Devised Initiative

The Devised Initiative supports the creation of original non-scripted work within region 6. In collaboration with the team at the Kennedy Center, we seek projects in response to the prompt developed by KCACTF. These pieces will be shared at the festival and eminent practitioners from professional devising companies will offer responses to the work

*Photo by Teresa Castracane Photography.*

Apply Now

Rules

The Devised Initiative accepts Group or Solo projects, and for time reasons we can only accept the first eight applications. Applications will open 12/1/2023 and remain open until 2/16/2024.

The 2024 Prompt:

This year we are providing a choice of three prompts please pick one to ground your pieces
1. The Poetry Prompt:
Bring me all of your dreams,
You dreamer,
Bring me all your
Heart melodies
That I may wrap them
In a blue cloud-cloth
Away from the too-rough fingers
Of the world.
The Dream Keeper – Langston Hughes
2. The Scientific Prompt:
1st Law of Thermodynamics which states: Energy cannot
be created or destroyed, only transferred.
3. The Painting Prompt:
“Whirlwind” by Andrea Kowch which can be seen here:
https://www.artsy.net/artwork/andrea-kowchwhirlwind-2nd-limited-edition-unframed-print
The Process:
- In response to the prompt, the ensemble will select 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.). Ensemble will be asked to clearly articulate how their sources informed process and product, form and content.
- Each ensemble will 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.
  Logistics/parameters:
  - o Pieces will be performed live
    o Time Limit: 15 minutes
  - This time frame must include set-up, performance and strike. Set up
    and strike can be incorporated into the performance.
    o Expect a 16x16 performance space
    o Contributions of the ensemble are to be balanced and evenly
    distributed
    o Not every member of the ensemble must perform, but all must
    be involved in some significant way (design, choreography,
    etc….)
    o Faculty advisors may provide outside-eye feedback, but
    students should drive the work
    o No live flame
    o No smoking
    o No functional weapons
  Please Note:
  o Each showing will be given a short response from regional devising guest artists. Each deviser will be expected to speak articulately about their work, displaying rigor of process and responsibility for form and content.
  o Devising isn’t an aesthetic; it’s a process. This approach to creating new work includes multiple aesthetics, production value spectrums, and performance styles.
  o Regions will only provide the performance space; ensembles must provide everything else.

How to Apply

Use button below to email.

Deadlines

February 16, 2024

All Submissions