Musical Director as Production Dramaturg
In musical theatre, it is arguable that the musical director functions as a “production dramaturg” of sorts by nature of position – the MD is required to make musical decisions within any given production which affect both the musical and dramatic scope of a show, and alter the creative output.
However, the musical director as a “source” is largely uncovered, particularly through a dramatic realm and focus as the emphasis on the MD’s role is predominantly from a musical lens, and less so from the viewpoint of how music functions dramatically. Additionally, a void of research exists in examination of the individual practice of many MD's due to lack of pursuance of recorded documentation of practice and reflection upon practice from MD's active in the field today.
Exploring the need to develop a 'dramaturgy of musical direction', a critical discussion of the concept of dramatic design and intention through the eyes of the MD is undertaken.
Drawing from various historical dramaturgical concepts, as well as with consideration and discussion of music and drama and musical theatre dramaturgy as a developing discipline, interviews and discussions of practice-as-research with active musical directors in the field are explored and investigated.
In addition, this is presented alongside means by which the MD may be “exploited” and utilized as a method of developing a dramaturgical methodology by which musicals, and particularly, music within musicals, can be viewed as drama and additionally focused to allow the MD to increase dramatic clarity and cohesion through their craft.