Writes Of Spring A Study Of Communication Within Collective Devising

Communication is a pivotal element in creating theatre with other artists, with audiences, and with the outside world. Theatre artists are required to collaborate at nearly every step of the process. Despite the necessity of highly developed collaboration skills, communication in the creation of theatre is an often-underdeveloped curriculum area. As a Director and Teaching Artist I am particularly interested in how to find new ways of collaborating so I may model and pass these skills to my students. Through a qualitative research survey of communication used in collaborative devising, this research analyzes environments that improve communication and allow for maximum creativity in an effort to develop critical communication pedagogy. This study examines my approach in working through a devising process as the Coordinator of a collaborative group of adults creating an original play. I examine our process and make connections as to how devising influenced my future work as a Director and Teaching Artist. By examining the theatres that make extensive use of ensemble devising as a tool for creating theatre, I gained insight into more collaborative ways of working. This research found support through examination of group communication theories and methods in which they promote collaborative spirit. Finally, critical pedagogy offered a lens through which I can impart these discoveries to young artists. I discovered ways to use the model of devising to open the possibilities for my students to take ownership over their processes and the art they create. I also gained insight into the role of facilitator in order to develop ways of modeling and teaching these communications. Communication pedagogy in the theatre allows me the tools to identify, question, and transform my experiences in creating theatre as a director and teaching artist