Introduction
The IB Theatre Solo Theatre Piece (HL only) requires you to research a theatre theorist and apply their principles in a 6–8 minute performance. Many students excel at research but struggle to translate theory into practice, or they create a strong performance but fail to show how it connects to their research. Examiners are looking for clear evidence that your performance choices grow directly from your study of the theorist.
This guide explains how to connect research and practice in your Solo Theatre Piece so that your performance and reflections are examiner-ready.
Quick Start Checklist
- Choose a theorist with clear, practical methods.
- Research both their principles and cultural context.
- Test conventions in rehearsal through experimentation.
- Reflect on how research shaped performance choices.
- Show evidence of connection in your report and documentation.
Why Connecting Research and Practice Matters
The Solo Piece counts for 35% of the HL grade, and examiners expect you to:
- Demonstrate in-depth research into your theorist.
- Apply principles directly in performance.
- Reflect on challenges of turning theory into practice.
- Show growth as both a scholar and theatre-maker.
Strong connections prove your process was intentional and academically grounded.
How to Connect Research and Practice
1. Choose a Research-Ready Theorist
Pick someone with accessible writings and documented methods. Examples:
- Stanislavski: Objectives, given circumstances, emotional truth.
- Brecht: Alienation, placards, episodic structure.
- Artaud: Theatre of Cruelty, sensory overload.
- Grotowski: Physical training, poor theatre.
2. Identify Key Principles
Don’t overload your piece. Select 2–3 principles that you can clearly embody in performance.
3. Experiment in Rehearsal
Test conventions directly in practice:
- Use Brecht’s placards in multiple formats.
- Explore Artaud-inspired soundscapes with different effects.
- Apply Grotowski’s physical scores with varied intensity.
4. Reflect on the Process
Ask:
- How did research shape my rehearsal experiments?
- What challenges arose in applying theory?
- What discoveries did I make about performance and meaning?
5. Document Evidence
In your report, show clear examples of how research influenced choices. For instance:
- “Reading Brecht’s essays on alienation led me to experiment with direct address. Audience feedback confirmed this broke emotional identification.”
Tips for Success
- Stay intentional. Link every performance decision back to theory.
- Balance theory and creativity. Don’t copy methods mechanically—adapt them thoughtfully.
- Use research sources critically. Summarize and apply, rather than over-quoting.
- Reflect consistently. Write about research discoveries alongside rehearsal notes.
- Think about audience impact. Connect theory to how audiences interpret meaning.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Researching thoroughly but failing to apply principles practically.
- Applying conventions without explaining their theoretical basis.
- Choosing too many principles and spreading focus thinly.
- Treating reflection as description rather than analysis.
- Waiting until the end to document research-practice connections.
RevisionDojo Call to Action
The strength of your IB Theatre Solo Piece lies in the connection between research and practice. At RevisionDojo, we help students translate theory into performance, document discoveries, and write examiner-ready reflections. With our expert guidance, you’ll confidently connect research and practice to aim for top marks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I have to apply every idea from my chosen theorist?
No. Focus on 2–3 core principles and apply them in depth. Depth is stronger than breadth.
2. Can I adapt my theorist’s ideas to fit my own style?
Yes—as long as you reflect critically on how your adaptation connects to the original principles.
3. How do I prove the connection in my report?
Use specific rehearsal examples: explain what you tried, why it linked to theory, and what you learned.
Conclusion
Connecting research and practice in the IB Theatre Solo Theatre Piece ensures that your work is both academically grounded and creatively powerful. By selecting clear principles, experimenting in rehearsal, and reflecting critically, you’ll demonstrate intentionality and depth. With RevisionDojo’s expert guidance, you’ll connect theory and practice with confidence and produce examiner-ready work.
