try to understand either what they want to say or sometimes how they want to say it, so it means the dramaturg either focus on meanings as perceived by or experienced by the audience, or on the process of creating a performance.

So for example, in new writing the dramaturg will work closely with the writer to achieve a script that will work in a stage space, they will then work with the director to explore how to achieve those meanings on stage. 

In Dance or devising the dramaturg will be in the rehearsal room and observe the company create sequences which are then shaped for meaning.

In a classical process the Dramaturg might start by researching different versions of the text, different translations and then move on to researching the world of the play, the era, the themes of the play, creating resources for the company of actors, designers and other collaborators.

Dramaturgs can help writers and directors with:


READING PLAYS. 
Old and new, British and foreign; rediscovering old treasures, digging out forgotten plays and helping you choose the best for your theatre to make an interesting season.


TRANSLATING OR RE-TRANSLATING PLAYS. 
Helping you translate plays into English in order to get the best out of a foreign writer’s work. Can also look for good translators for a play

ENCOURAGING NEW WRITING. 
Producing events, awards, festivals, or providing one-to-one support, feedback and advice.


DEVISING NEW WORK. 
Through vigorous facilitation, questioning and research, the dramaturg can help you develop the dramaturgy of the work. From generating to structuring texts and material, the dramaturg can help keep an overview of the many strands of material in a devising process.

ADAPTING. 
Helping you adapt material for other media (novel for a stage; stage play into a radio play etc.).


ANALYSING. 
Helping you analyse your chosen play by looking closely at structure and content in order to help you develop a coherent concept for the production before rehearsal start.


EDITING AND CUTTING. 
Helping you to shape the written drama that you want to stage. This process can involve developing a dramaturgical concept for the editing


RESEARCH. 
Providing you with the background information needed for rehearsals and carry out production research, audience research etc. for your theatre or production..


ADVICE. 
Helping you co-ordinate your rehearsals and balance the different elements of the play (space, time, text etc.).


ASSISTING. 
Helping you keep sight of the concept of the play throughout the rehearsal process, preserving the core ideas of the theme and the writer’s aims.


COMPILE THE PROGRAMME. 
Providing your audience with contextual information about the intentions of the production.