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The d'n is a home for dramaturgs in the UK – and anybody who wants to become one, or work with one.
Our volunteer-led network of dramaturgs facilitates spaces for artists to meet, explore and collaborate, and this website is home to an expanding set of free and paid-for resources for the development of dramaturgical theory and practice.

dramaturgs' contract package
we're delighted to share our extensive work in creating a suite of documents for the fair employment and pay of dramaturgs

anti-racist dramaturgy
an ongoing part of our work is in working with members to understand anti-racism within a dramaturgical context, and implement it practically.

looking for answers?
we've got information on training, working as a dramaturg, or – if you're a director – how a dramaturg might collaborate with you to support your next project.

invisible diaries
become a member of the d'n to meet practitioners, attend events and access resources (including free access to the d'n Dramaturgs' Contract Package

join the d'n
become a member of the d'n to meet practitioners, attend events and access resources (including free access to the d'n Dramaturgs' Contract Package

the d'n turns 20!
if you appreciate our work on behalf of dramaturgs in the UK, help us celebrate our anniversary by donating to our fundraiser!
news
Gail Babb wins the 2021 Kenneth Tynan Award
Dramaturg, theatre maker and academic GAIL BABB is announced as recipient of the 2021 Kenneth Tynan Award for excellence in dramaturgy, at a ceremony rounding off the Dramaturgs’ Network 20th anniversary celebrations.
Head of the judging panel, Hanna Slättne, said:
"Gail brings her dramaturgical practice to an impressive range of areas: as a maker/collaborator, through her participation work, and through her teaching. She exemplifies the multi-tasking dramaturg. Gail strives for excellence, innovation and inclusion in all her work. She is a champion of Black artists and voices and an important contributor to a contemporary black British dramaturgy.
However, the aspect that stood out to us as a panel and as the Dramaturgs' Network and that we want to celebrate and to mark is Gail Babb, the dramaturg as an artist, as a maker and collaborator. This is a practice that is often hidden and problematised by existing structures. So the panel wants to commend Gail's "ability to work outside accepted structures”, to quote from one of her nominations. Gail is an exceptional artist and we are delighted to award her the Kenneth Tynan Award 2021."
Kenneth Tynan Award 2021 shortlist announced!
We're delighted to announced the three dramaturgs shortlisted for our biennial award for excellence in dramaturgy: GAIL BABB, LOU COPE and NEIL GRUTCHFIELD.
The panel also highly commended the work of RITA McDADE and FRANCESCA PESCHIER.
d'n Dramaturgs' Contract Package
The d'n is delighted to launch its Dramaturgs' Contract Package, supporting freelance dramaturgs to negotiate fair terms of engagement for their services.
Hailed as "an essential and invaluable resource" by the Literary Managers and Dramaturgs of the Americas, the package includes a sample contract with guidelines for its use and personalisation, as well as suggestions for fee calculation and task schedules for different types of creative process.
Kenneth Tynan Award 2021
Northern Ireland, 2011
Kenneth Tynan Award 2021