Dramaturgy in Action: the Server’s Stage and Performance

I can see my life through the lens of Dramaturgy, a theory suggesting that people are actors playing various roles in their day-to-day lives, often relying on an improvised script during interactions (Griffiths 18). This theory implies that I, too, am an actor, tasked with performing certain roles such as being a student or an employee, each with its own set of expectations. These expectations dictate how I should behave, communicate, and interact within these roles. The essence of Dramaturgy is visible in the interactions I engage in daily, like conversing with customers at work or collaborating on group projects in school.

By examining my roles, the impressions I project, and my overall performance, I can better understand how Dramaturgy applies to my life.

Roles and Impressions: Crafting the Persona

My roles significantly influence how I present myself to the world. As a server at a banquet center, I am required to be friendly and welcoming, ensuring that my customers are satisfied with their dining experience. This role demands that I maintain a cheerful and positive demeanor, even on days when I might not feel particularly happy. Goffman describes an actor’s performance as the activity of an individual occurring in front of observers, which in turn influences those observers (Goffman 139). In my capacity as a server, my guests are my audience, and my performance directly affects their dining choices and overall satisfaction. To deliver a convincing performance, I must embrace my role sincerely, embodying the values, behaviors, and attitudes expected of a server.

In contrast, role distance is more apparent in my life as a student. This occurs when my performance lacks sincerity and deviates from the core values of the role. The primary value of a student is learning, and when I resort to mere memorization rather than true understanding, I am not genuinely fulfilling the student role. Memorization might help in the short term, but it ultimately detracts from genuine learning and retention of knowledge.

Impression Management: Navigating Authenticity and Expectations

Impression management is crucial in my role as a server. I must consciously control how I present myself to ensure my guests have a pleasant experience. If I appear sad or disengaged, it could negatively impact my guests’ moods. I employ sign vehicles, which are clues about an individual based on behavior and appearance (Goffman 136), to shape the impressions I give off. At work, my uniform serves as a sign vehicle, projecting professionalism and readiness to serve. In contrast, my casual attire at school, like wearing sweats, could suggest a laid-back attitude.

Intentional expressions, such as raising my hand in class to ask a question, are ways I communicate deliberately. Unintentional expressions, like yawning when tired, convey information I might not intend to share. In my workplace, maintaining moral character is vital, as it aligns with the respect and recognition I expect as a trained server. My reputation is closely tied to the quality of service I provide, influencing whether guests will request my service in the future.

The Art of Facework: Preserving Reputation and Navigating Mistakes

Facework is essential in managing my public image or "face." As a server, my face is synonymous with my reputation as a diligent and attentive employee. I strive to ensure my facework aligns with this image, performing my duties to the best of my ability. Avoidance is a tactic I sometimes use to protect my face, such as when I steer clear of a table if I’ve made an error with an order, fearing it might tarnish my reputation.

Preventative facework involves actions taken to avoid embarrassing situations for myself or others. For instance, if a customer mispronounces a menu item, I respond politely, preserving their dignity and face. Defensive facework comes into play when I rectify mistakes, such as offering a discount for an incorrect order, thereby safeguarding my reputation and ensuring customer satisfaction.

Stages of Interaction: Navigating Front and Backstage Realities

Dramaturgy identifies three stages of interaction: the front stage, the backstage, and the outside. On the front stage, I perform for guests in the dining room, where I must deliver my best performance. The backstage, such as the kitchen, is where I can momentarily drop my performance, allowing for relaxation and preparation. The outside stage, encompassing my life beyond work and school, is where I reflect on my interactions and roles, free from the immediate need to perform.

Balancing Acts: Harmonizing Roles and Impressions in Life

Applying Dramaturgy to my life involves recognizing the interplay between my roles, the impressions I project, and my performances. As both a student and an employee, I am expected to fulfill specific responsibilities with dedication and enthusiasm. Effective impression management requires aligning my facework with the persona I wish to project, whether as a diligent student or a competent server. Role embracement enhances my connection with customers and enriches my learning experience, motivating me to excel in both arenas.

In conclusion, Dramaturgy offers a valuable framework for understanding the intricate dynamics of my roles and interactions. By consciously managing my performances across different stages, I can navigate the expectations of my roles while maintaining authenticity and integrity. This approach not only enriches my personal and professional relationships but also fosters personal growth and self-awareness.

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