The contextual and research-based lifeblood of any production, the dramaturg’s work exists in any number of guises and functions, which include workshop support in new play development; pre-production research preparation; company enrichment; pre- and post-show audience engagement; data collection; and community outreach, amongst many others. Today, traditional modes of dramaturgy expand into and adapt technological innovation, new approaches to text, and fresh foundations for methods of production support, all based in a core value of seeking a deeper understanding in the work at hand. The LMDA/KCACTF Student Dramaturgy Initiative recognizes excellence in live and virtual student dramaturgy from across the region, and the exciting innovations which bring dramaturgy into the 21st century.

In recognition of the quality and wide variety of student dramaturgical approaches across the region, the KCACTF and the Literary Managers and Dramaturgs of America (LMDA) have united to present the KCACTF/LMDA Regional Dramaturgy Award. Student dramaturgs present a virtual sample of their work for evaluation by a professional guest dramaturg, who will select one outstanding individual for recognition, which includes a cash prize, a one-year membership to the LMDA, and an invitation to submit materials for the Kennedy Center’s national festival, where, if selected, they will have the opportunity for additional professional enrichment. Past recipients of the National LMDA/KCACTF Fellowships have received residencies with the O’Neill Playwrights Conference, the Playwrights’ Center in Minneapolis, or the Kennedy Center/National New Play Network’s MFA Playwrights’ Workshop in the summer. In addition, recognition will be offered in the areas of outstanding collaborative team, outstanding program note, outstanding digital dramaturgy website, outstanding dramaturgical classwork, outstanding lobby display, and outstanding NPP Embedded Dramaturg.

  • Distinctiveness: what is creative about the dramaturg’s approach and/or analysis?
  • Contextualization: how is the production or project enhanced by dramaturgical analysis or research; alternatively, how is the academic project in dramaturgy imaginatively projected into a larger social, political, academic or artistic setting?
  • Impact: in what way are the audience, artists or institution enriched by dramaturgical ideas and execution?
  • Ethics: how are issues that might be raised by the terms of the collaboration or changing responsibilities dealt with and/or resolved?
  • Significance: how does this project inform, challenge or advance the field of dramaturgy, in general and/or within the student’s school?

The LMDA/KCACTF Dramaturgy Award is open to both undergraduate and graduate students who have completed dramaturgy work, in whichever sense they define that. Submissions may include work associated with production dramaturgy, new play development, in-depth classwork case studies, and digital dramaturgical projects. Students may also submit dramaturgical work begun and interrupted by COVID-19 lockdowns, and for productions subsequently cancelled. Recent graduates and students who are not currently enrolled are also eligible for consideration. Projects must be concluded by the listed deadline, and to be eligible, students must attend the Festival’s virtual portfolio review session and are strongly encouraged to take part in the other dramaturgy enrichment opportunities offered throughout the week.

LMDA/KCACTF Application

Fill out the application form, identifying the dramaturg and the project. Fill out the application form, identifying the dramaturg and the project.

  • Attach one letter of support from a faculty member or mentor.
  • Provide a link to a digital representative selection of supporting material. This can be a link to a website, Google Drive or Dropbox folder (please ensure universal permissions), or other digital representation of your work. If you worked with physical materials, convert digitally where possible and upload to your page.

**To be considered for the LMDA/KCACTF Dramaturgy Award, applicants must be registered for the Festival and attend the virtual portfolio review at the Festival, but applicants for other awards, including Outstanding Program Note, Classroom Work and Lobby display do not need to be present.**

Dramaturgy applications can be submitted throughout the year.

Submission Deadline December 8, 2022.

Contact

Bryan Vandevender

Bryan Vandevender

Dramaturgy Coordinator

Bucknell University