Topic title: Devising Project
Year group: 9
When taught: April – June
What are we learning?
In the summer term of Year 9 we explore how to devise theatre, focusing on the creation of character, plot and structure, and linking our work to a practitioner. In their groups, they will develop their project, over the course of 5 weeks, through workshops. They will then be led through rehearsals, including completing a written reflection and evaluation of their process, in order to create a piece of devised theatre. They will also be learning about Brecht and practically applying his methods and values to their pieces. Students will develop their understanding of characterisation and creating characters on stage, creating plot using linear and non-linear structures, and responding to a stimulus. They will practice breaking the 4th wall, using placards, freeze frames and multi-rolling.
Why is this important to know?
The devising project has strong links with Component 1 of GCSE Drama where students are required to create a piece of devised theatre in response to a set of stimuli and in the style of a practitioner of their choice. The Y9 Summer project helps prepare students for the knowledge, skills and work ethic they will need to apply if they are to do GCSE.
Where does this link into our past and future learning?
The project will link to both Y7 and Y8 pieces of assessed, and non-assessed, work in which they devised themselves away from a script. They will be tackling social and political topics through the message they will aim to send with their devised piece (aligning with Brechtian values).
The project will also help support future GCSE students in their Component 1 module.
How will we be assessed on this topic?
Students will be assessed on both practical and written work at the end of the scheme of work focusing on characterisation, practitioner work and process of devising.
- Practitioner work – Placards, freeze frames, multi-rolling and breaking the 4th wall, process of devising.
- Characterisation – voice, movement, gestures, body language, movement, ensemble
- Written exploration of process of devising and Brecht’s values and methods.
What makes a strong piece of work in this topic? What are teachers hoping to see?
Students will be expected to perform in front of the class and demonstrate their understanding of devising theatre and techniques of the practitioner. This work will also focus on a reflective approach to their own project and process of devising.
What key words are there in this topic?
- Characterisation
- Placards
- Multi-rolling
- Breaking the 4th wall
- Non-naturalistic
- Freeze Frames
What can I try if I want to stretch and challenge myself on this topic?
- Nominate yourself to be a director for a group, to support your ideas and to have a focus for the work.
- Create a script of the devising process using ideas on the practitioner.
What wider reading can be done on this topic?
- Research Bertolt Brecht and devising techniques.
Supporting documents
- Epic theatre and Brecht, click here.
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