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In the portfolio or devising log, the process of devising a piece of drama is documented. Making notes each step of the way, similar to diary entries, will make it easier to write up into a finished product.

The starting point in a piece of devised drama is known as the stimulus. Describe the stimulus and consider the initial response to it, discussing and then documenting ideas such as:

• themes, eg romance and rebellion
• events in history
• plot
• structure
• form
• style
• genre
• design, eg colours, materials, shapes and sounds

Ideas can be progressed further by researching into some of the themes and events, examining the social, cultural or historical context of the chosen stimulus. By researching into a few different concepts and documenting each idea, several avenues will be available for the piece to pursue. For the log or portfolio, a more concise version of this is then needed.

It can be useful to experiment with different plot ideas and match them to different styles and forms, documenting what worked and why, as well as what didn’t. Different staging configurations can also be tested, eg end-on, in the round and thrust, before concluding which is most effective for the piece. The target audience should also be considered and whether the content and style are appropriate for them.

From this, the aims and intentions of the piece can be clearly identified. Consider:

• the point of the piece, eg to raise awareness, to educate, to entertain
• what will be communicated to an audience