Devised Theater

Devised Theatre 101

Join director and deviser Rowen Haigh for this weekend workshop in devised theatre, on September 24th and 25th!

What is devised theatre? In a nutshell, it’s original work that’s collectively created by a group of collaborators through on-your-feet exploration.

Devised theatre starts with investigating an idea through conversation, improvisation, writing prompts, and more. These activities help generate material, including characters, relationships, and interactions.

The group then works together to shape that material. Group members share with each other what they’re working on, and then the group continues to develop, refine, and structure the material to create a production.

In this weekend workshop, Rowen Haigh will lead attendees through a two-day devising process, from generating material, to refining and structuring content, and finally sharing what we’ve created (and how we got there!). Keep in mind, the sharing is a celebration of the process. It’s not about creating a perfect show, it’s about sharing the work with the final collaborator—the audience!

This workshop is for all theatre makers—playwrights, actors, designers, directors—and anyone who’s interested in the process of creating artistic content. Attendees of all ages and backgrounds are welcome. No prior experience with devising is needed, and attendees are welcome (and encouraged) to participate according to their interests and comfort level.

This workshop is designed to introduce the process of devising and to share evergreen approaches to creating work that attendees can use in any theatrical setting. You will leave with techniques and tools to jumpstart your creative impulses, explore physical space, and nurture new ideas so that they can grow and flourish.

Of note: devising is a great tool for playwrights in particular because it’s a form of playwriting itself. Instead of writing on your own and then sharing a script with others, though, you’re “writing” with a group and exploring ideas on your feet. When you return to playwriting after going through a devising process, it becomes easier than ever to “try out” ideas in your mind’s eye when you’re back at your desk!

About Rowen Haigh

I am a freelance director, deviser, producer, and educator as well as an activist and organizer for gender parity in the theatre. I prioritize creating a fun, welcoming, and low-stakes learning environment and I love sharing the magic of devising with new folks.

As a theatre maker, I create multidisciplinary work for the stage that is grounded in collective creation, heightened physicality, and a deep curiosity about the sensory power of live performance.

I serve as the Director of Education & Outreach with the National Women’s Theatre Festival, as co-chair of the Women in Theatre Committee for the Southeastern Theatre Conference (SETC), and as a board member for the Kentucky Theatre Association.

I hold an MFA in Directing/Theatre Arts from Towson University (Baltimore, MD) and a BA in Theatre from Reed College (Portland, OR). Learn more about me and my work at www.rowenhaigh.com.

Structure:

2-Day Weekend workshop September 24 & 25, 2022

Location: Trinity Centre

Cost: $30 covers two days

Class Size: Limited to 20

Saturday, Sept 24

11:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. (with 1 hour lunch break & other breaks!)

Sunday, Sept 25

1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. (with breaks)

5:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. dinner break

6:00 p.m. call

7:00 p.m. sharing, discussion, closing; end by 8:30 p.m.

The TWO Workshop Series is sponsored by THE FRATERNAL ORDER OF EAGLES.