Introduction
One of the most rewarding challenges in IB Theatre is creating original theatre collaboratively. Unlike staging an existing play text, devising original work requires students to brainstorm ideas, experiment with techniques, and build meaning as an ensemble. The process can feel daunting, but with structure and teamwork, it becomes a powerful opportunity to showcase creativity, research, and collaboration.
This guide explains how to develop original theatre collaboratively for IB Theatre, ensuring your work is intentional, reflective, and ready for assessment.
Quick Start Checklist
- Begin with a strong starting point (image, text, issue, or theme).
- Brainstorm openly as an ensemble before narrowing down ideas.
- Experiment with techniques from practitioners or world traditions.
- Assign roles and responsibilities while staying flexible.
- Reflect critically as both individuals and as a group.
Why Collaborative Theatre Matters
The Collaborative Project makes up 40% of SL and 25% of HL assessment. It shows examiners that you can:
- Create theatre as an ensemble.
- Research and apply theory in practice.
- Experiment creatively before finalizing ideas.
- Reflect on both successes and challenges.
Developing original theatre demonstrates your ability to merge creativity with academic depth.
Steps to Develop Original Theatre Collaboratively
1. Start with a Strong Starting Point
Good theatre begins with inspiration. Possible starting points include:
- Images or photographs.
- Newspaper articles or current issues.
- Poems, music, or visual art.
- A world theatre tradition or practitioner.
Choose a starting point that sparks curiosity and offers multiple directions for exploration.
2. Brainstorm as an Ensemble
Hold open discussions where all voices are heard. Use techniques like:
- Mind mapping to visualize connections.
- Free writing to generate raw ideas.
- Improvised scenes to test concepts quickly.
3. Experiment with Techniques
Use rehearsal to test practitioner methods or world theatre conventions. For example:
- Brecht’s alienation devices for political theatre.
- Artaud’s sensory staging for visceral impact.
- Commedia dell’Arte improvisation for character exploration.
4. Assign Roles and Responsibilities
While everyone contributes creatively, dividing responsibilities (director, designer, dramaturg, etc.) ensures clarity. Roles can shift, but accountability keeps projects moving forward.
5. Reflect Individually and Collectively
Reflection is vital for assessment. Write about:
- What worked and what didn’t.
- How research shaped the process.
- How the ensemble collaborated and resolved challenges.
6. Refine and Polish
After experimenting, narrow ideas into a clear vision. Focus on coherence and audience impact as you rehearse and finalize.
Tips for Success
- Be patient. Devising takes time; don’t rush to final choices.
- Stay open. Allow unexpected discoveries to shape the work.
- Balance voices. Ensure everyone contributes meaningfully.
- Connect to research. Ground experimentation in theory or traditions.
- Document continuously. Keep rehearsal journals, sketches, and notes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Settling on an idea too quickly without full exploration.
- Letting one person dominate the group process.
- Neglecting to connect creative choices to practitioner theory.
- Failing to reflect on group dynamics or personal contributions.
- Focusing on product only and ignoring the process.
RevisionDojo Call to Action
Collaborative theatre-making is at the heart of IB Theatre. At RevisionDojo, we provide students with frameworks for brainstorming, rehearsal strategies, and reflection tools to support the Collaborative Project. With our expert guidance, your ensemble will create original theatre that is both innovative and academically rigorous.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What if my group disagrees on creative direction?
Conflict is natural in collaboration. Use improvisation or short rehearsals to test competing ideas. Reflect on how decisions were made to strengthen your portfolio.
2. How much research should go into the Collaborative Project?
Enough to show that your work is grounded in context and theory. Practitioner techniques, world traditions, or cultural issues can all provide depth.
3. How do I balance individual reflection with group reflection?
Document both. Write about your personal contributions and also reflect on how the ensemble worked together. Examiners assess individual effort within group work.
Conclusion
Developing original theatre collaboratively requires creativity, patience, and teamwork. By starting with strong inspiration, brainstorming openly, experimenting with techniques, and reflecting critically, you and your ensemble can produce work that is meaningful and high scoring. With RevisionDojo’s expert support, you’ll learn how to navigate collaboration effectively and bring original theatre to life with confidence.
