The Critic Gets Reviewed

Do It Yourself Dramaturgy: 1001 Questions I Ask Myself Before I Submit My New Play by Caroline Russell-King

The show must go on—but what does it take to even begin? Caroline Russell-King answers this question and more in Do It Yourself Dramaturgy: 1001 Questions I Ask Myself Before I Submit My New Play, a witty and deeply practical guide for aspiring playwrights. Brimming with lessons in dramaturgy, the book explores everything from plot, theme, and scene structure, to the inevitable sting of rejection. It’s a resource that both demystifies the craft and celebrates the messy, exhilarating journey of bringing a play to life.

Russell-King offers readers rich, behind-the-scenes insights into the world of stage production, her voice shining through her entertaining anecdotes and sharp observations—from taking a year to finish a script to avoid overlap with another program, to jokingly warning, “I will find you and put chewing gum in your hair,” toward those who keep audiences too long after a show has ended. She even includes a “jealousy map” for when envy rears its head at the worst times. These playful touches infuse the prose with humour and candor, keeping readers laughing along even as they absorb her practical, hard-earned wisdom.

The book is not without its challenges. The unconventional formatting, with its interspersed anecdotes, may occasionally interrupt the flow for some readers, and the sheer number of questions may leave others wondering whether every one is essential. Yet these structural quirks reflect Russell-King’s intent: to create a layered, detailed exploration of the playwright’s craft and psyche. While the structure may feel unusual, many will appreciate its originality and the breadth of perspectives it offers.

Importantly, Russell-King skillfully addresses a niche that is often overlooked, reminding readers that a stage play is not a screenplay, and it deserves to be judged on its own terms. Each question ultimately ties the piece together like a gift—unwrapped question by question, story by story, lesson by lesson. It’s an inventive and highly original guide that speaks directly to the realities of playwrights’ lives and offers lasting value.

Ultimately, Do It Yourself Dramaturgy is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to advance their dramaturgy. Best suited for aspiring or emerging playwrights, theatre students, or anyone curious about the mechanics of play production, the guide provides a strong foundation for the next wave of Canadian playwrights. It also offers something indispensable: a compassionate, funny, and fiercely knowledgeable mentor on the page. Professors, in particular, will find it a refreshing and engaging addition to their syllabus, one that balances rigour with readability. While Russell-King doesn’t shy away from the challenges of playwriting, she simplifies the daunting, highlighting the joy in creation and reminding us that with the right tools and guidance, every playwright can bring their story to life.

—CANREADS BOOK REVIEW