Dramaturgy
I work with playwrights to develop their scripts for performance. We will work collaboratively to examine and refine every aspect of your play, including character, dialogue, and form as well as its thematic and structural elements. We will discuss the aims and objectives of your piece and how your play reflects your unique perspective on the world. I will read your draft in detail, paying close attention to style, voice and pace, ensuring that every beat of the text is serving your overall intention.
What I offer
Read-through & written feedback
If you have a full draft of a play that could benefit from an outside perspective, I will read your work thoroughly and provide detailed notes on the strengths of the script and identify places that might require further development or clarification.
Dramaturgical support from initial idea to finished script
If you have an idea for a story you want to tell or a play in the early stages of its development, I will support you through the process to reach a completed script that you are happy with, and that can be submitted to venues or competitions.
I hope to establish an open dialogue where we can uncover the intentions of the play, and work together to ensure these are being realised in your writing. I will read multiple drafts and provide detailed feedback on the form and content of the piece as it develops. Throughout the process, I hope to create a safe, creative, and collaborative environment where you feel you are being both stretched and encouraged. Ultimately, my aim is to help you make bold choices with confidence and clarity in order to create your best work.
Dramaturgy Testimonials
“Marlie is a passionate, hardworking and inspiring dramaturg. I've worked with Marlie for a few months since connecting in a writing workshop. Marlie has transformed my writing skills, getting me to think hard about character and make bold, clearer choices in my work.”
— Matilda (Writer)
“Marlie has such a wonderful ability to hone in on the questions us writers can be scared to ask ourselves. She will work with you to identify and articulate precisely what story it is you want to tell and why that story is so important to you. Through conversations with her, I have been challenged to ask difficult questions and really interrogate the intention behind my choices. If you’re looking for friendly, considered and detail-oriented dramaturgy, I would definitely recommend Marlie!”
— Joe (Playwright)
"As a writer, I often feel very intimidated by professional help from new people, but with Marlie, this feeling completely vanished. Her professional but friendly approach to giving feedback and advice on my play helped me build it to exactly what it needed to be. Without Marlie it wouldn't be half the play it is today and I cannot thank her enough. I would recommend Marlie as a dramaturg in a heartbeat!"
— Thomas (Playwright)
“Marlie’s astute analysis, advice and dramaturgical expertise have improved my script far beyond what I hoped for or expected to gain from our co-operation…Marlie made me work very hard, precisely what I myself and the script needed. She asked difficult questions and made me answer them. She made me ‘go away’ to work on challenging revisions and amendments. Above all, she helped me turn a story into a drama.”
— Mark (Playwright)
“Marlie worked as a dramaturg on my play Nightfall for the White Bear. I could not recommend her more highly. She was both forensically detailed and incredibly encouraging. She is so easy to chat to, which makes all the difference when you're working on something as vulnerable as your first play”
— Helena (Playwright)
“Working with Marlie as a dramaturg on my play Spark was an absolute joy. She worked tirelessly and passionately in helping me as a writer to develop the script… making astute suggestions and insightful comments which had significant impact on the direction of the piece. With her guidance and much welcomed questioning, the play developed a new dimension and trajectory.”
— Katie (Writer)