Acting

Creating Devised Theatre

Key Information
  • Suitable for

    Beginner, age 18+
  • Date

    Monday 10th August- Friday 14th August 2026
  • Location

    Downside Road, Bristol
  • Cost

    £590
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Overview

Immerse yourself in an intensive 5-day Creating Devised Theatre course at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, designed to develop your collaborative creation skills and deepen your understanding of ensemble-led performance.

This course focuses on generating ideas, building narrative and character collaboratively, exploring physical storytelling, and experimenting with form and space. Each day builds on the last through practical workshops, improvisation exercises, and group discussions, culminating in mini devised projects. You’ll gain hands-on experience, insightful feedback, and the confidence to lead or contribute to devised theatre work.

Highlights

➔ Understand the collaborative processes central to devised theatre.

➔ Explore techniques for generating ideas and developing narrative collectively.

➔ Learn physical and vocal approaches for creating performance material.

➔Practice shaping and structuring devised works.

➔ Apply skills through mini projects, with feedback from tutors.

Day Outlines

Day 1: Generating Ideas & Ensemble Building

➔ Icebreakers and improvisation games to build trust and ensemble cohesion

➔ Techniques for idea generation, observation, and inspiration from personal experience and environment

➔ Exploring themes, motifs, and dramatic questions as starting points for creation

➔ Group exercises to practice collaboration and listening in the devising process

 

Day 2: Character, Relationship & Narrative Development

➔ Creating characters and relationships collaboratively

➔ Exercises to explore conflict, motivation, and ensemble dynamics

➔ Structuring early narrative ideas, exploring story arcs, and experimenting with multiple narrative approaches

➔ Developing material for short improvisational scenes

 

Day 3: Physical & Vocal Storytelling

➔ Using movement, gesture, and space to communicate story and emotion

➔ Introduction to non-verbal storytelling and physical theatre techniques

➔ Vocal work for performance: projection, rhythm, and character voice

➔ Experimenting with abstract and symbolic representation of narrative material

 

Day 4: Shaping & Structuring Material

➔ Techniques for editing, sequencing, and shaping devised material

➔ Introduction to dramaturgical thinking in ensemble work

➔ Intensive rehearsal of mini devised pieces, integrating physical, vocal, and narrative elements

➔ Tutor-led feedback on pacing, clarity, and ensemble coherence

 

Day 5: Performance & Feedback

➔ Final rehearsal of mini devised pieces

➔ Table-read and/or staged presentations for the group

➔ Peer and tutor feedback on performance, collaboration, and creative process

➔ Reflection on key learning points, challenges, and strategies for continued devising practice

 

Course Leader

What our students say...

  • “The words I hear a lot in rehearsal rooms are ‘let’s try this’, ‘let’s see what happens’. The devising projects that Liz Felton facilitated at BOVTS were an essential part of our training where we consistently experimented with new ideas and new ways to tell a story.”

     Shane David-Joseph BA Class of ‘19, currently performing with the RSC

  • “Since graduating from BOVTS and entering the industry, it has become clear that what we learned through our devising experience forms the backbone of how rehearsals and productions are run. It is an experience that feels essential to any theatre-maker.”

     Clara Wesley MFA Class of ‘25 currently touring The Spy Who Came in From the Cold

  • “There have been countless times I have been in auditions especially at the NT and the RSC where improvising and devising movement have been asked for and having had the opportunity to train in this at BOVTS I feel confident in my own creativity. I never felt devising was something I would be skilled at but Liz helped us all to find our footing and develop a process we can reach for again and again.”

     Petra Joan-Athene BA class of ‘22, currently touring the Olivier Award Winning Boy at the Back of the class

  • “Devising taught me to be proactive in the room, to offer ideas with confidence, and to collaborate openly with others. It’s definitely shaped me into a more versatile and imaginative performer not just someone who interprets text but helps bring it to life.”

     Dumile Sibanda BA Class of ‘21, currently starring in The Play That Goes Wrong

  • “I hadn’t devised in this way before. Learning with Liz meant there was such clear structure and tools to play with that I found myself bursting to fill in the gaps and create!”

     Hollie Hurrell MFA Class of ‘25, currently adapting Pericles from Liz Felton project last year.

  • “…devising as a group with Liz was a truly major shift in my training at BOVTS in terms of my confidence and the possibilities of characters I have within me that I can explore. I can’t thank Liz enough.”

     Lucy Jarvis-Chase, MFA Professional Acting Graduate
  • I've never directed before, is this course for me?

    This course is a beginner level course. You will be expected to work hard over the five days and will be given skills to help you in text analysis, character development, classical and contemporary text work.
  • Short Courses Refund Policy

    If you wish to cancel your place on the course, you will receive a full refund if you notify the school at least 7 days prior to the start of the course. For cancellations, contact [email protected]
  • Short Course Cancellation Policy

    We will make all reasonable efforts to deliver a short course as outlined on our site and in any brochure or published material. However, we reserve the right to cancel a short course in case of events outside our control or if the course fails to meet a minimum number of participants. In the event that we cancel a course, we will inform participants who have booked a place via email at least 7 days prior to the start date. We will also provide a full refund of the course fee paid. Bristol Old Vic Theatre School cannot be held responsible for any expenses you incur due to such a cancellation.
  • Who Can Apply

    ➔ Aspiring directors with some prior experience in theatre directing.

    ➔ Intermediate-level directors looking to refine their skills and techniques.

    ➔ Theatre practitioners interested in expanding their knowledge of devising.

    ➔ Students who have completed beginner-level directing or devising courses.
  • Why Join?

    By the end of the course, participants will:

    ➔ Understand the core principles and processes of devised theatre

    ➔ Develop ensemble collaboration, improvisation, and storytelling skills

    ➔ Generate, shape, and perform original devised material

    ➔ Receive constructive feedback and strategies for further creative development

    ➔ Be prepared to continue devising work independently or in professional contexts
  • What do I need to wear?

    We advise you to wear comfortable clothing that you can move in easily. Please wear closed toe footwear appropriate for movement e.g. trainers.
  • What do I need to bring?

    A notebook and pen for developing your own ideas throughout the week. 
  • Policies and Procedures