What's covered
Key facts
Devising log
OCR GCSE Drama (J316) calls the record of the devising process a portfolio; it can be written, recorded or a mix. AQA 8261 calls its equivalent the Devising log.
Devising process
In AQA's Component 2 students produce both a devised performance and an individual Devising log, which may be written, recorded or a mix.
Forum Theatre
Forum Theatre was developed by the Brazilian theatre practitioner Augusto Boal in the 1970s.
Physical theatre
Contact improvisation is an unscripted technique in which two or more performers make, share and respond to physical contact and weight, building trust and dynamic relationships.
Devising log
The evaluation section assesses how well the original intentions were achieved and what could be improved.
Devising process
AQA's Component 2 Devising log has three sections, each marked out of 20: Response to a stimulus, Development and collaboration, and Analysis and evaluation.
Forum Theatre
Like Brecht's epic theatre, Boal's work uses theatre to raise political consciousness and prompt the audience towards real-world action.
Physical theatre
Of Laban's eight effort actions, Float is light, sustained (slow) and indirect (flexible). Wring is also sustained and indirect but heavy (strong), so weight is what separates them.
Devising log
Section 1 of the OCR portfolio covers research and initial ideas for the devised piece.
Devising process
A devising process typically moves through stimulus → exploration → structuring → polishing → evaluating.
Sample questions
A taste of the 45 questions in this topic, answers marked. Sign up to practise the full set with spaced repetition.
What three sections should an OCR devising portfolio be structured in?
- ✓Research and initial ideas, creating and developing, evaluation
- •Research notes, rehearsal reflections and marketing materials
- •Script analysis, blocking notes and costume sketches
- •Warm-up plans, improvisation logs and final programme
What are the main stages of a devising process in order?
- •Research → write → block → tech → open
- •Script → casting → rehearsal → performance → review
- ✓Stimulus → exploration → structuring → polishing → evaluating
- •Stimulus → script → casting → design → performance
What is the central audience participation mechanic in Forum Theatre?
- ✓Audience member replaces protagonist to try a different solution
- •Audience votes on which ending the performers should use
- •Performers improvise in response to audience heckles and interruptions
- •The director stops the action and explains the political message
What is physical theatre?
- •Theatre based entirely on improvisation with no prepared material
- •Theatre performed outdoors without any technical equipment
- •Theatre that uses puppets or objects instead of live performers
- ✓Theatre where the body is the primary expressive tool
In an OCR devising portfolio, what does section 1 cover?
- •A list of all rehearsals attended with dates and duration
- ✓Research and initial ideas for the devised piece
- •The names of all performers involved in the final piece
- •The technical equipment used during the performance
What is a stimulus in devising?
- •A character biography written by the director for each role
- •A completed script handed to the company before rehearsals begin
- ✓A starting point that sparks the creative devising process
- •A technical specification issued by the set designer
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