About Arlene Schulman Expertise As a professional stage director and dramaturg, I have worked extensively with playwrights, lyricists and composeres in new play development. My areas of expertise are in character development, relationships, plot structure and stageability. I`d be happy to answer any questions in these areas, as well as in the process of getting a play from the page to the stage - including the stages along the way, director/playwright collaboration, the playwright`s place in rehearsals and so on.
Experience I am a professional stage director and dramaturg who has worked extensively in collaboration with playwrights, lyricists and composers on new plays and musicals. I have worked closely with them in the developmental process, helping to shape and edit their work - particularly in the areas of character development, relationships, plot structure and stageability - and acted as dramaturg and sounding board. I have brough these new plays to the stage in staged readings, workshops, showcases and full productions.
Organizations Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers - associate member Literary Managers & Dramaturgs of America - associate member Shakespeare Association of America The Shakespeare Institute -MA Candidate, "Shakespeare & Theatre"
Question Dear Ms. Shulman, I realize you're not a lawyer, but I was told long ago that no one has the right to change a play's words without the written consent of the playwright. True? If so, where does this law come from? Many thanks, Mary
Answer Hi Mary,
Yes, it is true that no one has the right to change a play's words without the written consent of the playwright. A play is a creation of the playwright and is protected under copyright. The playwright legally owns the rights to the play - meaning the words (dialogue) contained in the written script. When you obtain the rights to perform the play - by contract from the playwright or his publisher - you are not buying the script or gaining ownership of it. You are simply "renting" the right to produce it on stage, as is. The words remain the playwright's property and he alone has he right to make changes in it. If you are caught making changes in the script - cutting or adding dialogue or changing the characters or intention of the actions significantly - then your production can be closed down, and you can be subject to fines or even, in extreme cases, be sued.
I hope that helps. As you say, I am not a lawyer, but if you have any other theatre questions that do not require legal advice, I'd be happy to try to answer them for you.
