What do you think? Directing from behind in devised theatre.

Research Background: The importance of the leadership role of the director in devised theatre is well documented. There is great educational value for university students who work with experienced lecturer/directors towards public performance outcomes but the changing tertiary sector and economic pressures allow less time for lecturers to engage in immersive directing experiences. This creative work is an inquiry into finding a method of fulfilling the necessary process elements of devising theatre in a University context through empowerment and increased engagement from collaborative student groups. This 'directing from behind' method is informed by the definition of devising theatre by theorist Alison Oddey (1996).
Research Contribution: There is little knowledge of effective creative processes for lecturer/directors working on original productions with students in the current shifting University landscape. This inquiry explores new methods of theatre making that are based less on total control and more on clear creative structures.
Research Significance: After analysis of the process and creative work, several significant findings emerged. Trust was revealed as the primary quality that influenced the process as well as congruence with the stated process and the behavior of the director. The quality of the production and fulfillment of those involved indicated that more control and time input by the lecturer/director does not necessarily equate to a more successful production outcome.