Short answer
Embrace a proactive, co-creative stance in collaborative design projects, acting as an 'artistic instigator' to drive innovation and shape the final outcome.
- Field
- Innovation & Design
- Source
- Scholarworks (University of Massachusetts Amherst) (2023)
- Method
- Case study and action research
- Evidence
- Moderate effect
The traditional role of the dramaturg can be expanded to 'artistic instigator,' actively co-creating and shaping performance in collaborative, devised theatre-making processes. This innovation & design research insight is drawn from a 2023 study published in Scholarworks (University of Massachusetts Amherst). Using Case study and action research, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Embrace a proactive, co-creative stance in collaborative design projects, acting as an 'artistic instigator' to drive innovation and shape the final outcome.
The Dramaturg as 'Artistic Instigator' Redefines Collaborative Creation
The traditional role of the dramaturg can be expanded to 'artistic instigator,' actively co-creating and shaping performance in collaborative, devised theatre-making processes.
Scholarworks (University of Massachusetts Amherst) · 2023
Key Findings
- 01The dramaturg can function as an active co-creator, not just a facilitator.
- 02The 'artistic instigator' role is particularly effective in devised theatre ensembles.
- 03This expanded role can propose changes to current new play development practices and advocate for new methods of play-making.
Application
Design takeaway
Embrace a proactive, co-creative stance in collaborative design projects, acting as an 'artistic instigator' to drive innovation and shape the final outcome.
How to apply
When working in a team on a complex design project, actively propose new ideas, challenge assumptions, and take ownership of shaping the creative direction, rather than solely responding to briefs.
Project actions
- 01Consider how your role in a design project can be more than just fulfilling requirements; aim to instigate new ideas.
- 02Document instances where you actively influenced the direction of a design, not just executed tasks.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Direct practical application and reflection on the role.
- +Focus on a specific, evolving area of creative practice (devised theatre).
Limitations
This concept is heavily rooted in performance arts; its direct translation to all design fields might require adaptation.
Reliability & validity
The subjective nature of artistic roles and the specific context of theatre may limit generalizability and require careful consideration of validity.
Think critically
To what extent can the 'artistic instigator' model be applied to design fields with more rigid constraints or established hierarchies?
Design Principles
"In collaborative design, the role of the expert can evolve from facilitator to active instigator, fostering deeper integration and innovation."
This reframing of the dramaturg's role is crucial for design practices that involve complex collaboration and iterative development. By embracing an 'instigator' mindset, designers can move beyond a purely supportive function to become proactive drivers of innovation within interdisciplinary teams.
What This Means for Your Design
Think of the dramaturg not just as someone who helps, but as someone who actively creates and pushes the art forward, like an 'instigator' in a team.
How to use in your project
- 1.Use this to justify taking a more active, creative role in your design project, explaining how you 'instigated' key developments.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
The concept of the 'artistic instigator,' as explored in devised theatre, offers a valuable framework for understanding proactive roles in collaborative design. By moving beyond a purely facilitative function, designers can actively shape creative outcomes, driving innovation and integrating diverse perspectives more effectively within complex projects.
Source
Scholarworks (University of Massachusetts Amherst)
Dramaturg as Artistic Instigator
journal · 2023
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about the dramaturg as 'artistic instigator' redefines collaborative creation?
- Embrace a proactive, co-creative stance in collaborative design projects, acting as an 'artistic instigator' to drive innovation and shape the final outcome. Evidence: Scholarworks (University of Massachusetts Amherst) (2023).
- Why does "The Dramaturg as 'Artistic Instigator' Redefines Collaborative Creation" matter for design?
- This reframing of the dramaturg's role is crucial for design practices that involve complex collaboration and iterative development. By embracing an 'instigator' mindset, designers can move beyond a purely supportive function to become proactive drivers of innovation within interdisciplinary teams.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Embrace a proactive, co-creative stance in collaborative design projects, acting as an 'artistic instigator' to drive innovation and shape the final outcome.
- What were the main findings?
- The dramaturg can function as an active co-creator, not just a facilitator.. The 'artistic instigator' role is particularly effective in devised theatre ensembles.. This expanded role can propose changes to current new play development practices and advocate for new methods of play-making.
- What research method was used?
- Case study and action research.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2023 journal from Scholarworks (University of Massachusetts Amherst).
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When working in a team on a complex design project, actively propose new ideas, challenge assumptions, and take ownership of shaping the creative direction, rather than solely responding to briefs.
- What are the limitations?
- The findings are specific to the context of theatre and devised performance, and the effectiveness of the 'artistic instigator' role may vary across different creative disciplines.