A facilitator has their back to us and their arms raised. They stand facing four students, who are also raising their arms with concentration, looking like trees.

Devising in the Secondary Classroom

Devising in the Secondary Classroom

The Devising in the Secondary Classroom programme has been designed to give teachers and pupils studying GCSE and A Level Drama a foundation in creating devised theatre inspired by Complicité’s practice.

It begins with a full-day CPD for teachers wanting to develop their skills in teaching devised and physical theatre. This will be followed by a workshop for your students which will embed these skills into the students’ work at the start of their devising process.

The practices and techniques our Associates use in these workshops are taken directly from the Company’s work in rehearsal. The workshops are practical and engaging, focusing on devising and collaborating, risk-taking and experimentation. Complicité Associates will explore building an ensemble through physical training, teaching the importance of play and creating a shared visual language, which will begin to help your students shape and communicate the stories they want to tell.

The programme is full for Autumn 2023, but you can visit our Bespoke School Residency page to learn more about requesting a bespoke residency for your students.

In the foreground, a participant places their hand on another's participant's arm gently, while in the background, one participant places their hands on another participant's forearms from behind, while leaning their chin on their shoulder

Young participants look up in the air, waiting for a ball to fall down towards them

A group of participants stand together, looking ahead with some focus

Young participants stare as one participant looks up at the ball in the air, who is about to knock it with their head

Multiple participants lean forward with one leg backwards, thrusting one arm straight outwards

Four young participants sit writing on chairs with crossed legs, using their legs as a desk for their writing pads

A young participant thrusts their arm straight and forwards, while a participant on their left smiles

A young participant stands with their hands on their hips, surrounded by several participants who look at them

An Associate leads a group of participants to step nimbly around the room, with a mischievous air

Two participants lean towards each other while in mid-motion, looking over their shoulders and smiling

An Associate looks to the left of the picture with authority and care, while carrying a red ball

Devising in the Secondary Classroom offer for Autumn 2023:

A full-day Teaching Devising CPD for teachers in September 2023. The day will explore movement, rhythm, space, games, improvisation, chorus and the ensemble in the context of teaching devising. The CPD will take place in London.

A 3 hour in-school workshop for your students led by an experienced Complicité Associate with a background of devising world-renowned theatre.

Access to the online film of A Disappearing Number with production Teacher Pack, and the documentary Complicité Does A Level Drama.

The programme is for schools based in the UK. Our Devising programme is generously supported by John Lyon’s Charity.

The two films included in this programme are also available to rent as part of our Digital Offer.

Registration to take part in our Devising programme for Autumn 2024 will open April 2024.

“I’ve been so impressed by the whole process …My A Level candidates are a-buzz with creativity everyday since.” Student Workshop Feedback

“The workshop was the best drama workshop I have ever seen. The students loved it, they loved the enthusiasm of the tutors from Complicité and most of them want to pursue a career in the arts.” Student Workshop Feedback

“The workshop bought me so much joy and reminded me that although I love teaching I also love working within an ensemble and performing!” Teacher CPD Feedback