,CREATIVITY IN THEATRE-MAKING
Creativity in Theatre-Making identifies and explores relationships between theatre-
makers. The book seeks to expand opportunities for creativity and collaboration
from concept to realisation. It does so by reconsidering the so-called ‘technical roles’
as ‘creators’, thereby dismantling the conventional distinction between creative and
technical teams. The book challenges this limited views of creativity, offers an alter-
native model of relationships – a heterarchy – and uses this to underpin a range of
techniques and strategies that improve the productivity, well-being, and inclusivity
of professional theatre practice. Its core pedagogic principle is that understanding
‘why’ is more useful than simply knowing ‘what’. The book includes an overview of
all the major specialist meetings and roles in theatre-making; as well as an in-depth
exploration of the key resources used to create Shows and how these can be utilised
collaboratively and sustainably. There is also advice on giving and receiving effec-
tive feedback during the production process and engaging with creative, financial
and safety risks. Throughout the text, the author defines the specialist terminology
being used, and offers real-world examples. Creativity in Theatre-Making is for
undergraduate and postgraduate students studying for a creative and/or ‘technical’
role in the theatre industry and related sectors, as well as early- and mid-career
theatre professionals looking to appraise or refresh their practice.
Paul Colwell joined the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in 2013. He
teaches a range of theatre-making topics across Central’s BA and MA portfolio,
with a particular focus on collaboration, technical drawing, design realisation, risk
management, and management strategy. Prior to Central, he worked in profes-
sional theatre at all scales; from tiny pub theatres to West End musicals to interna-
tional touring. Roles have included Production Manager, Set and Costume Designer,
Lighting Designer and Chief Electrician. His interdisciplinary experience enables
him work across creativity, technology and collaboration.
,
, CREATIVITY IN
THEATRE-MAKING
Collaboration and Innovation
for Theatre Production
Paul Colwell
Creativity in Theatre-Making identifies and explores relationships between theatre-
makers. The book seeks to expand opportunities for creativity and collaboration
from concept to realisation. It does so by reconsidering the so-called ‘technical roles’
as ‘creators’, thereby dismantling the conventional distinction between creative and
technical teams. The book challenges this limited views of creativity, offers an alter-
native model of relationships – a heterarchy – and uses this to underpin a range of
techniques and strategies that improve the productivity, well-being, and inclusivity
of professional theatre practice. Its core pedagogic principle is that understanding
‘why’ is more useful than simply knowing ‘what’. The book includes an overview of
all the major specialist meetings and roles in theatre-making; as well as an in-depth
exploration of the key resources used to create Shows and how these can be utilised
collaboratively and sustainably. There is also advice on giving and receiving effec-
tive feedback during the production process and engaging with creative, financial
and safety risks. Throughout the text, the author defines the specialist terminology
being used, and offers real-world examples. Creativity in Theatre-Making is for
undergraduate and postgraduate students studying for a creative and/or ‘technical’
role in the theatre industry and related sectors, as well as early- and mid-career
theatre professionals looking to appraise or refresh their practice.
Paul Colwell joined the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in 2013. He
teaches a range of theatre-making topics across Central’s BA and MA portfolio,
with a particular focus on collaboration, technical drawing, design realisation, risk
management, and management strategy. Prior to Central, he worked in profes-
sional theatre at all scales; from tiny pub theatres to West End musicals to interna-
tional touring. Roles have included Production Manager, Set and Costume Designer,
Lighting Designer and Chief Electrician. His interdisciplinary experience enables
him work across creativity, technology and collaboration.
,
, CREATIVITY IN
THEATRE-MAKING
Collaboration and Innovation
for Theatre Production
Paul Colwell
