dramaturg
Writer
theatre maker
I’m passionate about new plays that push the limits of theatricality and inspire radical empathy.
As a dramaturg, I have a particular eye for play structure and subtext. The goal of my dramaturgy is to help playwrights and theatre makers understand the strength and value of their voices so that they can hone their craft to suit the needs of the play at hand.
I’m also passionate about getting new plays in front of audiences. Therefore, my role as a dramaturg takes many forms: advocating, playwrighting, directing, producing, designing, and devising.
I’ve worked as a dramaturgical fellow at the Kennedy Center's MFA Playwrighting Festival (2019), the resident New Works Dramaturg at Kansas City Public Theatre, and as a produced playwright at Shawnee Mission Theatre in the Park and KC Fringe Festival. My most recent project was dramaturgically developing and directing the new musical When the Daffodil Blooms, a modern retelling of the myth of Narcissus and Echo, created in collaboration with Joel Walley.
my approach
to theatre
I approach each work uniquely and based on the needs of the project at hand. Whether working as a dramaturg, director, or in other role, I generally take a curious and playful approach to the creative process. I thrive in grey areas, questions, and prompts more than in definite answers and specific direction.
As a director, I act as an administrative facilitator for the production team and as a first audience member for the play to help the cast understand what elements of the performance are working most effectively. In rehearsals, I take a devised approach, generally encouraging a process organized around the group as a whole, rather than individuals. My directing style is non-hierarchical, challenging patriarchal stereotypes and oppressive gender norms.
As an artist, I am inspired by the artists at Rash Dash Theatre Co and Frantic Assembly in London, as well as The Five Lesbian Brothers in NYC and decolonization movements from Land Back to Free Palestine.
-soph marsh
contact
Interested in working together? Email me!