Official education path
A degree at a university of applied sciences or a university provides the necessary theoretical and practical training for dramaturgy.
Top HR
Swiss professionsCulture & Media
Dramaturg/in
You curate texts and accompany cultural productions from the first idea to the stage.
01 · Overview
What this profession is about
Dramaturginnen and Dramaturgen plan cultural programmes, curate texts, and accompany productions in theatre or media.
At the heart of the cultural landscape, you design programmes that move people. As a Dramaturg/in, you connect literature, society, and art. You curate works, advise teams, and accompany productions from the first idea to the premiere. Your analytical eye and your strong communication skills make the difference.
FieldCulture & Media
Education pathHigher Education Profession
IndustryStage
Swissdoc 0.825.19.0
02 · Salary
What you can earn
No verified Swiss salary data is available for this profession yet.
Salaries reflect Swiss market data. Range covers entry to senior. Salary reference based on Dramaturg/in.
03 · Pathway
How to enter and grow
Swiss training pathway available in the full profile
- 🎓 Bachelor of Arts ZFH in Theater, Praxisfeld Dramaturgie (ZHDK) oder Master of Arts en lettres et sciences humaines (UNINE)
- ⏱ 3 Jahre Bachelor, Vollzeit 2 Jahre Master, Vollzeit
Typical training path
Bachelor of Arts ZFH in Theater, Praxisfeld Dramaturgie (ZHDK) oder Master of Arts en lettres et sciences humaines (UNINE)
Prerequisites
- Fachhochschule: gymnasiale Maturität, Berufsmaturität or Fachmaturität (Musik/Theater)
- Passed aptitude test (for Fachhochschule)
- Universität: gymnasiale Maturität
- Universität: Berufsmaturität with passed Passerelle
- Universität: Bachelor's degree (FH, PH, UH, ETH)
Requirements
- Strong interest in literature, culture, and socio-political issues
- Analytical-conceptual skills
- Oral and written expression skills
- Ability to develop, implement, and review projects
- Resourcefulness and creativity
- Flair for communication issues
Where this can lead
Career changes are possible if you have already worked as an assistant in a cultural institution. Working as a freelancer or in an independent theatre group also opens up new perspectives.
04 · Skills & fit
What it takes
Required skills
- Analytical strength
- Communication skills
- Conceptual thinking
- Network and contacts
Personality fit
- Swiss career path
- Career transition
- Professional growth
05 · Daily reality
What the work feels like
Typical day
You sit at the long table with the directors. You discuss the next text passages for the coming season. You carefully check if the historical references are correct. You also think about how to make the story accessible to today's audience.
- You read and evaluate literary texts for the coming season.
- You curate works and plan them into the overall programme.
- You commission writers and adapt texts for productions.
- You negotiate with publishers and sign legally secure contracts.
- You advise directors on casting and steer the production.
- You analyze social debates and integrate them into the art.
- You write texts for funding applications and programme booklets.
- You organize cultural outreach programmes and accompany the audience at events.
Working conditions
You work in theatre and opera houses, at radio and television stations, and on festivals. You often switch between office work, rehearsal rooms, and event venues.
Where to learn
- Zürcher Hochschule der Künste (ZHdK) Toni-ArealPfingstweidstrasse 96, 8005 Zürich
- Université de Neuchâtel Faculté des lettres et sciences humaines EspaceLouis-Agassiz 1, 2000 Neuenburg
- Formation continue UNIL-EPFL EPFL - Quartier de l'Innovation Bâtiment E1015 Lausanne
Strengths
- Analytical strength
- Communication skills
- Conceptual thinking
- Network and contacts
Trade-offs
- Irregular hours
- High competition
- Financial uncertainty
- Creative friction
06 · Similar
