Devising Theatre
Definition
A method of theatre-making in which the script or (if it is a predominantly physical work) performance score originates from collaborative, often improvisatory work by a performing ensemble.
Link to General Information and Brief Summary
Ways to Devise Theatre
- Give individuals materials to inspire theatre
- Source materials
- Newspaper article
- Poem
- Drawing
- Story pairing
- Split people into pairs
- One person makes a statement and the other individual adds on with a “yes and” statement
- Sound/image sequencing
- Groups create distinct sounds/poses and decide where and when they are heard
- Individuals then create story/action to accompany these sounds
- Brainstorm quickfire
- Give individuals a minute to rattle off as many topics as they can
- They then can craft theatre from some of these topics
- Embodying symbols
- The instructor names certain symbols and students must communicate through a quick, improvised scene what that means to them
- Building off prompts
- Give small groups a prompt to inspire theatre
- Ex. Winter to me is…
- Let groups use theatre to communicate their ideas and thoughts about these topics
- Give small groups a prompt to inspire theatre
Online Resources for Devising Theatre
Examples of Devised Theatre
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_w6JCKsZDU&t=1267s
- A devised piece UNH Theatre Education student Sarah Bendell helped create
- http://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3970&context=etd
- https://thetheatretimes.com/companies-devised-theatre-work/
- https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdE9P55QM7ZBZt1KFOWJYhmN1t5KZeqan
- Playlist of devised theatre pieces
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zl3ibSztES8
- Example of devised theatre process
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0B_BGAbl_hE
- Devising theatre with students at the Mccarter Theatre/Princeton Universi