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Theatre Arts

Overview of Production Research

One aspect of dramaturgy is the research that goes into the theatermaking process. Commonly referred to as production research, this work involves finding information that can be used to explore the many facets of a play: its author, context in our world and the world of the play, production history, critical analysis and interpretation, images and sounds, and sources, influences, and analogues.

Databases

More Databases to Search

Databases provide access magazines, journals, newspapers, and books about the environment of the play.

Search for Books

Use Primo to find resources on your topic at Collins Library and beyond. Request books held by Summit libraries for delivery to Collins Library within 3-5 business days.

Catalog Search Tips

  • Use terms such as economic, political, or social, and combine it with the time period and/or geographical location of the play's setting
    • Example for Chekhov's The Seagull: Soviet Union and social

  • Look for social histories using the following terms:

    • [country]--social conditions
    • [country]--social life and customs
    • Do a title search using the words "daily life"

  • Search the history of the period
    • [country] and history and [century]

  • Search views of the author
    • [author] political and social views
    • [author] and religion

  • Search for a broad overview of a country or city
    • [country] civilization
    • [city] civilization

  • Search for works about the theatre

    • theater and [country]

Note: When searching by subject in the catalog, use the ER spelling of theatre

Primo Search