Introducing the Solo Project
What is the Solo Project?
Students at HL research a theatre theorist they have not previously studied, identify an aspect (or aspects)
of their theory, create and present a solo theatre piece (4–8 minutes) based on an aspect(s) of this theory.
This task develops, builds on and extends the skills and understandings developed in the other areas of the
syllabus. It requires students to create a fully produced piece of theatre based on theatre theory.
Students submit a report (maximum 3,000 words) which includes their research into and understandings of the
theorist, the theory and the context of the theorist’s work. It also records their practical explorations of the
selected aspect(s) of theory, the development of the solo theatre piece and analysis and evaluation of the
theatre piece.
Each student submits for assessment (click to view a sample):
- A report (3000 words maximum)
- A continuous unedited video recording of the whole solo theatre piece
- A list of all primary and secondary sources
Students at HL research a theatre theorist they have not previously studied, identify an aspect (or aspects)
of their theory, create and present a solo theatre piece (4–8 minutes) based on an aspect(s) of this theory.
This task develops, builds on and extends the skills and understandings developed in the other areas of the
syllabus. It requires students to create a fully produced piece of theatre based on theatre theory.
Students submit a report (maximum 3,000 words) which includes their research into and understandings of the
theorist, the theory and the context of the theorist’s work. It also records their practical explorations of the
selected aspect(s) of theory, the development of the solo theatre piece and analysis and evaluation of the
theatre piece.
Each student submits for assessment (click to view a sample):
- A report (3000 words maximum)
- A continuous unedited video recording of the whole solo theatre piece
- A list of all primary and secondary sources
What is the aim of the task?
You are required to explore the practical implications of theatre theory? How does your chosen theorist impact your creative process and the work of others?
You must also demonstrate your ability to be able to put theory into practice by creating and presenting a solo piece of theatre based on theatre theory.
For your solo theatre piece, you may choose to use or adapt existing text, create new text or not use any text, as appropriate to the selected theorist and nature of the theory being explored. If using a play text, this does not necessarily need to be from a play written specifically to put that theatre theorist's theories into practice. For example, a student would not need to choose a play by Bertolt Brecht in order to explore an aspect of Epic Theatre, they could perhaps, choose to adapt a Naturalistic play text instead.
It is fundamentally a task which asks students to consider:
• How to make a piece of theatre based on an aspect(s) of theory
• The most appropriate theatre form and performance material required to contain these theoretical
considerations
• How to communicate and present this aspect(s) of theory practically and through their body
• The most appropriate scenic and technical design elements needed to support the presentation of this theory.
This task does not assess performance skills, but rather the extent to which students can learn, embody and communicate understanding through action.
Five Truths Video: Demonstrating the impact that theory can have on a performance.
You are required to explore the practical implications of theatre theory? How does your chosen theorist impact your creative process and the work of others?
You must also demonstrate your ability to be able to put theory into practice by creating and presenting a solo piece of theatre based on theatre theory.
For your solo theatre piece, you may choose to use or adapt existing text, create new text or not use any text, as appropriate to the selected theorist and nature of the theory being explored. If using a play text, this does not necessarily need to be from a play written specifically to put that theatre theorist's theories into practice. For example, a student would not need to choose a play by Bertolt Brecht in order to explore an aspect of Epic Theatre, they could perhaps, choose to adapt a Naturalistic play text instead.
It is fundamentally a task which asks students to consider:
• How to make a piece of theatre based on an aspect(s) of theory
• The most appropriate theatre form and performance material required to contain these theoretical
considerations
• How to communicate and present this aspect(s) of theory practically and through their body
• The most appropriate scenic and technical design elements needed to support the presentation of this theory.
This task does not assess performance skills, but rather the extent to which students can learn, embody and communicate understanding through action.
Five Truths Video: Demonstrating the impact that theory can have on a performance.
Using your Process Journal in preparation for the task.
You should use your theatre journal to specifically document your research (carefully recording all sources used), practical explorations, the process of creating your solo performance, directing and design ideas and feedback from your mentors and the teacher and the action you have taken in response to this. You will select, adapt and present what you have recorded in your journal as the basis and material for the report.