by michelle hutter | Mar 3, 2026
One of the most effective ways to advance your career as a playwright is to work with a dramaturg. Once you’ve completed a first draft, it’s crucial to bring in an objective, experienced eye—someone who not only understands the mechanics of storytelling, but also has a deep grasp of theatrical structure, character arcs, dialogue rhythm, pacing, and emotional build.
A skilled dramaturg can help identify what’s working and what isn’t. They’ll tell you where to cut, where to expand, and how to shape the story so it truly resonates on stage. They’re not just editors—they’re collaborators who understand theatre from the inside out. Personally, I would never consider submitting a play without first putting it through a rigorous dramaturgical process.
Having an experienced dramaturg by my side has also expanded my network. Because they are respected within the theatre community, I’ve been introduced to producers and directors who are open to reading my work—and who now take me seriously as a writer with professional standards.
Most importantly, my dramaturg is committed to the integrity of the play itself. Their feedback isn’t about ego or control—it’s about elevating the work and ensuring it reaches its full potential. Having someone in your corner who cares that deeply about the story makes all the difference.
-Chris Sherman
by michelle hutter | Mar 3, 2026
I am so thankful to the committee for selecting Green: The Musical for this recognition and to Jonathan Cerullo, Colin Freeman and the entire cast and team who put this show together. I am equally grateful to Cate Cammarata and her vision and sponsorship of the New Works Festival and Create Theater overall. Create Theater has provided me with supportive and knowledgeable mentors and colleagues who have challenged me to rework, rewrite and even rethink elements of my show, and they have also offered frequent and accessible opportunities to actually present elements of the musical and receive comments and critiques from a community of experts. I am excited to move forward even further to see where we can go with Green!
Kathryn Komsa Schmidt
by michelle hutter | Mar 3, 2026
Thank you so much for last night, Cate. That seminar is GOLD. I’m spending a glorious day doing rewrites based on last night’s feedback. Please pass on my appreciation, and, if I’m not too late, sign me up for the next seminar, and the one after.
Wendy Bichel
by michelle hutter | Mar 3, 2026
I know the thrill of seeing one’s work produced at the CreateTheater festival. For me, it was one of the highlights of my life to see Madame Curie come to life. All is well here. Take care.
All my best, Dave Kurkowski
by michelle hutter | Mar 3, 2026
“Working with Cate Camarrata and CreateTheater has been an invaluable experience. Because of Cate and CreateTheater, I was able to realize my dream of having my play, Retraction, play off-Broadway at the CreateTheater New Works Festival in 2022. Not only was the play a success, it won awards for best play and best director.
Not only is Cate a great dramaturg and producer, but Cate and CreateTheater know how to develop a show, whether it is a play or a musical, and help take it to the next level of impact.”
David Gutierrez
