Luke is a New York-based new play dramaturg and creative consultant.
Luke is a queer New York-based new play dramaturg with experience on projects at every stage of the development process. As a dramaturg, he embraces malleability, adapting his process to best suit the needs of the artists he is working with. He is particularly adept as a facilitator in the rehearsal room, guiding collaborators through challenging artistic or personal roadblocks, always with an eye toward aesthetic and collaborative harmony. Understanding that a generous, warm, and friendly process is fundamental to good art-making, he prioritizes the fostering of caring, safe, and ethical environments. He is especially drawn to works by queer and other underrepresented artists that question how the past informs the present. He has worked on projects at South Coast Repertory, Cleveland Play House, Baryshnikov Arts Center, Ars Nova, The Tank, and PRELUDE. Luke completed his M.F.A. in Dramaturgy at the University of Iowa Playwrights Workshop.
Services
For creators of all disciplines working on new works in a rehearsal room. This role is malleable depending on your process. At a minimum, I will attend rehearsals, facilitate conversations in the room, and provide feedback as the work develops and coheres.
Creative Consultation
For artists in the ideation phase of a theatrical work. Depending on your needs, I can facilitate generative discussions, respond to specific materials, or brainstorm with you.
Production & Workshop Dramaturgy
Script Reading
For writers looking for feedback on a specific draft of a new play. After discussing your current questions and concerns, I will do an in-depth reading of the script, followed by an hour-long feedback session tailored towards your artistic priorities.
Dramaturgical Research
For new works that require substantial historical or theoretical research. Whether the project is in the ideation phase, or a script already exists, I can provide a broad collection of resources for you and your collaborators, or answers to specific research questions you may have.
For writers representing characters and worlds outside of their own lived experience. I offer an in-depth reading of your script, focusing on questions of representation including but not limited to race, gender, sexuality, ability, religion, and class.
Sensitivity Reading
Testimonials
“There is no dramaturg I enjoy working with more than Luke. He has collaborated with me on multiple plays through development, always pushing for complexity rather than simplification. His notes are actionable without being prescriptive, balance the playwright’s desires with the audience’s experience, and protect the fundamental essence of the play. He is the best collaborator a playwright can ask for in a new play process.“
—Eric Marlin, Playwright
“Luke has an unerring eye for detail that helps take a production to the next level for an audience. In a world filled with noise and distractions, Luke is able to zero in on each moment in rehearsal with grace and focus. His positive energy and curiosity in the rehearsal room is infectious - many actors have commented to me how much they have appreciated Luke's support and empowerment.”
— Brendon Fox, Director
“Luke is a fantastic artistic collaborator: smart, warm, thoughtful, diligent, and kind. Luke makes sure all voices in the room are heard and feel valued. His dramaturgical insights cut through the noise and get to the heart of matters in a way that is useful to the playwright and in keeping with the spirit of the play.”
—Megan Gogerty, Playwright
“Luke has a sharp, insightful, and thorough dramaturgical eye. But more importantly, he approaches his work with an incredible spirit of generosity. This extends to everything he does—whether it’s script reading, in-room dramaturgy, or research. Altogether, he’s a wonderful collaborator.”
—Andy Knight, Dramaturg
“Luke approaches new work with curiosity, rigor, and generosity. He has a keen sense for the writer's intention behind the words on the page, and is able to offer approachable and actionable next steps to help realize its fullest potential.”
—Charles Gershman, Playwright
“When working with Luke as a dramaturg during a new play process, I cherish his consideration, cool-headedness, and attention to detail. His presence in the room is steadying, and he is a wonderful ally for both playwright and director. He gracefully switches his perspective from big-picture to micro-moments as needed and is always an unflappable and encouraging advocate for the play.”
—Sarah Lacy Hamilton, Director