The Incredible Season of Ronnie Rabinovitz by Eric Simonson, History Theatre, St. Paul, MN
Seed by Winter Miller, Playwrights' Center, Minneapolis, MN
Dancing on the Edge, Theatre Novi Most, Minneapolis, MN
Terminus by Gabriel Jason Dean, Playwrights' Center, Minneapolis, MN
Radio Man by Garrison Keillor, History Theatre, St. Paul, MN
Scientific Method by Jenny Connell Davis, Playwrights' Center, Minneapolis, MN
Dramaturgy*
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As a dramaturg focused on new work, I work with writers and performance makers as they develop texts for production.
Dramaturgy is fueled by a background in dramatic structure, a capacity for close reading, trust in each playwright’s singular vision, and strong collaborative skills. The heartbeats of my trade are careful analysis of pattern and nuance alongside strategic, specific, and sensitive feedback.
You’re unlikely to walk out of a performance saying “wow, that was some great dramaturgy.” Nonetheless, if a dramaturg was involved, a number of pivotal choices in the writing and playing probably were influenced by that artist. Dramaturgy generates questions that lead to revisions, observations that spark clarifications, pattern identification that helps illuminate plot quandaries, and timely suggestions for trims. I love knowing I’ve contributed to crafting a meaningful, engaging story on its own terms.
“Wendy is a consummate mediator. She helped our creative team communicate fluidly across multiple artistic disciplines to tell a rich and complicated story. She takes the role of dramaturg and fills it with oxygen, expanding its function. I really believe Wendy’s work is special.”
— Lisa Channer, Artistic Director, Theatre Novi Most
As a dramaturg for more than 20 years, I’ve worked on over 100 performances, from experimental work to classics, music theater to dance. I’ve collaborated with individual playwrights and theater companies in the Twin Cities, New York, Chicago, New Haven, and elsewhere on staged readings, workshops, full-length productions, and festivals.
My professional training focused on collaboration and communication as the core of the creative process. I bring years of cross-genre narrative expertise, in full support of each playwright’s vision and each production’s goals.
Collaborating on new work with talented emerging and established writers remains the best kind of challenge.
Contact me to learn more about dramaturgy services and rates.
Quiver by Meg Miroshnik, Playwrights' Center, Minneapolis, MN
The Last Queen of Canaan by Harrison David Rivers, Jacob Yandura, and Rebekah Melocik, Theater Latté Da, Minneapolis, MN
She Persists, Pillsbury House Theatre, Minneapolis, MN | Photo: George Byron Griffiths
Goddess of Mercy by Jenny Connell Davis, Playwrights' Center, Minneapolis, MN
The Water Play by Sarah Gubbins, Envision Retreat, Voice & Vision, NYC
Autumn Sonata by Ingmar Bergman, directed by Robert Woodruff, Yale Rep, New Haven, CT
A Crack in the Sky by Harrison David Rivers & Ahmed Ismail Yusuf, History Theatre, St. Paul, MN | photo: Scott Pakudaitis
With Hayley Finn and Meg Miroshnik, Playwrights' Center, Minneapolis, MN
The Sea and the Stars by Harrison David Rivers, Playwrights' Center, Minneapolis, MN
Angel Fat by Trista Baldwin, Playwrights' Center, Minneapolis, MN
Playwright Testimonials
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“Wendy is a true collaborator. She immerses herself in the world of the play and understands the mechanics of it from the inside. The quality of her notes—some of the most brilliant anyone has ever given me—reflect a deep investment in the playwright’s creative process.”
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“What I cherish about Wendy’s dramaturgy is her ability to approach each play—and playwright—individually, looking at what is unique rather than imposing a set of external criteria.”
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“Wendy is an alchemist of the rehearsal room. Her holistic and highly sensitive approach to collaboration helps directors, actors, and writers collectively navigate the complexities of theatrical production.”
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“Wendy’s question-asking, answer-seeking dramaturgy is individually tailored to the writer and the play. It is studied, it is specific, it is wise, it is witty, it is deeply intelligent. It feels like magic.”
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“Wendy’s dramaturgy has had a deep influence on my work. She was instrumental in helping me understand how dramatic texts correlate with acting, directing, and production elements. She is a fierce advocate for playwrights. I want to work with her again and again.”
Dramaturgy projects for:
