Devised Work
KCACTF Devised Theatre Project
Devising is loosely defined as the process of collaboratively creating a new work without a pre-existing script wherein the collaborators are also the performers.
In the standard theatre model, a single playwright writes the text and then a director casts actors and selects designers to interpret that text, resulting in a theatre production. With devised theatre, however, the collective artists begin without a script. A devised piece of theatre can literally start with anything: a painting, a song, a real-life event, a novel to adapt, a KCACTF national prompt, etc.
Multiple ways to devise exist. However, a deep study of devising shows that many companies’ processes include five key stages: research, creation, development, rehearsal, and performance.
Photo by Teresa Castracane Photography.
Devising is loosely defined as the process of collaboratively creating a new work without a pre-existing script wherein the collaborators are also the performers.
In the standard theatre model, a single playwright writes the text and then a director casts actors and selects designers to interpret that text, resulting in a theatre production. With devised theatre, however, the collective artists begin without a script. A devised piece of theatre can literally start with anything: a painting, a song, a real-life event, a novel to adapt, a KCACTF national prompt, etc.
Multiple ways to devise exist. However, a deep study of devising shows that many companies’ processes include five key stages: research, creation, development, rehearsal, and performance.
Photo by Teresa Castracane Photography.
Program
Eligibility
To be eligible, students must:
- Attend an institution that has entered either an associate or participating production during the year in which the nomination occurs; and
- Be a bona fide student at the time of the Regional Festival.
The Prompt
The 2020 prompt for the KCACTF Devising Project is "Entrance without paper is forbidden."
Event
Ensemble will select their sources of inspiration as their creative container (examples: a photograph, a poem, a fictional or non-fictional short story, a memory, interviews, a question, etc.). Ensemble will be asked to clearly articulate how their sources informed process and product, form and content.
Each ensemble will create a unique performance vocabulary informed by their source materials. This vocabulary should include movement, voice, visual image, sonic landscape, text and scenic environment and communicate the piece's style and aesthetic.
Ensemble should consider time restraints and travel considerations. These parameters are designed to form a creative container to spark your imaginations and deepen your exploration.
Logistics/Parameters:
- Approximately 16'X16' playing space, ensemble determines audience placement & interaction
- Work lights up/down provided, any additional lighting will be ensemble-generated
- Regions provide electrical power, ensemble must provide all technical sources (music sources, extension cords, projector, clip lights, etc)
- 20 minute time limit which must include set-up, performance and strike
- Set up and strike can be part of the performance
- Contributions of the ensemble are to be balanced and evenly distributed
- Not every member of the ensemble must perform, but the majority should
- Faculty advisors may provide outside-eye feedback, but students should drive the work
- No live flame, smoking, or functional weapons
- Each showing will be given 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.
- Regions will only provide the space; ensembles must bring everything else. Be careful about making assumptions (availability of chairs, acting blocks, etc)!
How to Participate
Check your Region's website for application details.
There is no National devising program; this program takes place only at the Regional Festival level.