As both a playwright and a Literary Dramaturg with over ten years of experience in script reading and dramaturgical services, I understand the importance and value of constructive professional feedback. I have read over a thousand plays and play proposals in the last decade and written feedback reports for both internal use and reports that are sent to the playwrights. As a writer myself, who has experienced the highs and lows of the industry, I believe this lends an extra level of empathy and sensitivity to my feedback.
I have had my work performed and produced at several leading theatres, in many festivals and online and this has resulted in numerous collaborations with emerging writers, directors, producers and actors which has given me a real insight into the current theatre scene.
I have provided Script Reading and Dramaturgical Feedback services for companies including:
- The Royal Shakespeare Company
- The Papatango Prize
- Bush Theatre
- Writers Guild of Great Britain Best Play Awards
- Tamasha Theatre
- The William Saroyan Playwriting Prize
- ADAA Saroyan/Paul Playwriting Prize
- Royal Court Theatre
Below, I’ll share a little about what you can expect with my Script Reading and Dramaturgical services.
“Olu has a keen eye for a strong concept, knows how to write sympathetic characters to carry the politics of his plays, and works hard to consider dramaturgical criticism and respond in his work. In person he is warm, generous, tactful and a sensitive dramaturg of other writers.”
Fin Kennedy
Playwright & Artistic Director of Applied Stories
Script Reading and Dramaturgical services can offer you:
Consultancy
Having someone to consult on your work can relieve some of the stress and imposter syndrome that can often come with writing. It can also provide some guidance on things you may not have tried before, and support you in your creative process.
Constructive and Personalised feedback
You don’t have to worry about vague or unhelpful criticisms of your play with this service. Instead, you’ll be given constructive feedback grounded in bespoke dramaturgical questions and provocations that can be used as actionable notes for future drafts of your play.
Efficiency
You will receive focused, professional feedback, in ten days (or less if requested), ideal for those tight deadlines or longer works in progress.
How does the service work?
Think of it as a collaboration. This will be a two way process and a chance for you to use me as a sounding board for your play and your ideas. Your work is only ever your own, but my role is to provide you with support, advice, guidance and a second professional opinion.
Let’s say you have a work-in-progress script that you’d like to submit to a national competition or a theatre’s submission window, but maybe you’re unsure about the flow of certain scenes, or if a particular relationship between characters is clear or maybe you’re wondering if the ending is powerful enough.
I can help.
Or maybe you have experience writing in a different medium such as film, television, radio, poetry or prose and would like a little extra support in writing your first stage play.
I can help.
Or maybe you haven’t written a full-length play before so you’d like a professional opinion on how to go about it, based on a rough draft or idea that you may have.
I can help.
Or you might be a more experienced playwright who would just like some constructive professional feedback and a second opinion before submitting that first or final draft to the theatre or a producer.
I can help with that too.
I cater equally for both emerging and experienced playwrights and remain very flexible to your needs.
The turnaround time for script reports is normally 10 days but again, this is flexible. If you need an urgent 5 day turnaround that’s often possible too. Just ask.
In my role as a script reader it has been absolutely essential for me to have the skills to identify and help to develop both emerging and experienced talent. I have achieved this by giving constructive feedback to both the theatre and the playwrights. I believe that my training and work with many different companies has made me very accomplished in doing this over the last decade or so.
Services Price List
Script Reports will normally be between 3-6 pages long and will focus on the usual suspects of Plot, Characters, Language/Dialogue, Themes, Theatricality, Structure, Form, Dramatic and Emotional Engagement and Originality and will provide you with a number of dramaturgical questions for you to consider for future drafts.
But beyond that, it’s important to remember that a script reader is often your first audience, and personally I really enjoy supporting playwrights and I love reading plays that make me think, make me laugh and perhaps most importantly make me care.
- Script Report for plays less than 50 pages long= £50
- Script Report for plays between 51-90 pages= £75
- Script Report for plays between 91-120 pages= £100
- Script Report for plays over 120 pages = £125
You can also receive a 1-2-1 virtual feedback session for an additional cost.
- Script Reading Report PLUS 1 hour virtual feedback session = An additional £40
- Script Reading Report PLUS 2 hour virtual feedback session= An additional £60
I offer a limited number of discounts each month, based on individual circumstances, so again, please just ask.
Payment will be requested via invoice no more than 10 Days after receipt of your report and/or feedback session.
For more flexible ongoing dramaturgical support with a particular project please get in touch via our contact page.
Also for Corporate Rates please get in touch via our contact page.
Thanks!
Olu-Alakija.com 