Devised Theatre Intro

Overview

This 50-minute lesson introduces Year 13 drama students to devised theatre, focusing on its principles, history, and collaborative nature. Through discussion, viewing examples, and group activities, students will begin to appreciate why devised theatre is a dynamic and compelling mode of theatre-making.

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Curriculum Alignment

New Zealand Curriculum Refresh (Levels 7-8 / Years 12-13) — Learning Area: The Arts > Drama

• Strand: Developing practical knowledge in drama
  • Understand and apply drama conventions, including devised theatre, to create devised or scripted performances collaboratively.
• Strand: Understanding drama in context
  • Explore how drama is shaped by cultural, social, and historical contexts, including New Zealand and Aotearoa perspectives.
• Key Competencies addressed:
  • Managing Self – Engaging responsibly in collaborative creative processes.
  • Relating to Others – Communicating and participating effectively in group tasks.
  • Thinking – Critically reflecting on examples and devising processes.
• Values:
  • Respect and Community and Participation are fostered through collaborative work and appreciation of diverse theatrical traditions.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will:

1. Define devised theatre and identify its key characteristics.
2. Understand the historical development of devised theatre, including significant moments and practitioners.
3. Recognise the role of collaboration in devised theatre creation.
4. Initiate group discussion reflecting on examples of devised theatre and collaborative creative processes.

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Equipment/Resources Needed

• Whiteboard or flipchart and markers
• Projector and screen for video clips / images
• Handouts summarising devised theatre characteristics
• Short video excerpts of devised theatre performances (New Zealand examples preferred)
• Student notebooks or digital devices for note-taking

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Lesson Structure

Time	Activity	Description	Curriculum Links
0-5 mins	Welcome & Warm-up	Brief introduction by teacher outlining lesson objectives; icebreaker prompt: “What comes to mind with devised theatre?”	Managing Self, Relating to Others
5-15 mins	Introduction to Devised Theatre	Teacher-led mini-lecture with slides / notes covering: definition, key characteristics (collaboration, improvisation, no fixed script), and brief history including New Zealand context.	Developing practical knowledge in drama
15-25 mins	Viewing & Discussion of Examples	Show 2 short clips of devised theatre (ideally 3-5 minutes each) from diverse creators — e.g., a NZ devised theatre group and an international example. Follow with whole-class discussion guided by questions: What did you notice? How is this different from scripted theatre? What role did collaboration play?	Understanding drama in context, Thinking
25-35 mins	Group Collaboration Activity	Split class into 4 groups of 5. Each group brainstorms and lists the benefits and challenges of collaboration in theatre. Groups then share insights briefly with whole class.	Relating to Others, Managing Self
35-45 mins	Class Discussion on the Role of Collaboration in Devised Theatre	Facilitated discussion reflecting on group findings, teacher highlights links to New Zealand Curriculum values and key competencies.	Values: Respect, Community & Participation
45-50 mins	Reflection & Wrap-up	Students write a short journal entry: “What excites or challenges me about working in devised theatre?” Teacher collects to inform future lessons.	Thinking, Managing Self

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Assessment

• Formative: Participation in discussions and group activity.
• Reflective journal entry at lesson end evidencing personal engagement and understanding of devised theatre concepts.

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Differentiation & Inclusion

• Provide visual and verbal content.
• Support ELL and diverse learners with handouts summarising key terms and concepts.
• Grouping designed to encourage varied abilities and backgrounds mixing to support peer learning.
• Allow alternative modes for reflection (spoken or drawn for students needing it).

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Professional Notes

• Link content to students’ own cultural backgrounds where possible, incorporating Māori perspectives on collective creation and storytelling (whakawhanaungatanga).
• Emphasise that devised theatre can incorporate multiple languages and forms, supporting inclusivity and diverse identities.
• This lesson sets the foundation for deeper practical work in subsequent lessons involving creating devised pieces collaboratively.

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If you would like, I can also provide a detailed lesson-by-lesson outline for the full 17-lesson unit on "Creating Compelling Devised Theatre" aligned to the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh.

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References:
Content based on New Zealand Curriculum Refresh framework focusing on Arts, Drama strands, values, and competencies .
Teaching considerations aligned to collaborative communication, oral presentation, and role-taking outlined in Te Mātaiaho English documents, adaptable for Year 13 drama contexts .