My name is [REMOVED BY KRIS] and I am a theatre maker. I trained as an actor here in Vancouver. Performance studies gave me the essential tools for understanding the actor’s process as well as the drive to discover where my true strengths lie as an artist. It became clear, as time went on, that I thrive the most off stage directing productions or working as a dramaturg. WTF is a dramaturg you might ask? Let me try and explain. Dramaturgs, contextualize the world of a play; establish connections among the text, actors, and audience; offer opportunities for playwrights; generate projects and programs; and create conversations about plays in their communities. Cool right?? Finding and pursuing dramaturgical opportunities however, has proved to be quite elusive. In my experience, the role of the dramaturg is often not prioritized, perhaps due to a lack of understanding the benefits. My goal is to change this perception not only within the theatre community but across all artistic spectrums. It is of my opinion that dramaturgy can and should be accessible to a wide range of artists—theatre makers, musicians, visual artists, and choreographers to name a few—and that dramaturgical input can be key to the development of their craft. Providing artists with this specific contribution is one of my dreams. In June, LMDA (Literary Managers and Dramaturgs of the Americas) is holding their annual conference in Chicago. LMDA is the professional association for dramaturgs and literary managers working freelance, in institutional theatres, and academic contexts across the continent. Attendees of past conferences have also expressed to me that the LMDA conference acted as the jump-start for their careers and enabled them to meet new colleagues and engage with mentors who forged their professional identity. Attending the conference implies traveling to the US for three days. I would feel honoured if I could use this money towards covering the various costs to attend the conference such as my airfare, accommodation, food and conference registration fee. Dramaturgical opportunities are scarce and engaging with other committed dramaturgs even more so. This is the first year I am available to attend the conference and I am convinced it will advance my artistic development. It has the potential to impact my career and provide a stepping stone towards fulfilling my dramaturgical dream within the artistic community of British Columbia. This will help me be the BEST Dramaturg you’ll ever know! GO ARTS!
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