ABSTRACT
The most important contribution a dramaturg can make to a production is attention and useful and timely input. Commentary provides a perspective on the event of the performance and is particularly useful when it is framed as a description of what the dramaturg sees. However, a fundamental part of timing and essential to the dramaturgical mindset is to stay in the moment at all times. The elephant in the rehearsal room can be related to content, process, or personality, and part of the holistic view of the dramaturg is to see how all of the pieces are coming together. The dramaturg can give an audience room and language to respond to challenging aspects of the performance. The close attention paid in order to determine when best to ask a question is also needed when determining when to offer content to the artistic collaborators.
