Devised Theatre: A Collaborative Approach to Performance

Question 1

What is a defining characteristic of Devised Theatre?

Accepted Answer

Values collaboration and improvisation

Answer

Relies on a pre-written script

Answer

Emphasizes individual actor performances

Answer

Adheres to conventional acting methods

Question 2

What unique challenge do devised theatre directors face compared to traditional theatre directors?

Accepted Answer

Guiding collaborative creation and agreement

Answer

Budgeting

Answer

Meeting strict deadlines

Question 3

In Devised Theatre, how does the process contribute to the creative growth of performers?

Accepted Answer

Enhances adaptability and flexibility

Accepted Answer

Strengthens collaboration and ensemble work

Answer

Limits audience interaction and engagement

Question 4

What is the fundamental concept of Devised Theatre?

Accepted Answer

A collaborative approach where actors create original works through improvisation and personal experiences

Answer

A type of theatre that emphasizes traditional scripts and roles

Question 5

How does improvisation contribute to the success of Devised Theatre?

Accepted Answer

It fosters spontaneity, encourages creativity, and allows actors to explore different possibilities

Answer

It simplifies the rehearsal process and reduces the need for preparation

Answer

It restricts actors' freedom and limits their artistic expression

Question 6

Which of the following is a key characteristic of Devised Theatre?

Accepted Answer

Exploration of personal experiences and perspectives

Answer

Fixed scripts and rigidly defined roles

Answer

Exclusive use of traditional theatre spaces

Answer

Dominant focus on technical perfection

Question 7

How does Devised Theatre challenge conventional notions of authorship in theatre?

Accepted Answer

It empowers actors to share in the creation of the work and assume ownership of their artistic contributions

Answer

It assigns a specific role to each actor and limits their influence on the final product

Answer

It diminishes the role of the playwright and excludes the audience from the creative process

Question 8

Which of the following skills is crucial for actors involved in Devised Theatre?

Accepted Answer

Adaptability and responsiveness to evolving ideas and situations

Answer

Extensive memorization of lines and monologues

Answer

Precise adherence to stage directions and prescribed movements

Question 9

In Devised Theatre, the role of the director primarily involves:

Accepted Answer

Guiding the collaborative process, facilitating creative choices, and supporting actors in their artistic explorations

Answer

Exercising complete control over all aspects of the performance and dictating the creative vision

Answer

Assuming a passive role and leaving actors to develop the work independently

Question 10

What is a potential difficulty faced by actors in Devised Theatre?

Accepted Answer

Dealing with uncertainty and navigating the lack of a defined structure in the early stages of the process

Answer

Limited opportunities for personal growth and artistic exploration

Answer

Excessive direction and rigid adherence to prescribed ideas

Question 11

How does Devised Theatre contribute to the development of ensemble skills?

Accepted Answer

It fosters collaboration, builds trust, and cultivates a shared artistic vision among actors

Answer

It hinders actors from developing strong connections with each other

Answer

It minimizes the need for teamwork and emphasizes individual performances

Question 12

Which of the following is an example of a non-traditional performance space that might be used in Devised Theatre?

Accepted Answer

An abandoned factory or an outdoor park

Answer

A formal ballroom with a raised stage

Answer

A well-equipped proscenium stage

Answer

A black box theatre

Question 13

How does Devised Theatre encourage the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills?

Accepted Answer

It requires actors to actively engage with ideas, adapt to unexpected situations, and find innovative solutions in a collaborative environment

Answer

It relies heavily on rote memorization and prescribed actions

Question 14

Which of the following is a fundamental characteristic of Devised Theatre?

Accepted Answer

Collaborative creation without a fixed script

Answer

Strict adherence to a pre-written script and traditional theatrical conventions

Answer

Emphasis on individual star performances and limited ensemble work

Answer

Exclusive use of professional actors with extensive experience

Question 15

What is the primary purpose of improvisation in Devised Theatre?

Accepted Answer

To generate raw material, stimulate creativity, and explore different possibilities for the performance

Answer

To fill in gaps or weaknesses in the written script

Answer

To showcase the actors' technical skills and virtuosity

Answer

To solely entertain the audience with pre-planned comedic routines

Question 16

How does Devised Theatre challenge traditional notions of authorship?

Accepted Answer

It distributes authorship equally among all participants, including actors, directors, and sometimes even audience members

Answer

It gives exclusive authorship to the director, who is responsible for shaping and interpreting the work

Answer

It assigns sole authorship to the playwright, who retains complete control over the creative process

Question 17

In Devised Theatre, what is the role of the audience?

Accepted Answer

They can provide feedback, insights, and influence the development and direction of the performance

Answer

They have no involvement or impact on the creative process

Answer

They are passive spectators who simply observe the finished product

Question 18

Which of the following is an example of a Devised Theatre performance style that involves site-specific elements?

Accepted Answer

Promenade performance

Answer

Naturalistic drama

Answer

Contemporary dance

Answer

Shakespearean tragedy

Question 19

How does participation in Devised Theatre contribute to actors' personal and artistic development?

Accepted Answer

It fosters creativity, collaboration, problem-solving, and self-expression

Answer

It requires minimal rehearsal and preparation, making it accessible to all

Answer

It focuses primarily on developing technical skills and stage presence

Question 20

Which of the following is a potential challenge faced in the process of Devised Theatre?

Accepted Answer

Managing group dynamics, resolving conflicts, and accommodating diverse perspectives

Answer

Insufficient artistic freedom and creative constraints

Answer

Limited opportunities for public performances and audience engagement

Answer

Lack of access to state-of-the-art technology and resources

Question 21

How does Devised Theatre promote inclusivity and diversity in performance?

Accepted Answer

It embraces and celebrates diverse voices, perspectives, and lived experiences, creating opportunities for underrepresented groups

Answer

It primarily focuses on representing mainstream cultural narratives and perspectives

Answer

It restricts participation to actors who meet specific criteria and have extensive training

Question 22

In Devised Theatre, what is the significance of devising a 'spine' or framework for the performance?

Accepted Answer

It provides a flexible structure that guides improvisation, exploration, and ensures coherence while allowing for spontaneity and adaptation

Answer

It is a rigid plan that cannot be altered or deviated from during the performance

Answer

It stifles creativity and spontaneity, limiting the potential for genuine exploration