Question 1

Ask your students to evaluate any of the plays they may have read for the course and to write an essay advocating a production of one of those plays at your university or theatre. The essay, written from the position of a literary manager, should consider:
-The relevancy of the play to the community or probable audience
-The entertainment value of the play (what about the play engages attention and causes pleasure?)
-The educational value of the play

Accepted Answer

As a literary manager, I would encourage my students to evaluate any of the plays they have read for the course and write an essay advocating for a production of one of those plays at our university or theatre. When considering which play to advocate for, it is important to take into account the relevancy of the play to the community or probable audience, the entertainment value of the play, and the educational value of the play.

Firstly, the relevancy of the play to the community or probable audience is crucial. We want to choose a play that will resonate with our audience and address relevant themes or issues. For example, a play that explores contemporary social issues or reflects the diversity of our community would be highly relevant and engaging for our audience.

Secondly, the entertainment value of the play is also important to consider. We want to choose a play that will engage the attention of our audience and provide them with a pleasurable experience. This could be achieved through compelling storytelling, dynamic characters, or thought-provoking themes that captivate the audience's imagination.

Lastly, the educational value of the play should not be overlooked. A play that offers opportunities for learning and intellectual stimulation would be highly beneficial for our university or theatre. This could include plays that explore historical events, cultural traditions, or complex moral dilemmas, providing our audience with a deeper understanding of the world around them.

In conclusion, when advocating for a production of a play at our university or theatre, it is important to consider the relevancy of the play to the community or probable audience, the entertainment value of the play, and the educational value of the play. By carefully evaluating these factors, we can choose a play that will not only entertain our audience but also enrich their lives through meaningful and thought-provoking storytelling.

Question 2

_____ Two weeks before opening night of a new play the playwright is no longer allowed to make revisions so that the actors have sufficient time to learn their lines

Accepted Answer

The specific rules about when a playwright can make revisions to a play vary by production. Some productions may allow revisions up until opening night, while others may have earlier deadlines to ensure actors have time to learn their lines.

Question 3

_____ Dramaturgs have some responsibility for educating the audience

Accepted Answer

Dramaturgs often play a role in educating the audience by providing dramaturgical materials (such as program notes, pre-show talks, lobby displays, or study guides) that help audience members better understand the historical, social, cultural, or artistic context of the play or performance. Additionally, they may work with directors, designers, or actors to ensure that the production is accessible and engaging for diverse audiences, or facilitate post-show discussions or audience feedback forums to deepen the audience's experience and participation.

Question 4

_____ The Humana Festival in New York stages multiple new plays every year

Accepted Answer

The Humana Festival is actually located in Louisville, Kentucky and is known for premiering new American plays.

Question 5

When, if ever, should a writer rewrite? Ask your students to respond to this question in a brief essay. You may wish for them to consider the problems playwrights sometimes face in receiving advice from different people for different reasons (for example, the director may wish a revision to clarify a point he hopes the play to make, whereas the producer may request a different revision of the same scene to increase audience appeal).

Accepted Answer

The answer of When, if ever, should a writer rewrite?...

Question 6

_____ The basic question one asks when considering a play for production is &#34;why this play for this audience at this time?&#34;

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. When considering producing a play, one should carefully consider why this particular play is relevant and appropriate for the intended audience and time period.

Question 7

_____Which is NOT considered an &#34;old practice&#34; in terms of play development?&#10;A) Actors ask for changes to enhance their roles&#10;B) Producers ask for changes to increase box-office appeal&#10;C) Literary managers ask for clarification of goals&#10;D) Directors ask for changes to enhance theatrical effectiveness

Accepted Answer

Actors asking for changes to enhance their roles is not considered an "old practice" in terms of play development.

Question 8

_____ Playwrights have been the most removed from the production process in: A) 21^st century America B) 17^th century France C) 16^th century England D) Classical Greece

Accepted Answer

In 21st century America, playwrights have often been excluded from the production process, with decisions about casting, staging, and interpretation made by directors or producers. In other periods and cultures, playwrights had more direct involvement in the production of their plays.

Question 9

_____ Playwrights need to see their work performed to answer questions about:&#10;A) The dialogue and speeches&#10;B) The clarity of the dramatic action&#10;C) The effectiveness of the plot structure&#10;D) All of the above&#10;E) None of the above

Accepted Answer

Playwrights need to see their work performed to answer questions about the dialogue, speeches, clarity of the dramatic action, and effectiveness of the plot structure. Seeing the play performed allows them to assess how well it works in practice, and make any necessary changes.

Question 10

_____ Who is considered to be the first dramaturg?&#10;A) Shakespeare&#10;B) Lessing&#10;C) Wagner&#10;D) Racine

Accepted Answer

The German writer and philosopher Gotthold Ephraim Lessing (1729-1781) is considered to be the first dramaturg. He worked as a dramaturg for the Hamburg National Theatre and introduced the concept of a critical analysis of plays and their structures, which is now known as dramaturgy.

Question 11

_____ A production dramaturg:&#10;A) Restages the actors in scenes to make the scenes more effective&#10;B) Makes important decisions about the play's pacing&#10;C) Assists the director by supplying information and asking critical questions&#10;D) All of the above&#10;E) None of the above

Accepted Answer

The answer of _____ A production dramaturg:&#10;A) Restages the actors...

Question 12

_____ Almost all plays that are written for the theatre eventually gain a fully mounted production

Accepted Answer

The answer of _____ Almost all plays that are written...

Deck 12: Playwriting and Dramaturgy