At camp every summer, we offer two types of theatre programs. The first type speaks for itself: programs that help an actor further develop their skills through traditional acting workshops and scene studies that most likely end in a scripted performance. The second type of theatre program can be classified as a “Devised Theatre Project’ and this sometimes causes confusion. What is a devised theatre project, you may ask, and what does such a program offer to young people, in terms of actual skills?

With our Devised Theatre Projects, campers start with a source of inspiration, and from that, they build a live performance, as a group, completely from scratch. Along the way, young performers develop a multiplicity of writing, improvisation and story creation skills; they build original characters and take workshops in a variety of acting styles such as comedy, movement, mask, clown and choral work. Campers learn first-hand how dialogue works, and how to shape material into an effective performance piece. They explore staging and design, critique and edit their own work, then rehearse an original theatre piece, to share with an audience on the final day.

However, Devised Theatre Projects actually offer young people an experience far beyond the performance skills they develop. Devised Theatre relies on effective and respectful collaboration, as well as the ability to problem-solve in a group and alone. Young people learn to advocate for their ideas, and to simultaneously respect and work with the ideas of others. Time management skills are essential, because a whole performance must be shaped and rehearsed in just 14 days. Finally, young people emerge as leaders in those areas of production in which the rest of the team most requires their expertise – whether it be in writing, design, music, acting or diplomacy. So, while all of the arts encourage the growth of personal skills in young people, Devised Theatre Projects can probably be said to do so more than most.

Here’s a little more information on two of the Devised Theatre Projects that still have space at Centauri Summer Arts Camp this summer:

Acting: The Room of Requirement
Session 2, ages 9-14

In Hogwarts, the Room of Requirement is a secret room that appears only when you have great need of it. It can be a refuge, a place of adventure, or a gateway to another world. What does the Room of Requirement mean to you? What will it mean to the characters you create, and how will it shape the adventures they have? Find out, as you join us for an exciting performance journey, creating a show that is certain to enchant and enthrall.

The Looking Glass: A Performance Project
Session 3, ages 13-18

What do you see when you look in the mirror? And what would you see if you could step right inside? We may move in the direction of fantasy and whimsy with the world and characters we create, as Lewis Carroll did. Or perhaps we’ll ‘hold a mirror up to nature’ like Shakespeare, exploring what the mirror shows us and the truths beneath. The choice is yours! Bring along your imagination and combine all your acting and devising skills, creating a unique live performance to share with an audience on the final day.

For more information on our Acting and Theatre Camps,
https://www.centauriartscamp.com/summer-camps/acting-camp-programs.htm