Manuals and Modules
YOU-th Devise Theater Format
Intellectual output 1 is a Training Format based on non-formal education methods. It is aimed at facilitators and organisations in the youth sector that wish to develop programs in this field.
The format features modules around co devising focusing on
Ice breaking and Energisers
Theoretical Knowledge of devised theatreSoft Skills Competences
Stereotypes and prejudices
Group Dynamics Training
Soft Skills
Co- design approaches
Devised Theatre as a method to deconstruct narratives and stereotypes
Devised Theatre in Practice
The format aims to focus on devised theatre through a co-creation process which is why these areas are heavily represented within the format. The exercises are approachable for facilitators already working within the Youth Provision to support their development whilst recognising that expertise in this area takes may years of development.
In creating the format we chose to present a range of exercises that are relevant to all sectors without labelling them as being for a specific narrowly defined target group. This is an important concept. This empowers both the facilitator and the participant.
For our purposes devised theatre is a process of co-creation of theatrical performances/events based on conversation, improvisation and collaboration within a group of peer co-creators. This process of co-creation and the peer-learning/feedback dynamics enshrined in devised theatre allows every learner to be directly empowered and recognized in the process and in the results thereof.
The training module is preceded with a research based overview of currant provision, best practise and engagement on a national basis based on the partners locality.
In developing this format we have tried to create a series of exercises that will support exisiting youth workers to try, adapt and play with themes around devised theatre.
The Non Formal Education approach to this format should make the content accessible and adaptable to all users to develop as inclusive practitioners.
Theater Co-Creation Youth Guidebook.
This Guidebook is the result of the local programmes of Devised Theatre implemented by each partner organisations with an audience of 15 youth learners. Whilst the aim was to engage with equal numbers of those society labels as disabled, those at risk of exclusion and those from the mainstream it is difficult to be so prescriptive. Disability takes many forms and exclusion can be for any number of reasons. It is also hugely important to the process that the participants self-identify and don’t feel the need to fit into societies predetermined boxes and labels. For the purposes of this guide the groups were inclusive across a broad range of the community representation. It is by engaging with this diversity that the process works best.
With the impact of Covid on after school activities the program lasted variable amounts of time form partner to partner and was implemented by facilitators that had attended the Joint Staff Training plus other members of the organisations.
The participants explored the methods of devising theatre and co-designed the performances together with support from the practitioners. The performances explored societal subjects relevant to the participants and their lived experience in which they co-operated on collaboratively to produce outstanding results.
The role of the facilitators was to enable the participants process by guiding through some of the exercises in the training manual.
The internal structure of the Guidebook is based on the following main sub-divisions:
1) Introduction to the general frame of the project and to the European priorities in the field of youth inclusion.
2) Theoretical frame of Devised Theatre and of its relevance as an instrument of learning, co-creation, participation and peer-interaction with the other for youngsters facing exclusion.
3) Description of Local Programme in each partner country, comprehensive of activities, methodologies and achieved results per educational module.
4) Pondered assessment of the achievements and challenges of the programme in the different partner countries.
6) Description of the original theatrical pieces produced in each Local Programme.
7) Guidelines for operators supporting co-creation programmes in Devised Theatre involving learners with and without disabilities.
The methodology for producing the Guidebook was an analysis of the Reports on Local Activities produced by each partner organization of the project. This phase will proceed according to the following scheme:
Local partner report on the process
Sharing of reports and discussion online between partners
Draft version created
Submission to stakeholders
Production of a final version of the Guidebook through processing stakeholders’ feedback.
The impact of this guidebook will be to foster greater understanding of this methodology for Youth Workers and facilitators working on projects with vulnerable and mainstream young people.
The Guidebook is available as physical printed version and also online for download.