Digital Development Project

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Digital development project

Welcome to the

Digital Development Project

We are a new, process-based initiative with the goal of connecting emerging playwrights with emerging dramaturgs to collaborate on new play development.

We've just wrapped up Phase 1: The Digital Dramaturgy Project. Check out our N PX Spotlight for where to read some of our Phase 1 plays, or see what our playwrights have to say about Phase 1 here!

Be sure to stay tuned for Phase 2 and ways to get involved with future programs.

DDP allowed me to work with a dramaturg over a longer period of time which has not been available to me in the past Having more time spread across months was everything I needed to bring this script to its next level

Coming out of a graduate program it feels like you suddenly lose so much of the support you get used to To just have your play carefully read and critiqued by a dramaturg can truly be transformative I see such potential in DDP as a tool for new work development I was so happy to be a part of this cohort and hope to be actively involved going forward

Just to have another set of eyes someone to commune with about your play Writing can be such an isolating thing and to just have someone there who was as interested in the growth and development of your play as you were I felt was invaluable

This script has been giving me issues for years and in my time with my dramaturg I ve discovered a key issue that was present from the start with the idea I can t wait to see how this script changes in my next rewrite

I am just starting to take my playwriting seriously and still struggle to self identify as a playwright I felt so validated and emboldened by this journey Just having my work selected has given me the confidence to keep writing and sharing my writing

It was delightful to chat with another creative glean their perspectives and have the opportunity and encouragement to further explore concepts and alternatives

This opportunity allowed me focus again on this play and made me excited to revise again I was particularly happy to have selected for DDP a play that I have struggled with for years without a strong and clear sense of direction Working with a dramaturg so clear focused knowledgeable and supportive has given me confidence in my piece and a strong urge to move forward with revision

I loved the excellent questions my dramaturg asked from those that led to small tweaks to those that sparked a whole new ending for the play I appreciate that the process gave us this time to chat and discuss and delve into the play together

DDP was a great opportunity to explore a script that was in the limbo between first draft and ready for the stage In this post pandemic theatre landscape those opportunities are few are far between so DDP is really filling a huge gap in the development process

Inaugural Phase 1

Playwrights

Digital development project

Kelsey Austin, RAINDROP CLEAN

Drew Barker, Freedom’s Fortress

Sarah Cho, ok white women

Lynda Crawford, Secrets of the Birds

Alex Freeman, Chillicothe, OH

Emilia Getzinger, Song of Angels

Paige Goodwin, Lilith

Parker Davis Gray, How to Lose a Sleep Paralysis Demon in 10 Days

Alyssa Haddad-Chin, Off White: The Arab House Party Play

Joshua Kahn, My Wheel Is A Circle Because It Is Round

Donna Latham, YELLA JACK

Giulianna Marchese, Death and the Girl

AJ Maryn, they’re just places.

Calder Meis, Cry Hard

John Minigan, Renovation

Lyra Nalan, Chaun & Eve

Miles Orduña, Vacancies

Straton Rushing, Circles and Walls

Emma Swain, Safe Places to Leave Your Heart

Layli Veach, Majnun

Celebrating our Phase 1 playwrights and their plays!

Check out some of our Phase 1 playwrights and their plays on the New Play Exchange by clicking the links!

Kelsey Austin Raindrop Clean

Alyssa Haddad-Chin

Off-White; Or The Arab House Party Play

Drew Barker Freedom’s Fortress

Donna Latham YELLA JACK

Giulianna Marchese

Death and the Girl

Parker Davis Gray

How To Lose a Sleep Paralysis Demon in 10 Days

John Minigan

Renovation

NPX

Spotlight

August 1st - December 15, 2023

Phase 1 is an exciting opportunity for emerging playwrights to be matched with an emerging dramaturg whose expertise and interests align with the playwright's needs. Phase 1's focus is one-on-one development in the digital realm, with no locational barriers or hassle.

Selected playwrights will have the chance to talk through their script and any development goals and questions they have through one-on-one meetings, written feedback, or a hybrid of both—whatever works best for the playwright's process.

And best of all? There's no cost!

Coming Soon

For Phase 2, we're planning even more development opportunity with a chance for a digital workshop. Eligible for Phase 1 applicants only.

Email us at thedigitaldramaturgs@gmail.com for updates about future programs.

For new play development, a dramaturg is like having a super-smart best friend who's there to help you craft your narrative, deepen your characters, and fine-tune your script. They'll dive into the heart of your story, exploring its themes, structures, and possible interpretations. They'll challenge you to push boundaries while staying true to your unique voice. They bring a large knowledge of theatre history, awareness of contemporary trends, and cross-disciplinary specialties that'll help uncover new opportunities in your script. And, most of all, they bring a passion for helping your play be the best it can be.

Sound like just the magical guide you've been looking for to help you on your playwriting journey? Join us for Phase 1 of our project!

Each of our dramaturgs has put together a bio with their areas of specialty, interests, and what service they're offering (one on one digital meetings, written response, or a hybrid of the two). You can read our dramaturg bios here.

Playwrights will have the chance to let us know their dramaturg preference when submitting their play.

Matchmaking Process

If your play is selected, we'll work with our dramaturg team to confirm the fit. We'll weigh the expertise of our dramaturgs and your needs as a playwright to ensure a productive collaboration. Then we'll let you know the results!

If for some reason you find that it's not a match, you will be able to decline for Phase 1. Your play will be kept in consideration for Phase 2.

Who are we looking for:

Self-identified emerging playwrights with a play that’s in development and has not been produced - or - has been significantly rewritten since last production - or - has an unconventional production history that warrants more development.

That sounds like me! How do I submit?

We are starting our process with invited submissions. Invited applications will be sent a google form. Check out our Submission Guidelines for more info.

When do I need to submit?

Applications have now closed. Future submissions will be posted here and on our instagram, @digital_dramaturgs.

Haven't been invited but want to submit? Email us at thedigitaldramaturgs@gmail.com and we'll reach out if there's space—

but first come first serve.

What should I prepare?

Invited applicants will be sent a google form with some short questions. You will also be asked to prepare TWO documents:

1: a) short synopsis of your play b) production history c) a ten page sample of the play (approx. one scene);

2: Your full play submission.

Guidelines:

You self-identify as an emerging playwright with a play that's in development and has not been produced - or - has been significantly rewritten since last production - or - has an unconventional production history that warrants more development.
The work can be done in English. (We hope to expand in the future)
You can be available to meet during US daylight hours. International artists are welcome to submit.
Only one play per playwright may be submitted
We are not accepting books of musicals at this time.

thedigitaldramaturgs@gmail.com

digital_dramaturgs

Want to join us as a dramaturg for future phases? Click here to fill out our dramaturg inquiry form!