DEVISING*

While theatre is often thought of in terms of well-known plays and musicals, creating original work is quickly becoming a popular method of production in secondary schools.  The appeal of devised work is that it capitalizes on the interests of the students and gives them ownership of the material.  When the work is meaningful to the students on a personal level, they are more likely to be invested in the project, which increases intrinsic motivation and individual responsibility.  Devising is much more effective when the students guide the work and choose the topics of exploration.  This work can be time consuming, but the payoffs are well worth the investment.  The projects listed below can be used to inspire ideas or to investigate a variety of subjects (as determined by the students). 

Skills and Understandings

Students will be able to

• Demonstrate cooperation and collaboration in a group
• Use effective brainstorming techniques and use graphic organizers

• Identify a variety of sources from which to create dramatic material

• Manage time effectively
• Take and give direction effectively

• Delegate responsibilities and take responsibility for own tasks and goals
• Demonstrate a variety of techniques for developing a performance piece
• Distinguish between effective and ineffective material to be included in a performance piece
• Create original characters and storylines
• Create an original piece of theatre

      

Copyright © 2002 by Arizona State University and the Arizona Board of Regents.