DRAMATURGY
Green Thumb Theatre production, photo by Sarah Race Photography of actor Caleb Dyks, set by Kimira Reddy, costumes by Melissa McCowell, lights by John Webber.
Cranked: The Remix
by Michael P. Northey
I worked with Michael P. Northey to update the script for his hit show Cranked, and adapt it to a digital format for a live-streamed production at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. The following year, I worked with Michael to adapt the play further for a return to the stage and the integration of all-new music by rapper Kyprios.
“Rachel has always shown an intrinsic charm in the creative writing process. Her ability to pinpoint specific moments in need of clarity, along with her acute sense of strong, interesting storytelling, have allowed Rachel to thrive as a dramaturg, always able to lead playwrights or creators down a visceral path to articulate their vision clearly, and still tell the story with their own style and strengths. Rachel’s guidance never feels forced, yet her creative investment is steadfast. Rachel approaches dramaturgy as it should be, applying her own writing sense and experience, but allowing full focus on the writer’s objectives and their desired creative outcome.”
Michael P. Northey
Green Thumb Theatre production, photo by Sarah Race Photography of actors Erin Purghart as Bex and Johnny Wu as Jacob, set by Lully Villar, costumes by Donnie Tejani.
For Now
By Scott Button
I worked with Scott over a number of years to develop the kernel of an idea about queer identity and self-acceptance into an incredibly poignant piece for teens about the intersections of race, class, gender, and sexual identity.
“I had the pleasure of collaborating with Rachel over a multi-year development period for my play, For Now. Like her work as a writer and actor, Rachel's dramaturgy is informed by empathy, curiosity and an irrepressible sense of humour. Her knowledge of writing theatre for young audiences, paired with her passion for exploring social issues with strong storytelling as the foundation, was crucial in bringing the play to life. With playfulness and rigor, she helped ready the play for production; For Now went on to tour for two seasons and was nominated for a Tom Hendry Award. I am so proud of our collaboration, and would work with her again in a heartbeat.”
Scott Button
Green Thumb Theatre production of Like It or Not, photo by Tim Matheson of actors Cam Legg and Pamela Martinez, set by Kimira Reddy, costumes by Donnie Tejani.
Like It or Not and What If
By Katey Hoffman
I originally worked with Katey as an assistant to long-time Green Thumb Theatre Artistic Director Patrick McDonald as she wrote her debut TYA piece What If. I went on to dramaturg Katey’s second TYA offering, Like It or Not, a hilarious piece for elementary school aged children.
“Working with Rachel was effortless and insightful. She supported my vision, championed my characters, and asked the questions I probably (most definitely) was avoiding. Without a doubt, her notes and guidance made my script better. There are few people I would entrust with my early drafts of a new play. Rachel is one of them.”
Katey Hoffman
Green Thumb Theatre production photo of The Mixolydian, photo by Sarah Race Photography of actors Merewyn Comeau and Issiah Bull Bear, set by Emerenne Saefkow, costumes by Emily Friesen.
The Mixolydian
By Ashley Cook
The Mixolydian was born out of a writing exploration Ashley did during Green Thumb Theatre’s The Playwrights’ Gym, a training program I launched while I was running Green Thumb Theatre. I immediately knew that Ashley had an important story to tell, and worked with her over the next two years to develop her first professionally produced play. Working with Ashley was an enriching experience as she integrated Anishinaabe language, protocols, and storytelling. It stretched me as a dramaturg and I am honoured to have played a part in bringing that story to the stage.
“Rachel is a supportive and dedicated collaborator who was instrumental in helping me realize the vision of my first play. As a first-time playwright, her belief in my ability to write a compelling story gave me the confidence to keep going. Rachel’s insightful guidance was invaluable, especially during moments when I felt stuck—she always knew how to help me move forward with clarity and purpose.”
Ashley Cook