Devised Performance
New to KCACTF, this focus on Devised Performance is intended to give space, voice, recognition and credibility to processes and productions which are created outside the text-based traditions, and which utilize the non-traditional, non-linear, multi-disciplinary and collective tools of devising. As we develop our craft new perspectives and processes of creating good performance emerge. It is necessary for the health and life of performance to acknowledge and embrace non-traditional ways of perceiving and creating. Gregg Henry, the Artistic Director of the National KCACTF organization, has spear-headed this initiative to acknowledge and incorporate Devised Performance programming into the regional festival activities.Devised Theatre Project
How we begin integrating devised programming into the KCACTF Region VIII festival is an interesting challenge. The festival offers great opportunities to explore devised performance in many ways including the Devised Performance project, workshops, feedback sessions and open discussions. What a great way to learn about the tools, and contribute to the disciplinary conversation. In particular, the Devised Theatre Project will be a great place to start. All festival participants are eligible to participate and create a devised performance. Here participants are invited to create their own 12 minute devised performance utilizing a specific prompt. The pieces will be shown with response on Thursday, February 9th beginning at 1:00pm in Val A. Browning Center Room 230. Some of these parameters include:
The Prompt:
WELCOME HOME
• The roles and contributions of the performing ensemble are to be balanced and evenly distributed.
• At least one textual source will be from the poetry of Walt Whitman
• At least one textual source will be from interviews conducted by the ensemble
• At least one textual source will be from personal narratives of members of the collaborating ensemble”
• Music, generated by the ensemble, will be included.
• A period of extended silence will be incorporated into the project.
• At least part of the project will incorporate organized, coordinated, “stylized” movement.
For more details on this project, or to apply, please see the application page: http://www.kcactf-8.org/form_devised.html. It will be so exciting to see what participants create. Remember your entry must be submitted by January 23.
Awards
In lieu of awards, this programming, while valuing collectively created work, focuses on the multiplex processes of devising performance. To that end, selected entries will receive the honor of an extended in-depth workshop with feedback from featured guest artist in Devising: Kari Margolis.
Guest Artist for Devised Performance
To help us initiate devised performance programming, Kari Margolis has been invited to serve as a guest artist for the Devised Performance component of the festival. Kari is a seasoned KCACTF veteran, and has contributed significantly to KCACTF in many regions and on the national level. Her work in creating original performance has significantly impacted the theatre landscape both in the United States and abroad with over seventeen original, evening-length productions as well as large-scale, site-specific works for such places as the Brooklyn Museum, the Minnesota Science Museum and the Beach at Coney Island. For more information on Kari Margolis please see the Guest Artist page of this website: http://www.kcactf-8festivalinfo.org/page38.html
Workshops and other opportunities in Devised Performance
In addition to the Devised Theatre Project there will be other opportunities to be a part of the devised performance programming at the festival. We are offering a Roundtable/open conversation on the possible locations and vision of Devised Performance at KCACTF. In addition to this there will be workshops that focus on the creating of devised performance. An example of these workshops including improvisations toward performance; working with actors; and combining the roles of playwright, director, and actor in devised work
We are truly excited about this opportunity to bring devised performance to KCACTF Region VIII and look forward to your contributions.
Festival Devised Theatre Programming Coordinator: Kathryn Moller