Getting started

Devising a piece of theatre can be a stimulating and exciting journey towards the development of a performance which is a fusion of the unique talents and creativity of the group.  It is not a direct journey, but one in which you will encounter well-trodden paths, blind alleys and sudden surprises. In order to prepare, the group needs to have a good grasp of improvisatory skills.  The following exercise helps students learn to accept each others’ ideas - a concept which is not only useful in improvisation, but essential in developing the dynamics of the group throughout the devising process.

Divide into pairs.  One person begins by making an “offer” (putting forward an idea) and the partner replies with a sentence that begins "Yes, and…".  Try not to block your partner’s ideas, which can so often happen in improvisation.  Instead, build on each other's suggestions.  As soon as confidence develops, you can add in actions. Use the space as much as possible. 

A: It's raining
B: Yes, and I've got a large umbrella
A: Let’s shelter under it
B: Yes, and the wind is blowing us into the air
A: We are flying over the sea
B: Yes, and we have landed on an island…

And so on.  It can be a very liberating game, especially as we don’t often get the chance to say “yes” to everything!  A key concept is that participants should avoid trying to push their own idea at the expense of their partner's.  You can also try the game with both of you saying “Yes, and…”.  The literal “Yes” can be dropped completely as soon as acceptance of each others’ ideas begins to become more automatic. In contrast, it may also be worth briefly exploring what happens if one of the partners always says “No”.

This article first appeared in Teaching Drama, published by Rhinegold Publishing Ltd (020 7333 1720). © David Farmer 2007.

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