Devising: Developing Your Ideas

Devising: Developing Your Ideas

Initiating the Devise Process

Start with spontaneous improvisation: This can lead to interesting ideas and may be a good starting point for your devised piece.
Try various starting points: Experiment with different stimuli such as photos, music, or a quote, this could help build your ideas.

Basic Concepts and Inspiration

Keep it simple initially: Start with basic characters and scenarios, then add complexities and details as your ideas develop.
Take inspiration from existing works: You can create a whole new piece based on an element of a performance that interested you, or on a particular style or genre.

Structuring and Styling the Piece

Utilize different dramatic styles and techniques: Realism, surrealism, physical theatre, and non-linear narratives are all interesting ways of presenting ideas.
Experiment with forms: You can tell stories through monologues, dialogues, flashbacks, episodic structures - sometimes a mix of multiple forms can make a piece more exciting.

Character and Audience Development

Develop multidimensional characters: Even if your piece is action-focused, having characters with depth can make it much more engaging.
Be aware of your intended audience: Keep in mind who you are performing for - some content may not be suitable or engaging for all ages.

Receive feedback: Listen to others’ ideas and criticisms - they can help you improve and finalise your ideas.
Practice and refine: Continue working on and developing your ideas, using rehearsal time to test and tweak your scenes.
Keep record of your progress: Log your thoughts, explorations, and decisions throughout the devising process for a reference guide on how your ideas and performance evolve.

Remember, the goal is to explore new ideas and creative processes. Enjoy the process of creating drama in a form that is dynamic and rewarding.