7.3 Research and Development Processes

Research and development are crucial in devised theatre. Artists gather info through field research, interviews, and archival exploration. This process builds a foundation of knowledge and inspiration for the collaborative creation.

Teams then generate and refine ideas through improvisation, workshopping, and brainstorming. By exploring concepts together, they shape a cohesive vision for their devised piece, turning research into a compelling theatrical work.

Gathering Information

Conducting Research and Collecting Data

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• Source material provides the foundation for devised theatre projects, including existing texts, stories, or real-life events that inspire the creative process
• Field research involves observing and documenting real-world situations, environments, and human interactions to inform the devising process (public spaces, communities)
• Interviews with individuals or groups related to the project's theme or subject matter offer valuable insights and personal perspectives that can shape the work
• Archival research entails exploring historical documents, photographs, videos, or other records to uncover relevant information and context for the devised piece
• Ethnographic methods, such as participant observation and immersion in a specific community or culture, allow artists to gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter and incorporate authentic experiences into the work

Collaborating and Sharing Information

• Collaborative research involves team members sharing their findings, insights, and ideas with one another to build a collective understanding of the project's themes and goals
• Regular meetings and discussions provide opportunities for team members to present their research, ask questions, and explore connections between different pieces of information
• Creating a shared repository or database of research materials, such as documents, images, videos, and notes, ensures that all team members have access to the same information and can easily reference it throughout the devising process
• Encouraging open communication and active listening among team members fosters a supportive and inclusive environment where diverse perspectives and ideas can be shared and valued

Developing Ideas

Generating and Exploring Concepts

• Improvisation as research allows performers to explore characters, relationships, and situations through unscripted, spontaneous play, revealing new insights and possibilities for the devised work
• Workshopping ideas involves testing and refining concepts through collaborative exercises, discussions, and experimentation, allowing the team to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches
• Storyboarding helps visualize the narrative structure, key moments, and transitions of the devised piece, providing a clear overview of the work's progression and identifying areas for further development
• Concept mapping creates a visual representation of the connections between various ideas, themes, and elements of the devised work, helping the team to identify patterns, relationships, and potential directions for exploration

Refining and Synthesizing Ideas

• Collaborative brainstorming sessions encourage team members to build upon each other's ideas, combining and adapting concepts to create a cohesive and compelling vision for the devised piece
• Regularly reviewing and discussing the generated ideas allows the team to assess their relevance, feasibility, and alignment with the project's overall goals and themes
• Voting or ranking exercises help the team prioritize ideas and make decisions about which concepts to pursue further, ensuring that the most promising and impactful ideas are developed
• Creating a clear plan or roadmap for the development of selected ideas, including timelines, responsibilities, and milestones, helps the team stay organized and focused as they move forward with the devising process