Online Course: “Dramaturgs’ Practice Development: An Introduction to the Dramaturg’s Work”

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Dramaturgs’ Practice Development: A Introduction to the Dramaturg’s Work is an online course that will provide an introduction and grounding for performing arts practitioners who are curious about or want an insight into the dramaturg’s work.

Conducted by Dr Robin Loon, this course aims to equip participants with an understanding of and familiarisation with:

  • the brief history and evolution of the dramaturg
  • the nature and scope of the dramaturg’s work 
  • different kinds of dramaturgs
  • basic duties and responsibilities of dramaturgs
  • standards and competencies surrounding a professional dramaturg

Participants can expect to engage in discussions based on prescribed readings and undertake individual/group assignment(s) in mock-dramaturgy case projects. At the end of the four sessions, participants should be able to:

  • understand the work of a dramaturg and identify dramaturgical interventions;
  • clarify their need for dramaturgs and the level of engagement with dramaturgs in the creative process;
  • crystalise their area of dramaturgical interest should they choose to pursue a practice in dramaturgy.

 

Course details:

  • Dates: Every Thursday, 7.30pm – 9.30pm
    • Session #1 | 1 October 2020
    • Session #2 | 8 October 2020
    • Session #3 | 15 October 2020
    • Session #4 | 29 October 2020
  • Total online contact time: 8hrs
  • There will be individual/group assignment(s) to be undertaken between Session #3 and #4.
  • This course will be conducted in English, and held entirely on a digital platform.
  • Fees: $150.
    • This course is eligible for the National Arts Council’s Capability Development Scheme for the Arts (CDSA) support, which can provide an absentee payroll or training allowance of $10/hour. More information is available via the webpage at nac.gov.sg/cdsa. Note that the deadline for CDSA application is on 14 Sep 2020 (5pm).
    • Applicants who are facing financial difficulty can write in to us for assistance.

To Apply:

Interested practitioners will have to apply through an open call and selection process. To qualify for this workshop, you must:

  • Be aged above 21 years old.
  • Be a Singapore Citizen, Permanent Resident, or Resident in Singapore.
  • Have a practice in the performing arts, or are engaged professionally in the performing arts practice, for a minimum of 2 years.
  • Commit to the full duration of the programme

– Application Period: 5 Sep to 20 Sep 2020 –

  • Download the Application Form and fill it in.
  • E-mail the completed form and your C.V. to info@centre42.sg, and state “Dramaturgs Practice Development” in your subject title.
  • Submit by Sunday, 20 Sep 2020, 11.59PM (SGT).
  • Results will be announced on 24 Sep 2020.

 

Course Facilitator Profile

Robin Loon

ROBIN LOON is a dramaturg, academic and playwright. He currently teaches the Introduction to Theatre & Performance module as well as modules in Singapore English Language Theatre and Theatre Criticism at the Theatre Studies Programme, National University of Singapore.

Robin has consulted on many theatre projects as a dramaturg. He was Co-commissioning Dramaturg for Full Frontal (2007-2009), a directors’ incubation platform at the Singapore Arts Festival. Subsequently, he was appointed Commissioning Dramaturg for Open Studio (2010-2012), Singapore Arts Festival Platform for new works. He has also been writer and dramaturg in several projects, including Casting Back (2012, Esplanade’s 10th Anniversary), 「男男自语」 (2012, Singapore Arts Festival), and Blue Prince (2012, The Blue Statesmen).

Robin was also the head of Singapore’s first Dramaturg Apprenticeship Programme under Centre 42’s Garage initiative. The Garage is a programme conceived for fresh theatre graduates wanting to move into dramaturgy and for practitioners eager to do a mid-career switch to or emphasis on dramaturgy. It is a 12-to-18 months programme comprising theoretical and historical contextualising and two professional attachments to ongoing productions.