What is a Dramaturg?

Hmmm... what exactly do you mean by the question? People expect different types of answers in different contexts.

But, in this context, why don't I give you a bunch of different answers and we'll see what you can make of it. Besides, one things dramaturgs do is document a process, and this documents the development of my thinking on this question over the past couple of years. Let me know what you think of this. Is this helpful? Any suggestions?

A random list of things dramaturgs do: by Winston D. Neutel, March 1995. Something I whipped up after being asked a number of times what that funny-looking word meant.
A detailed description.: by Winston D. Neutel, December 1995. Well, it sort of "goes on," but it describes a lot of things dramaturgs do.
A job description.: by Celise Kalke, December 1996. I like this one. Short and to the point.
A list of qualifications.: Sorry, this one's not on the web. Leon Katz's short essay, "The Compleat Dramaturg" describes the qualifications and training a dramaturg should have. Even though it's not about trying to describe what a dramaturg does, the list of what tools and preparation they need gives insight when discussing this question. It's in Dramaturgy in the American Theater, edited by Susan Jonas and Geoff Proehl and has also been printed in a few other contexts.
Elsewhere on the web: At the Dramaturgy Northwest web site:
Questions about Dramaturgy
A collection of quotes