Plan & Teach Devised Theatre

Course Description

The early stages of devised theatre shape how confidently and clearly students are able to develop their ideas. Making thoughtful choices around stimulus and theme can support experimentation, collaboration and stronger artistic outcomes, particularly at GCSE and A-Level (14-19 years in the UK). This one-hour webinar is designed for drama teachers working with students aged 14–19. It focuses on rethinking how stimuli and themes are introduced and developed, exploring what makes an effective starting point and how to support students in moving from initial ideas into practical, purposeful exploration. Hosted by Lucy Bellingham and Rob Otton, Head of Drama, the session will share classroom-based strategies and examples drawn from secondary practice. There will be opportunities for discussion, sharing best practice in breakout rooms, and reflecting on how approaches can be adapted for different teaching contexts. Teachers who attend live will also receive a bonus resource to support devising work in the classroom. The webinar will address common challenges in teaching devising, including students fixing ideas too quickly, discussion dominating rehearsal time, and navigating the teacher–director role. By the end of the session, teachers will: • Understand what makes an effective stimulus for devised theatre • Feel more confident selecting and shaping stimuli for GCSE and A-Level students • Gain practical strategies for encouraging physical exploration and experimentation • Develop clearer approaches to balancing student ownership with teacher guidance • Leave with fresh ideas and a practical resource to use in future devising units