devised theatre lab
Over the course of five months, students in our devised theatre lab cohort will collaborate on writing a play that centers around a genre or topic of the group’s choice.
After the play is written, students audition for roles and participate in all aspects of design and tech that come with producing a full-scale play.
The lab culminates in a weekend of fully staged performances as part of STARS’ mainstage production season.
This program is open to students in 9th-12th grades by application only.
Once accepted to the program, the tuition will be paid in four installments of $125 over the course of the year.
IMPORTANT DATES:
Applications Due: August 21st
Writing Sessions begin: August 29th
Rehearsals begin: February 2027
Tech: April 3rd-8th
Performances: April 9th-10th
During the writing process (September-February), the lab meets once a week. Once casting happens in February, you’ll experience more of a traditional theatre rehearsal schedule until we perform in April. As with all STARS programs, we’re happy to accept conflicts for dependable, reliable students. Students MUST be available for tech and performances.
HOW TO APPLY:
Interested applicants will complete the application below, which includes submitting a writing sample and a theatrical resume. Applications will be reviewed on August 22nd and decisions will be sent no later than August 23rd. Accepted students will receive an invitation to the first writing session, which will take place on Saturday, August 29th.
About the devised theatre lab
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Devised theatre is a collaborative experience where a group of actors, with guidance from their director, write and perform their own original work. There is no pre-existing script, it is up to the group to create one based on the story they want to tell!
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The Subject matter of the play will be decided upon by the group during the writing process. This gives the group the opportunity to choose if they want to cover a specific theme or subject matter. We hope the group will be able to craft a play that feels authentic to their lived experiences as teenagers living here and now.
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The devising process is separated into three phases:
In phase one, we focus on group development/building a culture of community within the Lab. We want to learn who everyone is, what experiences and interests they bring to the table, and what they want to get out of the lab. We’ll set group expectations surrounding feedback, disagreements, and decision making.
In phase two, the writing phase, we’ll study examples of devised theatre, identify plot and characters, and contribute to scriptwriting sessions led by the director. We’ll also participate in feedback sessions to hone our work until we’ve finalized our script.
Phase three is production. We’ll hold auditions within the group to cast the show with the members of the lab. Then, rehearsals begin! This part of the process looks a lot like a traditional play rehearsal process. Then, we’ll perform our world-premiere show for audiences as part of the STARS mainstage season.
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Students interested in participating in the Devising Lab should be interested in both the writing and acting contributions. Devised theatre relies on artists contributing throughout the entire process.
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As part of our devised theatre lab, you’ll get a unique theatrical experience that introduces you to playwriting, producing, and dramaturgy. You’ll have ownership over design concepts and the messages and themes of the work. You’ll be part of a tight-knit community of like-minded artists. You’ll also get to be part of a world premiere play!
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STARS Performing Arts utilizes a variety of rehearsal locations in Fairfax. Expect sessions at the Fairfax City Regional Library, the Vine Church in Dunn Loring, and, eventually, at our performance venue (The Great Falls Grange).
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Yes! Students are welcome and encouraged to participate in both the Devising Lab and other commitments. In fact, we’re looking for a group of well-rounded, multi-talented artists who participate in both theatre and non-theatre activities throughout the school year. We will happily accept conflicts from dedicated, hard-working students.
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Students in 9th-12th grade who consider themselves: collaborators, team players, aspiring playwrights, directors, designers, technicians, dramaturgs, actors or producers, students looking for leadership opportunities, creative problem-solvers, storytellers, and more! Reach out to us if you have questions on if this program is right for you.
Meet the teaching artist
Hannah Hilder is so excited to be leading the Devising Lab for STARS! She has participated in devised theatre as both an actor and director and is looking forward to incorporating this style of theatre into the vibrant STARS seasons. As a student, she was a part of over 10 devised productions and learned what it meant to be a part of a team, write a script from scratch, and work with actors and a director to create something that showcased the group’s shared perspective and unique voices. As a teacher, Hannah wanted to bring these experiences to her students by incorporating devising into her classroom curriculum. She loves to watch students explore and grow in their understanding of what devising is and how it can provide a platform for them to share their stories and lift up the ideas and experiences of their castmates.