ABSTRACT
The tabletop roleplaying game is arguably the most popular theatrical form in history, played by tens of millions of people around the world, often several times a week. Unfortunately, dramaturgs have generally not engaged with the texts, performance communities, and creators of TTRPGs, despite the fact that they afford significant professional opportunities and a fun, low-to-no-cost way to practice both the traditional tasks of dramaturgy and the special skills associated with devised and improvisatory performance. In this essay, I identify the elements of TTRPG dramaturgy, focusing on the narrative scenarios used by players and emphasizing three dramaturgical tasks: basic preparation, identifying and addressing structural problems, and identifying and managing controversial game elements and player sensitivities.
