Monthly event, locations vary
What is Devised Theatre Playground?
Devised Theatre Playground is a free theatre workshop series offered by the Fractal Theatre Collective. Every month, Fractal will host a session that brings together artists to create some kind of theatre. What kind of theatre? That’s up to you. Some sessions may have a prompt announced in advance that artists will respond to, while other sessions may be completely decided by those in the room. Sessions are facilitated by devised-theatre-extraordinaire and Fractal Artistic Director Andrew Watring. These sessions are intended to give artists an assisted platform to create stories that have personal meaning to them, all while improving their skills as theatre-makers.
Participants
The Devised Theatre Playground is open and accessible to all who wish to create-- the desire to make theatre is the only thing required of participants. Participants do not need acting, directing, playwriting, or even theatre experience at all. Participation is free and open. Participants need not attend every session, although it is encouraged to attend multiple times. We encourage artists to bring a friend (or several) and all are encouraged to come as they are.
Why do devised theatre?
Many young theatre artists struggle to find productions to work on that reflect their own values. Because playwriting and artistic direction is still broadly in the hands of wealthy white men, we consistently see stories produced that do not reflect or relate to our lived experiences. The obvious solution is to produce our own work, but that presents its own series of challenges for those who are not inclined to writing or directing. Many of us do not consider ourselves playwrights and can’t fathom the idea of simply sitting down to write something and submitting it.
Devised theatre offers an assisted space in which artists can work with other artists to build their stories in a safe and supportive environment. Furthermore, they create bonds with each other over mutual experiences, or learn about things they have never personally dealt with. Devised theatre is a radicalized, democratized theatre form that encourages mass participation and healthy community-building.