Scripting Her Future
Ohio Wesleyan Theatre Major Explores Feminist Dramaturgy in Chicago
Name: Camy Dodd ’23
Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio
Majors: Theatre and Film Studies
High School: Walnut Hills High School
OWU Connection Experience: Traveling to Chicago to study feminist dramaturgy in the theatre industry
After receiving an OWU Connection Theory-to-Practice Grant, Dodd traveled to Chicago during fall semester to observe professional rehearsals and make connections with theatre artists.
Dodd’s grant supports her senior capstone in Theatre, an independent study in feminist dramaturgy, and included observing rehearsals of plays such as “The Island” and “Plaid as Hell.”
Why I Chose This Experience
“This experience provided me with the opportunity to begin developing my own dramaturgical lens, as well as my values as an artist.
“I’m also drawn to how a story engages with the world in which we live, and how artists in that process are engaging with the story.”
My Favorite Moment
“I had the opportunity to observe Gabrielle Randle-Bent, the director of ‘The Island,’ facilitate community agreements. I really value learning how to set boundaries in a vulnerable environment like theatre and how to set others up so they feel comfortable and capable of doing the same.
“There was also a fight and intimacy director in rehearsals for ‘Plaid as Hell,’ which was delightful to watch! Observing two rehearsal spaces that prioritized consent-based practices was really motivating.”
Lessons Learned
“Throughout my independent study fall semester and particularly my time in Chicago, I was drawn to learning about community agreements and intimacy direction and all the ways people throughout an artistic process can be supported and taken care of and emboldened.
“My conversations with mentoring artists helped me realize that all of this can (and should!) be a part of dramaturgy work.”
Why I Chose OWU
“I chose Ohio Wesleyan for opportunities like this one! I knew I wanted a place to explore and layer a variety of passions and interests.”
My Plans After Graduation
“I may or may not attend grad school in a few years, but either way I hope to continue working as a dramaturg and theatre artist. I especially want to learn more about community engagement. I hope to develop new works that fill audiences with wonder, joy, and the hope necessary to build a more just and joyful world.”