Devised Theatre Initiative

Devised Coordinator

Brittney Harris
Virginia Tech
b1harris@vt.edu

Students are encouraged to form teams to participate in the Devised Theatre Initiative! Building on last year’s success, we’re bringing back the theme to encourage new interpretations and broader participation!

2026-2027 Prompt:

The Future is Universal

 

Prompt Overview

Drawing inspiration from Earthrise by National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman, you are invited to create a 7–10 minute piece of theatre that explores the theme ‘The Future is Universal.’

As you begin, consider the different meanings this theme might hold. You might draw from personal memory, cultural sayings, vivid images, or even pop culture references that spark your creativity. Let this theme guide your imagination as you reflect on the exploration of ‘universality’: what connects us, what reminds us, and how these connections shape our sense of belonging.

For reference, consider using the poem Earthrise or any of the additional ideas below. You may also expand upon them, combine them, or embark on your own unique discoveries and interpretations.

Stanza 10 from Earthrise – A poem by Amanda Gorman

“And while this is a training,

in sustaining the future of our planet,

There is no rehearsal. The time is

Now

Now

Now,

Because the reversal of harm,

And protection of a future so universal

Should be anything but controversial.

So, earth, pale blue dot

We will fail you not.”

Other Ideas

  • Something everyone can relate to. Universality means experiences, feelings, or ideas that are shared across people, no matter their background.
  • Different paths, same feelings. Everyone’s experiences are different, but the feelings behind them like joy, grief, and discovery are something we all understand.
  • Metaphors [Music]: A song in another language may still move you because of the melody, rhythm, and emotion.
  • Metaphors [Seasons]: Even if weather patterns differ, everyone knows cycles of change, growth, and renewal.

You may use any theatrical style that is suitable to you. Be sure to include some fundamental elements of theatre as your imagination allows, and you are technically able:

  • Music/sound (live or recorded)
  • Costuming/uniformity
  • Set/staging
  • Lighting
  • Movement/dance 

All devised work must be student-driven, with faculty advisors serving only as outside eyes to offer feedback and guidance throughout the creative process.

Still need more devising details or info? See How to Create: General Devising Structure below.

Timeline

  • Info Sessions – November 18 or December 2, 2026 (Sign up here)
  • Email of Intent Deadline – December 14, 2026 (See details below. Submitting an email of intent does not constitute festival registration.)
  • Festival Registration Deadline – January 2027

Logistics and Parameters

  • Ensemble submissions have a 15-minute time limit, which must include set-up, performance, and strike. (Set-up and strike can be part of the performance.)

  • Ensemble members should take on multiple roles in the creative process. While performance is one aspect, it’s not required. Each contribution should support the overall piece. Trust your ensemble and appreciate the unique perspectives they bring.

  • No live flames, smoking, or functional weapons are permitted.

  • A limited number of basic set items, such as chairs or acting blocks, may be available but are not guaranteed to be provided at the venue. Ensembles should plan to bring their own materials.

  • Lighting control is limited to basic up and down adjustments. If you need additional lighting effects, you must bring your own source and extension cords—no theatrical lighting will be provided.

  • You are responsible for your own sound source.

  • Ensembles should adhere to their institution’s health and safety guidelines.

What to Expect at the Festival?

Each ensemble will have the opportunity to present their devised piece twice at Festival 59. Rehearsal spaces will be available at the festival venue for ensembles to prepare and practice their work. These rehearsal labs will operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

The first presentation will be a closed session with guest artists and invited respondents, offering feedback and an opportunity for devisers to discuss their creative process, content, context, and performance reflections. Our experience will culminate in the Devised Theatre Showcase, where all participating ensembles will share their work with an invited audience in celebration of their creativity and collaboration.

Beyond these presentations, a variety of workshops, masterclasses, and performances will be offered throughout the festival week, and all participants are encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities!

Participating in the Festival

To participate in Region IV, please send an email of intent to Brittney Harris at b1harris@vt.edu.  

Once your email is received, The DTI Coordinator will then follow up with additional information and next steps.

Include the following in your email of intent:

  • College/University Name
  • Student Project Lead’s Name and Email Address
  • Faculty Advisor’s Name and Email Address
  • Estimated Cast Size
  • Brief Project Description: Describe your project’s central idea or focus in 1–2 sentences.

**Schools may submit multiple groups for the devising project. There will be an additional process for registering your ensemble.

More Information About Devising

How to Create: General Devising Structure

  • Devising isn’t an aesthetic, it’s a process. This approach to creating new work includes multiple aesthetics, production value spectrums, and performance styles.
  • Ensembles can select their sources of inspiration as their creative container (examples: a photograph, a poem, a fictional or non-fictional short story, a memory, interviews, a question, etc.)
  • Each ensemble can create a unique performance vocabulary informed by their source materials. This vocabulary should include movement, voice, visual image, sonic landscape, text, and scenic environment and communicate the piece’s style and aesthetic.
  • Ensemble should consider time restraints and travel considerations. These parameters are designed to form a creative container to spark your imaginations and deepen your exploration.

 

Articles on Devising and its Process

Contact for Questions

ACTF Region IV Devised Coordinator:


Brittney Harris
Virginia Tech
b1harris@vt.edu