As a production dramaturg, I aim to support creative teams and casts by providing a comprehensive understanding of a playtext’s historical and sociocultural contexts. Through deep inquiry, research, and analysis, I am especially interested in how each production exists as a distinct snapshot in the evolving life of a play–an ongoing conversation shaped by its creators, participants, and moment in time. In addition, I enjoy finding creative ways to connect and engage with audiences through digital platforms. I have contributed to several productions of Stephen Sondheim’s work in and around Los Angeles/Orange County, as well as participated in readings/workshops of new works. Below is a selection of my dramaturgical work, including descriptions and links to relevant materials. For more information, please see my CV or contact me at stephaniejlim.phd [at] gmail.com.
Sleeper: A Camp Tragedy & Access Extravaganza in Three Acts | California State University, Northridge | 2024
As part of the launching of CSUN’s new Disability Studies minor, Dean Grosbard’s play SLEEPER was presented as a short reading. I participated in the post-show discussion, along with Dr. Rick Mitchell (English) and Dr. Guillermo Rodriguez (CTVA), chatting with Grosbard about his play’s commitment to access and the centering of those with sleep disorders.
Cocktail | California State University, Northridge | 2022
During CSUN’s 2021-2022 season, I participated as a talkback moderator for the Theatre Department’s production of Ping Chong and Vince LaCata’s COCKTAIL.
Assassins | East West Players, Los Angeles | 2022
Serving as production dramaturg, I had the honor of working with East West Players on Sondheim’s Assassins (initially postponed in 2020 due to Covid). My work focused on pre-production research for the cast and designers, including the creation of this digital dramaturgy packet and a backstage image wall (pictured below). In addition, I collaborated with Jade Cagalawan (EWP’s Arts Education & Professional Enrichment Programs Director) to create this public-facing study guide.
Into the Woods | University of California, Irvine | 2022
My final dramaturgy credit at UC Irvine, I served as co-dramaturg with colleague Minu Park for Sondheim’s Into the Woods. In addition to a company presentation and this program note, Park and I collaborated on this dramaturgy website. Our website features an exploration of the evolution of classic fairy tales and their symbolism (through the lens of psychoanalytic theory), and a comparison of unique Into the Woods adaptations.
Fun Home | Chance Theater, Anaheim | 2020
Having taught Fun Home a number of times in musical theatre history courses, I had the pleasure of working as the dramaturg on Chance Theater’s production. My pre-production work included creating this digital dramaturgy packet for the cast and writing this dramaturg’s note for the program. In addition, I had the opportunity to participate in a pre-show discussion with Chance Theater subscribers, pictured on the left.
A conversation with Pilapil and company members from IAMA Theatre’s 2023 production of The Bottoming Process.
The Bottoming Process by Nicholas Pilapil | New Cosmopolitan Ensemble | 2020
I participated as dramaturg in an early New Queer Works developmental workshop for Nicholas Pilapil’s The Bottoming Process, a play that traces an interracial queer couple’s bourgeoning relationship and the accompanying power dynamics and politics of race and sex. Pilapil’s play received its world premiere production at IAMA Theatre in 2023.
Program Notes | AMDA College of the Performing Arts, LA Campus | 2016-19
I supported AMDA LA’s Production Department by writing “About the Show” program notes for over 20 productions, including plays, musicals, and dance shows. These notes helped to contextualize the world within and relevance of the play for audiences. Shows included: The Wild Party (Lippa), Memphis, Sister Act, Xanadu, Little Women, Once Upon a Mattress, Carousel, FAME, 9 to 5, Sunday in the Park with George, Elephant Graveyard, Wedding Band, and The Government Inspector.
Company | University of California, Irvine | 2019
For UC Irvine’s production of Sondheim’s Company, I contributed a company presentation, this dramaturg’s note, and this public-facing website. On the website, I offer insight into the 1970s culture, with specific attention to “Me” culture and New York City life, as well as information about the concept musical.
Legally Blonde | University of California, Irvine | 2018
For UC Irvine’s production of Legally Blonde, I created a company presentation, this dramaturg’s note, and this public-facing website. On the website, I provide supporting information on sexual harassment (#MeToo and #TimesUp), Greek life, law school, and female figures in legal professions as it relates to the show. I also include my interviews with our graduating MFA students, who completed their thesis projects with the production. As part of the production’s promotional materials, I am featured on KUCI News’s Campus Skinny / Anteater Activism radio episode, along with our production’s director and leading actress, to discuss how the show’s exploration of sexual harassment still holds relevance 17 years after the movie originally premiered.
Chess | University of California, Irvine | 2017
For UC Irvine’s production of CHESS, and in my first stint as lead dramaturg, I designed a presentation for the company, this dramaturg’s note, and this public-facing website. In addition to providing context on the website about the musical’s initial development and frequent narrative/chorological reworkings since its premiere, I include a plethora of historical information about the 1972 World Chess Championship and US-Russian relations. I also offer content about general gameplay, grandmasters (along with the rarity of female players), and an exploration of chess culture in the US compared to Russia.
