What's covered
Key facts
Devising process
Devising means creating original theatre collaboratively, rather than performing a published script.
Rehearsal techniques
Blocking is the process of arranging the moves the actors make on stage during the play; stage management records it in the prompt script.
Devising process
In forum theatre the audience can stop a scene and try different choices to change its outcome.
Rehearsal techniques
A dress rehearsal is a full rehearsal with all the technical and creative elements brought together.
Devising process
A freeze frame is a pose held completely still to capture a single moment.
Rehearsal techniques
Effective feedback is specific and constructive, noting what worked and what could be improved.
Devising process
In hot-seating, one person sits in role while others ask them questions to develop the character.
Rehearsal techniques
Hot-seating puts a performer in the "hot seat" to answer questions in character.
Devising process
Improvisation is creating scenes without a script, making them up as you go.
Rehearsal techniques
Role on the wall helps performers understand a character's thoughts, feelings and how others see them.
Practice questions with answers
A taste of the 16 questions in this topic, answers marked. Sign up to practise the full set with spaced repetition.
What does 'devising' mean in drama?
- ✓creating original theatre collaboratively
- •performing a published script written by a playwright
- •rehearsing an existing play for a school performance
- •studying the work of a named theatre practitioner
Why are warm-up games used at the start of a drama rehearsal?
- •To decide which actor will play each role in the piece
- ✓To focus the group and prepare voice and body for work
- •To give the director time to arrange the set before rehearsal begins
- •To test whether actors have learned their lines correctly
What is a 'stimulus' in devising drama?
- •A rehearsal schedule set by the director
- •A technical piece of lighting equipment
- •A written script given to performers to learn
- ✓An image, object, music, or text that sparks ideas
What is a 'run-through' in rehearsal?
- •discussing a scene first
- •performing in slow motion
- ✓performing without stopping
- •repeating one scene to fix it
What is 'thought-tracking' in drama?
- •Following another actor across the stage to observe their performance
- ✓Pausing an improvisation so a character speaks their inner thoughts aloud
- •Repeating a line of dialogue slowly to find the best vocal interpretation
- •Writing notes about what each character is thinking before rehearsal
What does 'working in role' mean during a drama rehearsal?
- •Staying completely silent and listening to the director's notes
- ✓Staying in character and responding as that character would throughout the activity
- •Watching a recording of a previous rehearsal to spot mistakes
- •Writing in your rehearsal diary about what you found difficult
Three minutes a day. Knowledge that sticks.
Practise all 16 Devising questions with spaced repetition, so what you revise today is still there in the exam. Free to use, no card needed.