Introduction
The IB Theatre Solo Theatre Piece (HL only) asks students to research a theatre theorist, apply their ideas, and create a 6–8 minute solo performance. But your performance alone is not enough—examiners also want to see evidence of your creative process. Documentation is how you prove the depth of your research, experimentation, and reflection. Without strong process documentation, much of your hard work may remain invisible to assessors.
This guide will show you how to document your creative process for the IB Theatre Solo Piece so your portfolio demonstrates both critical thinking and artistic growth.
Quick Start Checklist
- Keep a journal from the very start of your project.
- Record research notes, rehearsal experiments, and discoveries.
- Use visuals like sketches, diagrams, or rehearsal photos.
- Reflect critically on successes and challenges.
- Connect documentation to your chosen theorist’s principles.
Why Documentation Matters
The Solo Theatre Piece counts for 35% of the HL grade, and documentation proves that you:
- Researched your theorist thoroughly.
- Applied their principles in practical rehearsal.
- Reflected critically on challenges and discoveries.
- Showed growth as a theatre-maker.
Strong documentation helps examiners understand the journey behind your performance.
How to Document Your Process
1. Start with Research Notes
Write summaries of key principles from your theorist. Highlight specific conventions you plan to apply in rehearsal.
2. Keep a Rehearsal Journal
After each rehearsal, note:
- What you tried.
- What worked well and what didn’t.
- How theory guided your choices.
- What you discovered about performance or audience impact.
3. Use Visual Documentation
Include sketches of staging, diagrams of blocking, or photos of rehearsal experiments (if permitted). Visuals show process as clearly as words.
4. Reflect Critically
Don’t just describe—analyze. For example:
- “I used Brecht’s direct address but found it disrupted emotional flow. This helped me understand why Brecht valued alienation over character empathy.”
5. Connect to Theory
Every entry should link back to your chosen theorist. Show how their principles shaped your decisions and discoveries.
6. Organize Chronologically
Arrange entries by date or project stage so examiners can follow your process from research to final performance.
Tips for Success
- Write consistently. Document after each rehearsal, not just at the end.
- Stay honest. Include failures as well as successes.
- Use multiple formats. Combine written notes, visuals, and diagrams.
- Be specific. Refer to concrete rehearsal examples, not vague statements.
- Think of the examiner. Write clearly so your process is easy to follow.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting until the end to write all reflections.
- Writing only descriptive logs without analysis.
- Failing to connect documentation to theory.
- Overloading your portfolio with irrelevant details.
- Neglecting visuals that could clarify your process.
RevisionDojo Call to Action
Documentation is your chance to show examiners the depth of your creative process. At RevisionDojo, we provide templates, reflection prompts, and personalized feedback to help students build strong portfolios. With our expert support, you’ll document effectively and present a Solo Piece that demonstrates both creativity and critical reflection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How often should I document my Solo Piece process?
After every rehearsal. Regular, short reflections are more effective than long, rushed entries at the end.
2. Can I include visuals in my documentation?
Yes, visuals like sketches and rehearsal photos are encouraged if they support your analysis and IB guidelines allow them.
3. What’s the difference between description and reflection?
Description explains what happened; reflection analyzes why it happened, how it connected to theory, and what you learned.
Conclusion
Documenting your creative process in the IB Theatre Solo Piece is essential for success. By keeping consistent journals, using visuals, connecting to theory, and reflecting critically, you’ll create a portfolio that highlights your growth as a theatre-maker. With RevisionDojo’s expert guidance, you’ll document confidently and present examiner-ready work that supports a level 7.
