Improvisation and Devising

Welcome to the World of Creative Play!

In this chapter, we are going to explore two of the most exciting parts of Drama: Improvisation and Devising. Instead of reading from a script written by someone else, you are going to become the writer, the director, and the actor all at once! These skills help you think on your feet, work better with your classmates, and turn your wildest ideas into a performance.

Don't worry if you feel a little nervous about "making things up." Everyone feels that way at first! We’ll take it step-by-step.

Section 1: What is Improvisation?

Improvisation (or "Improv") is the art of creating a scene or a character in the moment, without any rehearsal or a written script. Think of it like a conversation with your friends—you don’t have a script for that, right? You just listen and respond!

The Golden Rule: "Yes, And..."

The most important rule in improvisation is Accepting. In the improv world, we call this "Yes, And...".

1. "Yes": You accept whatever your partner says as the truth. If they say, "Look, a giant purple dragon!", you don't say "No, there isn't." You say "Yes!"
2. "And...": You add a new piece of information to the scene. "...and it’s wearing a tiny tutu!"

Why it works: If you say "No" (which we call Blocking), the story stops. If you say "Yes, And...", the story grows!

Key Skills for Great Improv

Listening: You can't respond well if you aren't paying close attention to your partner. Listen with your whole body, not just your ears.
Spontaneity: This means reacting quickly without overthinking. Trust your first instinct!
Staying in Character: Even if something funny or unexpected happens, try to keep your character's voice and movements consistent.

Quick Tip: If you get stuck, look at your partner or the "objects" you've created in the space. Use what is around you to find a new idea!

Quick Review: Improvisation is unscripted acting. Use "Yes, And..." to keep the scene moving and avoid "Blocking" your partner's ideas.

Section 2: What is Devising?

While improvisation is often fast and funny, Devising is a longer process. Devising is when a group of actors works together to create an original play from scratch. Instead of starting with a play script, you start with a Stimulus.

The Devising Process

Think of devising like building a Lego set without the instruction manual. You have all the pieces; you just have to decide what they become!

1. The Stimulus: This is your starting point. It could be a photograph, a song, a news headline, or even a single word like "Secrets."
2. Exploration (Brainstorming): The group plays with different ideas related to the stimulus. You might use improv to try out different mini-scenes.
3. Workshopping: You pick the best ideas and start to "set" them. You decide what the characters say and where they move.
4. Refining: You polish the performance, adding lighting, sound, or better transitions between scenes.

Memory Aid: The S.E.W.R. Method
Stimulus (The Spark)
Exploration (The Play)
Workshop (The Building)
Refine (The Polishing)

Key Takeaway: Devising is a collaborative way to make theatre. It turns a simple "Stimulus" into a full performance through teamwork and experimentation.

Section 3: Working as an Ensemble

In both improvisation and devising, the Ensemble is your most important tool. An ensemble is a group of people working together with equal importance to create something great.

How to be a Great Ensemble Member:

1. Share the Spotlight: Don't try to be the star all the time. Sometimes the best thing you can do is support someone else's idea.
2. Trust: You have to trust that your team will catch you if you make a mistake.
3. Contribution: Every idea is a good idea in the beginning. Don't be afraid to speak up!

Did you know? Many famous movies and TV shows, like "Stranger Things" or "The Avengers," often allow actors to improvise their lines to make the characters feel more real and natural!

Section 4: Common Challenges and How to Fix Them

Challenge: "I don't know what to say!"
Fix: Focus on your physical actions. Instead of talking, start "doing" something (like folding laundry or looking for a lost key). The words will usually follow the action.

Challenge: "Our devised play is too messy."
Fix: Pick one clear message or emotion you want the audience to feel. If a scene doesn't help explain that message, it’s okay to cut it out!

Challenge: "One person is doing all the talking."
Fix: Try a rehearsal exercise where everyone is only allowed to say five words at a time. This forces everyone to listen and share the space.

Key Takeaway: If you get stuck, move your body! Action often leads to better ideas than just sitting and thinking.

Summary: Your Creative Toolkit

In the IB MYP Drama classroom, your goal isn't to be "perfect." It is to be creative and collaborative. By using Improvisation, you learn to be brave and present. By using Devising, you learn how to take a tiny seed of an idea and grow it into a powerful story.

Final Checklist for your next class:

• Am I ready to say "Yes, And..." to my partners?
• Can I identify my Stimulus (the starting point)?
• Am I being a supportive member of the Ensemble?
• Am I listening more than I am talking?

You've got this! Drama is all about exploration, so don't be afraid to make mistakes—that’s often where the best theatre happens.