Working in the Theatre: Devised Theatre

In devised theatre, no one knows what the end product will look like-not the performers, nor the creative team. They start with an idea, a question, a piece of music, a set, and build something completely new. And while many theatre artists who are creating this type of work that might be defined as "devised," disagree on that categorization, the fact remains the same: the work is collaborative, the work is experimental, and the work is exploratory.
As we explore the creative processes of Pig Iron Theatre Company and Elevator Repair Service Theater, we attempt to capture an ounce of the incredible creation these two theatre companies are doing each year through the devised technique of theatre, however they choose to define or not define it.
For more information on Elevator Repair Service Theater visit elevator.org.
For more information on Pig Iron Theatre Company visit pigiron.org.
American Theatre Wing’s Working in the Theatre documentary series features the most fascinating people on the stage, behind the scenes, and in the audience. From Tony Awards® and Obie Awards® winning artists to the next generation of theatre makers, we capture theatre’s inner-workings, industry luminaries, and unique stories that surround important work.
American Theatre Wing, founder of the Tony Awards® and home of and the Obie Awards®: for more information visit americantheatr....
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[@aminaminaXD]

"if you have nothing, you have enough" wow. i love theatre.

[@alca7545]

I can appreciate how the video really shows how the group works together and they're all on the same page.

[@christopherluther407]

I appreciate how they emphasize the importance of movement in productions as it does just as good at telling a story as lines of dialogue.

[@istealsyourcookie]

these comments look like an assignment from your teacher "comment something you enjoyed/learn about in the video" 💀💀💀

[@techduck123]

lmao for real! i was so confused what is going on.

[@tigrehaller4315]

Thank you for this insightful and amazing interlude into collaborative work. It's exactly what I needed to see and hear at this moment when I am in theatrical doldrums. It has reinvigorated my creative spirit! And the last quote, "If you have nothing, you have enough" was exactly the what I needed to hear.

[@raynetrevino7229]

I love that a group of people come together to create something that starts as vague idea and can go anywhere they want with it.

[@alisonbagley5324]

I appreciate that these theater crew that are showing all of these techniques and and that these cast and asamble people are taking there time.

[@purplerhino6710]

My favorite part is the beginning of the video, as it reels you in as an introduction into the art of improvisation. It feels so abstract and novel.

[@novaglacrr6114]

I like that they have a goal, and they strive for it by working their best, communicating, and cooperating.

[@anamandujano9648]

I like how they work together and explain things clear. I also like how they give advice and show what they are doing .

[@blungus]

Very interesting video. I grabbed so many of these quotes and wrote them in my notebook, its nice to hear the words of seasoned creators at this stage of learning.

[@cyntoriahendley6999]

i appreciate how they work together and how dedicated they are to create something and turn it into reality.

[@brennacockerill7909]

I like how they showed that a production isn't always serious and that they are able to laugh and have fun on set.

[@joehaynes-stewart8239]

I genuinely enjoy how although the team did not speak their actions are so loud that they control the whole stage and scene.

[@kyrapowell7796]

There is a lot of frustration and time that goes into making a musical or play, with the sound, setting, movement, etc. I think its awesome the amount of effort that goes into before and during the play. I also think its cool how sense its devised theater you can improvise and change and critique the play and make your vision and message come through

[@manda6799]

I appreciate how they all came together and worked as a team, and in how they explained the emotion behind theater.

[@izabellas4816]

I think its nice how they elaborate on how important movement and performance can be in a production

[@priyadonnagirl]

This is really interesting to watch. I like how they talk about the structure of things and how pivotal it can be especially towards the process of everything. Some of the techniques they use throughout the video but especially at 15:50 was interesting to watch. I really like the sense of community and teamwork everyone puts together to make the show happen.

[@julian-ys5fp]

I like how they all work together and have chemistry to make the musical looks pure.

[@colinbui9926]

I like how they show a multiple examples of of different theater techniques.

[@leilalum9540]

I like how much talent and creativity is put into the work they are doing

[@jonnyah]

i appreciate the documentary style of the video its a very effective way to communicate the topic

[@chancehaye25]

As someone who is an avid Theatre seeking person, I'm always looking for new things to learn and confide about the art. Over the years, I've had a select number of things stick with me that my director either said during rehearsal or told us to write down in our notes after a show. I saw a few of those same elements and key aspects implemented in "Devised Theatre". Once my director Mrs. Ankiel said during Rehearsal said you never want stage chaos to look like actually chaos where the actor seemingly look like they have no idea what their doing, It must look like its been planned out and executed to look a certain way that insures the safety of the actor and integrity of the show. I remember thinking to myself how true and easily forgotten that can be. At around 22:48 we see sort of that "chaos" aspect of a show but how its executed to look like it was all planned to progress a certain way and every blocking is moved with intention. Another aspect I liked about this video is at 3:52, I saw a different form of what I would call dancing? being demonstrated and I thought it looked flawless and slick, once executed the 2nd time. All in All, this video provided a lot of insight to things I never even knew about Theatre and the knowledge I gained will definitely be well used!

[@JasonTurnerification]

I agree with you Christopher I think they do a good job of presenting this as a story and I like that about this video!

[@bryanmpengo4719]

I like how your committed to these strange idea

[@HieuLe-my2qm]

I appreciate because of their fantastic teamwork effort to make their performance is so amazing!!!

[@girltalksisters1017]

i like how some of these exresize are being showed and how diffrent they are and hiow much they help the peformers

[@jaydenwilliams4708]

I feel that you explained the topic really well. I enjoyed it!

[@tdragon7]

I like how they explained that failure was an opportunity to add something better

[@EMPRESSALYXIS]

i like how they're always willing to help others and everyone respect every part.!~alyxis mosquera

[@Englan1226]

I like how the poeple work together to solve problems and make something that is spectacular

[@juliangarza6703]

I love the dedication

[@computerjunk5112]

I enjoyed what Kate Benson said about the joke making and how it could be a wild thought that could be put into the production because that's the whole point of the production is to make it odd.

[@fidgetminecraft1126]

cool

[@striverfor7628]

Bookmarks 5:35 9:50

[@user-us7ic1bu8b]

who else here cuz of schoooooool

[@user-us7ic1bu8b]

shit same

[@user-us7ic1bu8b]

yo what are they doing lmao people get locked in psych wards for this

[@user-us7ic1bu8b]

this is what money laundering looks like children

[@user-us7ic1bu8b]

How do they make money tho like who would pay money to see this and not a movie.

[@user-us7ic1bu8b]

shits wack ash

[@yoshimanrpg]

Take a shot for every comment here that begins with I. You will not survive.

[@Msadlo]

Don't put plastic bags on your head!