WPH DRAMATURGE BACKGROUND 

"Earth and Sky" 2021

-- Gary Gillespie

Our director Alenda asked me to serve as the show's Dramaturge. 

WHAT IS A "DRAMATURE" YOU ASK? 

A dramaturg is a literary advisor and research specialist who works closely with theater and opera companies. For our play, The Sound of Music, the dramaturg helps the director, actors and production team understand and interpret the play's text, history, and context.

This includes:

• Researching the historical details of 1930s Austria, the von Trapp family, and the rise of Nazism.
• Providing information about Austrian culture, music, and social norms of the time.
• Analyzing the themes of the play, such as the conflict between personal beliefs and political pressure, the importance of family, and the power of music.
• Offering insights into the characters' motivations and relationships.
• Assisting with any necessary script adaptations or edits.

About Me
As a retired professor emeritus from Northwest University where I taught communication and performance for over three decades and supervised theatrical productions, I've seen firsthand how historical context brings depth to performance. Beyond my academic background, my own acting experience in productions from "A Christmas Carol", "Importance of Being Ernest", "Comedy of Errors" to "Play On" has taught me that the best performances come when actors truly understand their characters' world.

NOTE: Your directors Alenda and Ben have final say on coaching you so if any tips in the Drama Resource Center here differ please ignore.
Check out the links here to improve your acting experience. 

THEATRE EXPERIENCE

 

### Whidbey Playhouse

- Mr. Fezziwig, *A Christmas Carol* (2024)

- Mr. Jenkins, *Cash On Delivery* (2023)

- Lord Dudley, *Play On* (2023)

- Detective Kernsnowski, *Earth and Sky* (2022)

- Rev. Canon Chasuble, *The Importance of Being Earnest* (2021)

 

### Northwest University Theater

- Simon Simpson/Professor, *Our Town*

- Aegis, *The Comedy of Errors*

- Magistrate, *Fools* by Neil Simon

- Director, *Our Town*

 

### Additional Performance Experience

- Poseidon Players - Featured performer in multiple theatrical skits

- Whidbey Playhouse Adult Acting Class - (3 sessions)

 

## RELATED EXPERIENCE

 

### Academic & Performance Leadership

- Chair, Communication Department, Northwest University

- Oversight of Drama Major program

- House Manager for annual theatrical productions

- Professor of Interpretive Reading (30+ years)

  - Instruction in dramatic literature analysis and performance

  - Direction of student performances

  - Critiqued over 5,000 student public speaking performances

 

### Speech & Performance Coaching

- Speech & Debate Team Coach (30 years)

  - Led team to 10th place national ranking (2000)

  - Coached award-winning interpretive performance pieces

  - Guided competitive two-person debate teams to consistent tournament finals

 

### Early Performance Background

- Competitive Speech & Debate performer

  - Kent Meridian High School

  - Western Washington University

- One-Act Play performer, Kent Meridian High School

 

## EDUCATION

- MA, Western Washington University

- Professor Emeritus, Northwest University, Kirkland, WA

 

## SPECIAL SKILLS

- Dramatic literature analysis

- Performance direction

- Public speaking

- Educational theatre

The Sound of Music: Historical Context Presentation
May 6, 2025

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MENU

• CHARACTER GUIDE WITH ACTING TIPS AND HELPS
• HISTORICAL TIMELINE 1928 AUSTRIA
• HELPFUL FILM AND RESOURCES 
• KEY HISTORICAL TERMS FOR THE SOUND OF MUSIC
• ABOUT GARY GILLESPIE WPH DRAMATURGE 
• May 6 Lecture Historical Contexts