Workshop is our middle name.
Devised Theater 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.
DIRECTING 101
“The Process of Directing a Play: Simplifying the Complex”
~ or~
“So you want to be a Director? Are you insane?!?!?”
This workshop is conducted by TWO Veteran Wes Bartlett, a retired college Theatre and Speech Communication instructor. In it, Wes breaks down the gargantuan task of directing into simple, chronological categories.
Participants may include experienced to aspiring directors, or anyone who would like to learn a little more about what it is to be in charge of a production.
DIRECTING 101 will be held on Saturday, Sept. 10 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Phase 1, Preparation, begins with how to choose a play thru auditioning.
Phase 2, Implementation, covers the first cast meeting thru opening night.
Topics include (among others) how to select a concept, working with designers, actor coaching, and staging techniques.
You can expect audience participation, handouts, theatre games, and an entire, detailed outline of topics at the conclusion of the seminar.
This workshop is for ages 16 through adult. $10, class size is limited to 20.
To register, call the TWO box office for details at (270)683-5333, or visit www.theatreworkshop.org/tickets
All TWO workshops are kindly sponsored by THE FRATERNAL ORDER OF EAGLES.