Devised Theater Class Teaches Students the Process of Creating Production

In Crystal Brown’s devised theater elective, 22 middle school students are collaborating to create their own dramatic script and production. “Devised theater, or collaborative theater, is a form of theater-making where the actors are directly involved in the creating process of a production,” explains Ms. Brown. “We start with no script and discover themes, ideas, and characters through improv.” This process of making theater aligns perfectly with our Brandeis values of kindness, integrity, and service. Ms. Brown elaborates, “All of our values become integral features in communication when developing work as an ensemble.” During their class meetings, students have explored and selected themes, developed characters, and written scenes. Now they are in the process of rehearsing and editing the script. The play our students are creating deals with the subjects of cyberbullying, friendship, and redemption. “Students are flexing empathy through the process of discovering and developing their characters.” MORE PHOTOS