Devised Theatre Project

The Prompt

Our work will center around the idea of discovery. We will come together to find the stories we didn’t know were already there. This year, the Devised Theatre Project will consist of four parts:
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1. Preparation (at home)

2. Workshop (at the festival)

3. Rehearsal (at the festival)

4. The Presentation (at the festival)

 
Participants will be asked to gather materials and people to bring to the festival. At the festival groups will work to create five-minute performances. By creating them in a workshop you will get time and space to work as well as have the opportunity to inspire and be inspired by other groups. After the workshop, the pieces will be presented to an audience and respondents so that you can get feedback on your process and product.

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Preparation - Gathering

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• Gather a group - Ideally, each group will have 5 artists (minimum 3 people; maximum 7 people)

  • Note: If you'd like to participate but do not have a group, come to the workshop and we will place you with one.

• Gather 3 artifacts for the group that meet the following parameters:

  • A Durable item. One that is unlikely to be damaged by use; cannot be used up; can be used for purposes for which it was not intended.

  • An Emotionally Connected item. An item that has emotional resonance for one or more of your group members.

  • A Sound. It can be a recording or a sound that can be produced in the room. There is no limit for length.

• Register yourself or your group if you have one. Use the link below. You will be asked to provide names and contact information for yourself or the artists (if in a group) and your faculty mentor’s name.

• Please note: No live flame, No smoking, No functional weapons.

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The Workshop - Discovering

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• We will gather for 2 hours to create your piece.

• Your goal will be to create a 5-minute piece devised by your group.

• During the workshop the leaders will offer some approaches for how your group might use your artifacts to discover a story together.

• You will get the opportunity to draw inspiration from other devising groups.

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Rehearsal - Refine your Presentation

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• We will gather for 2 hours to rehearse your piece.

• Your goal will be to refine your storytelling approach.

• During the workshop the leaders will give feedback and offer suggestions.

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Presentation - Tell your Story

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• Approximately 16’X16’ playing space; ensemble determines audience interaction.

• Work lights up/down provided; any additional lighting will be ensemble-generated.

• Power will be available. The ensemble must provide all technical sources (music sources, extension cords, projector, clip lights, etc.)

• Not every member of the ensemble must perform, but the majority should.

The performances will be followed by a short response from regional faculty and/or devising guest artists.  Each deviser will be expected to speak articulately about their work, displaying rigor of process and responsibility for form and content.​

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Articles on Devised Theatre To Get You Inspired and Working

The first includes live links to several other devising resources and the second can be accessed through your school library.

• -“What is Devised Theatre?” Posted by Martine Kei Green-Rogers, 28th Sept. 2016, THEATRE TIMES 

• -“On the Case for Devising Theatre on Social Justice on College Campuses,” Joan Lipkin, THEATRE TOPICS, John Hopkins University Press, Vol. 26, Number 2, July 2016 

Enter the Devised Theatre Project