TENACT devising guide

Aims of the tool

Devising is one of the key strategies in drama work. It helps groups find out what they would like to explore; shows them ways that they can express what they want to say; and provides them with media to share what they want to say. So, it helps to discover, to express and to share their concerns, ideas, opinions and research.

Since their concerns and ideas in this project are to do with environmental action the role of devising here is to help groups of young people make theatre that can be performed for the communities in which the young people live. The devised theatre can provoke those communities into changing the way they live in order to mitigate against climate change.

Description of the tool

This guide aims to lead the practitioner through various techniques which we have used and found effective in working with young people. We describe the process of devising and give examples of how we have used it to create theatre in our communities that stimulates people to reflect and act on pressing environmental issues. There are many complimentary resources and guides available online for practitioners to find and to use. Many are free, such as those provided by larger theatres and national theatres in several countries.