ABSTRACT

Collaborating with the playwright on a new play can be an extraordinary experience. When you work on a play with the playwright in residence, you have a unique opportunity to contribute to the shaping of the text, by making suggestions for revisions, trying out new paths, and providing the playwright with feedback throughout the revision process, which can even take place during the rehearsal period. Working on a new play also requires tremendous sensitivity because the playwright-as the creator of the dialogue, characters, and actionhas the strongest personal connection to the material and may have ftxed ideas about the play. Your collaboration starts with the recognition of the personal nature of the playwright's creation. Talk to the playwright at the start of your collaboration; come to an agreement early in the process as to how you are going to work together.