The Devising Process

Devised theatre offers a rare opportunity to experiment with storytelling across genres and visual languages. Depending on the skills in the room, it can create a performance driven by text, movement, sound, lighting, design, ritual, rhythm … or a little of each. 

ATYP is offering an opportunity for up to ten emerging artists aged between 18–26 to generate a 45-minute performance in two weeks to be staged for friends and colleagues. With the working title In the Wind, the project will take the emotional challenge of change as a starting point, drawing from world events and personal stories. 

The ensemble should comprise artists with different interests, backgrounds and expertise, including actors, musicians, dancers, designers, writers, choreographers and others interested in the performing arts. Any young artist in the age range, including those from diverse cultural and social backgrounds, those living with disabilities, working professionals and aspiring independent artists are encouraged to apply. 

This is a practical process with a focus on learning through action. Artists will develop key skills in:

  • Mapping team skills, establishing collective project goals and performance objectives;
  • Sharing leadership within the team and empowering participation;
  • Establishing a dramaturgical process that allows both shared perspectives and decisive decision-making;
  • Rapid content development to meet performance deadlines; and
  • Striving to stage a performance that showcases the individual talents of artists involved whilst realising a cohesive, collaborative narrative and outcome.

Applications:  Please forward up to two short videos (max 2 minutes each) showcasing what you bring to the project and a brief performance CV.

ATYP’s Industry Studio Program offers participants aged 18-26 an opportunity to learn from Australia’s leading artists and continue to develop their professional practice.

Please note: there is no fee for participating in this program. Applications close 30 October.

Workshop dates

Week 1

  • Tuesday 14th November 9:30am–4:30pm
  • Wednesday 15th November 9:30am–4:30pm
  • Thursday 16th November 9:30am–4:30pm
  • Friday 17th November 9:30am–4:30pm

Week 2

  • Monday 20th November 9:30am–4:30pm
  • Tuesday 21st November 9:30am–4:30pm
  • Wednesday 22nd November 9:30am–4:30pm
  • Thursday 22rd November 9:30am–4:30pm
  • Friday 24th November 9:30am–4:30pm

Showing on Saturday 25th November 9:30am–6pm

Note: Participants must be available to attend all workshop dates.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

The program will be led by ATYP’s Artistic Director Fraser Corfield. One of Australia’s most experienced arts leaders, Fraser has been resident in theatre companies since 1996 working across professional productions, new work, community engagement and social impact. A passionate advocate for playwriting and new work, he has commissioned and staged over fifty productions across theatre, musical theatre and opera. His work has challenged perceptions of ‘youth theatre’ in Australia, receiving the nation’s highest awards for artistic excellence and securing a place for young artists alongside our flagship professional companies. 

In addition to his commitment to scripted theatre in Australia, Fraser has been working internationally since 2015 with teams of professional artists to devise touring productions for young audiences. His projects with the ASSITEJ World Congress and Performing Arts Festival, the Okinawa International Children’s Festival and the European Union project ‘Stories of Poverty and Hope’ have been performed around the world. In 2024 Fraser will travel to Italy to lead a production involving 12 international companies for the 2024 ConnectUp Youth Encounter.

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