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Environmental Theatre

A focused workshop for students aged 16+

Learning Outcomes

Students will:
  
  • Define their understanding of what a dramatic performance is.
  • Examine dramatic performance liberated from the ‘bonds of traditional theatre’.
  • Determine the differences between orthodox and unorthodox definitions of performance space.
  • Investigate spatial dynamics whether created naturally, architecturally, or through a spatial transformation.
  • Develop their conceptual approach to creating theatre in different spaces.
  • Explore theatrical devices that can manipulate space, or simulate another space.
  • Evaluate audience responses to theatre in unorthodox spaces.
  • Consider potential socio-political uses of environmental theatre performances.
 

Overview
Environmental theatre can be any site specific performance, street theatre or transformation of space.  It is a useful workshop for students who may wish to pursue design or technical avenues.  The workshop requires a fully functional studio space with sound and light.
 

Absolute Zero highlights four areas for scrutiny.  These can be generally examined in one longer session or broken down into more detailed workshops.
1 We determine differences between orthodox and unorthodox definitions of a performance space.
2 We identify what characteristics define social spaces and how they can be simulated.
3 We explore how spaces can be manipulated for a text.
4 We examine the dynamics of altered spaces - such as when the invisible barrier between the actor and audience is removed.
 

The students will create landscapes using simple lighting, sound, costume and properties.  In designing these spaces the students may wish to deploy the use of scenic materials such as scaffolding, rostra, platforms, blocks, furniture, leaves, soil or sand.  So an autumn forest may be created with leaves and grass, a beach with water and sand.
 

However, it can be much more interesting to design landscapes that don’t fit squarely with available materials.  The surface of planet Mars can be created with plastic sheeting as the chief resource.  There is no right or wrong.  The students will be evaluating their conceptual response to the brief.  They’ll describe their ideas in light of practicality, suitability and end results – was the design a success and why/why not?  Audience consideration (how is the performance being received?) is paramount.
 

As well as designing literal environments, Absolute Zero encourages the student to use space as a visual metaphor, something that compliments content or alters the way in which an audience receives it.  Abstract environments are about ‘how’ space works and not ‘what’ it is supposed to be.  Of course, some of the most interesting environments are spaces that touch base with literal and abstract readings.
 

Perhaps there is an alternative space that students would like to use.  An old courthouse may be perfect for The Crucible, a stable yard perfect for Equus.  Here, the student considers the difficulty of transforming a space that was simply not designed for theatrical performances.  We are happy to accommodate these bookings but suggest that the space is a short distance from your establishment and permission has been obtained to work there. 
 

We do not recommend this workshop if you can’t spare at least a three hour session in a studio/space.  We will work on specific texts if you require, but we will not work on assessed texts.
 

Despite the title of the workshop, Environmental Theatre is not a study of American director Richard Schechner – who wrote a book of the same name.  We offer analysis of his work in the 20th Century Theatre Practice modules.  This workshop examines some of Schechner’s ideas, but also contains influences of IOU, Welfare State International, De La Guarda, Brith Gof, Fura Dels Baus and The Natural Theatre Company. 
 

Environmental Theatre will be expanded to include street performance in the near future.