Devised Theatre
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Devised Drama Workshops
- New to Devising?
- Need help with your Fifth or Sixth Form Devising projects?
- Like some bespoke sessions to drive the work forward?
- Need help introducing a particular practitioner or theme?
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I have been working in this arena for over twenty years and would be delighted to share my expertise with your students!
My 2010 devisers have experienced huge success in their final performances, and the two most recent projects I have overseen: The Krays, a phenomenally orginal piece on the infamous twins and their activities leading London’s Gangland in the 1950’s and New Blank Document, an equally outstanding piece on writer’s block and creativity, were pronounced as amongst the top four in the country by the Chief Examiner of AQA, Su Fielder.
Additionally, I offer a vast range of workshops on a compendious array of themes using all sorts of skills based on such companies as:
Theâtre de Complicité, Frantic Assembly, Shared Experience, Kneehigh and many more.
We might use aspects of the work of Berkoff, Beckett, Brook, Pinter, Brecht, Stanislavski, and many more, as appropriate and according to the group or groups’ chosen theme(s)
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A session might take the following form:
Introduction to Devising: extending your skills.
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1. Discussion of the group’s experience thus far and the chosen theme.
2. Getting to know the group Games and Names.
3. Exploration of devising skills focusing on such techniques as use of planes, speed changes, framing, core images, links, levels, status, voice-work, and sound-scape etc
4. Introduction of the key theme or title of the proposed piece. Creating trails: shared knowledge, brainstorming techniques, exploring ideas using the above techniques, research. Continuing to explore and develop new techniques, using a range of stimuli and props such as poles, sheets, rolls of paper, half-masks etc.
5. Creating a ‘micro’ set-piece combining three or four devising skills learnt, based on the chosen theme. Groups to perform to each other. Discussion and feedback.
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SESSIONS CAN BE TAILOR-MADE TO SUIT YOUR GROUPS.
I have overseen and directed 200 and more devising groups, some of the themes have included:
Vortex: A History of Insanity – the treatment and experience of mental illness across the centuries
WWW. – the effect of the internet and computing on our lives
Im-Perfection – a look at beauty ‘fascism’ – sub-headed: Women Beware Women
The Sea – a physical theatre exploration of world lore and literature about the sea
Bunker – a piece on the London Blitz using song, naturalism, caricature, physical theatre and poetry
War Cabaret – a total theatre homage to Joan Littlewood’s ‘O What A Lovely War’
Shakespeare’s Women – a meeting of Shakespeare’s key women and the events of and characters in their lives.
Game On – a vigorous physical theatre piece concerning on-line gaming, filmed as a benchmark piece for AQA Standardising.
Art: Nouveau? – A piece of total theatre based on the Art World
Travel Brochure – on the disillusions and of travel
The Brontes – their life and work in a mixed media production
Granted – what matters in life, and beyond
Cautionary Tales for Naughty Girls and Boys – a satirical look at the adult world’s take on danger.
Seventh Heaven – a physical theatre piece on what heaven might actually be
Myth and Mask – myths told through work with poles, sheets and masks
Poetry In Motion – dance/drama pieces using music and poetry
I have also devised using texts such as Blue Remembered Hills, Cider With Rosie, Under Milk Wood and many more.
Please go to Contact for further details on booking.