The interim head of the BA theatre and performance program is creating a group for devising new works.
Rick Reeves, interim head of theatre and performance, is holding auditions for a devising company, which is a group for collaborative playwriting. Reeves started as interim head at the beginning of this semester and said he wanted to start a devising company as a place for students to collaborate. Students cast in the company will work on researching, creating, developing, rehearsing, and performing a play. Auditions are open to the entire student body.
According to Reeves, students will learn about physical theater, perform for each other and build a network.
“That’s kind of the great thing about this process. Once you bring yourself and your ideas into the room, you’re kind of absorbed into the collective of the project,” said Reeves.
Students will be able to share their ideas as part of their devising project.
Reeves said students have opportunities to express their thoughts and perspectives to the company and work with them.
“The biggest advantage of being part of the troupe is that you get to tell stories,” said Reeves.
Reeves has worked in devised projects before and said he was excited to work as a lead deviser in the new company. Reeves said this company is the perfect project for students to explore and share input on different ideas, whether it’s in design or writing.
Shelby Parker, theatre and performance sophomore, said students begin a project with equal responsibilities.
“At the start of a devising project, you’re all equal and you all work together to come with the idea and where you want it to go,” Parker said.
Parker said students also have the opportunity to be innovative.
“I think devising is the way of the future,” Parker said. “Instead of starting with a script, you begin with just speaking or pictures.”
Between 12 and 18 students will be in the company, and they will rehearse three days a week from September to May. They will perform their play at the Festival of New Works at the new Oklahoma Contemporary Art Museum in May. The performance will be open to the public.
Auditions were from 7-10 p.m. on Sept. 23, 25 and 26 in Room 402 in the Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center.
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