Developing an idea - AQASetting and physicalising the environment

The environment of a scene can be experimented with through physical theatre, eg creating objects in the scene using the actors’ bodies. It is important to use body language and facial expressions clearly and to hold poses with precision and stillness. Within this, different levels, spacing and sound effects can be used. Inanimate objects can be given a ‘personality’ and the idea of objects speaking could be experimented with.

There may be a way to ‘set the environment’ (known as mise-en-scène) as part of the opening of the devised piece. The performance area begins empty and a way of bringing in small set pieces or props can be choreographed. Actors can cross over each other or pass objects to each other within the space. Again, levels, spacing and interaction can add further interest. Mise-en-scène may not always be suitable, however. For example, using a lot of set pieces and props can make the piece difficult to rehearse and lead to slow scene transitions, which could disengage the audience.