INVISIBLE THEATRE

Improvisation
 ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

 How could you use an Invisible Theatre event

as a teaching tool?

 Where can Invisible Theatre occur?

 WHAT IS IT?
 Invisible Theatre is the art of creating theatre by allowing
the spectator to get caught up in the illusion, which is
actually reality. Amazingly the spectator is transformed,
and becomes the protagonist in the action, a spect-actor,
without ever being aware of it.

 In order for Invisible Theatre to be successful, the chosen

subject must be an issue of burning importance, something
known to be of genuine concern for the future spect-actors.

 It is performed in a place, which is not a theatre, and for an

audience, which is not an audience.
 HOW DID IT ORIGINATE?
 Formed in the 1970’s as part of Augusto Boal’s Theater
of the Oppressed, which focused on oppression and
social issues.

 Boal's techniques use theatre as means of promoting

social and political change.

 In the Theatre of the Oppressed, the audience becomes

active, such that as "spect-actors" they explore, show,
analyze and transform the reality in which they are living.
 PURPOSE
WHY DO IT?

 to inform the public about social injustices

 to make a point publicly in much the same way as

graffiti or a political demonstration

 to help actors gain a sense of what a realistic

reaction might be to a certain scenario
 REQUIREMENTS
 SCENARIO: a basic plot outline or framework of the
event.
› Listed by actions (1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc)
› Details problems and solutions to problems

 SPECTATORS: person at the event by happenstance,

watching or viewing the event

 SPECT-ACTORS: a spectator who is drawn into the

scenario without prior knowledge of the event
 WHAT IT IS NOT!!!!

It is NOT
 punking or joking
 Candid Camera 
 Punk'd
 Improv Everywhere
 Free Hugs Campaign
 INVISIBLE THEATRE IS…

all about showing oppression in

everyday life, in an everyday setting,
without the audience or Spect-actors 
knowing.
 WHAT WOULD YOU DO?
 DISCRIMINATION
http://youtu.be/KdMWCL2u2MI
http://youtu.be/hDJ2PpSxYaU
http://youtu.be/EzSFtVvIJhY
http://youtu.be/OIjpj3GLtsg
 RACISIM
http://youtu.be/qGiVX9uVB3I
http://youtu.be/COOu7MZ2OvI
 CHEATING
http://youtu.be/15KP0HRLf0c
http://youtu.be/5N21Bkr_KYs
 SEXUAL HARRASMENT
http://youtu.be/euXzkLZQPRY
 FAVORTISM
http://youtu.be/APiJyzv4sAo
 BULLIED
http://youtu.be/jX2_-VmgO7w
http://youtu.be/Ny9OMv-KNgo
http://youtu.be/Mw-qpT7DjaI
http://youtu.be/lnvsGFGqfW8
 Anti-Semitism
http://youtu.be/BRX31HOikws
 PATRIOTISM
http://youtu.be/FbWmBUONtFY
 ASSIGNMENT
 PREPLANNING
1. Scenario Rough draft
2. Scenario Final draft
3. Discuss/plan with adult
about event; plan a date,
review
4. Gather necessary items;
tape recorder, props,
costumes, etc.
 PERFORMANCE
1. Journal about the
performance; could last
from 1day – weeks
 POST PERFORMANCE
1. Adult Evaluation
2. Student Evaluation
3. In Class presentation
 PROJECT GUIDELINES

1. This is a school sponsored, class project, so

you may not violate any school policy, or
partake in anything which is illegal. Such action
by anyone, anywhere, in the name of this project
will result in serious discipline by our school or
district.
 PROJECT GUIDELINES

2. You may not do anything which will cause

harm to others, be it physically or mentally. Any
consequences the spect-actors may experience
may not be so negative that it would cause
severe anguish or personal tragedy.
 PROJECT GUIDELINES

3. All topics and scenarios must be approved by

Mrs. Voss and possibly the administration.

4. If at any time the parent, teacher or

administrator (the adult contact) feels that the
situation is getting out of
control, they may stop the event.
 PROJECT GUIDELINES
5. The student will be given a “second chance”
to perform the project for a different audience
and location and
possibly a different adult contact.

6. Only if the student neglects to perform the

project will he/she fail the project.
 PROJECT GUIDELINES

7. If for some reason the student’s parent /

guardian does not want the student to take part
in this project, the
student will be given an alternate project.

8. Due to the length of the entire project, NO

late projects will be accepted.
PROJECT GUIDELINES

FAILURE TO MEET ANY OF THE ABOVE

GUIDELINES WILL RESULT IN A LOWER
GRADE AND POSSIBLY A ZERO ON THE
ASSIGNMENT. NO EXCEPTIONS.
 FORM #1
SCENARIO 50 pts

Name________________________________
Topic: ________________________________
Actors: ________________________________
Adult Name: __________________________
Adult Contact info: ____________________
 FORM #1
SCENARIO 50 pts
ACTION #1
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________

Potential problems: __________________

_____________________________________
Solutions: ____________________________
_____________________________________
 FORM #2
JOURNAL 50 pts

Explain what actually happened on the day of the performance.

Record exactly what was said, who said it (NOT specific names)
and what actions were taken.
 
DAY 1
 Here’s what was SUPPOSE to happen:
 
 Here’s what ACTUALLY happened:
 
 Tomorrow I expect this to happen:
FORM #3
STUDENT EVALUATION 50 pts
EVALUATION QUESTIONS

 Reflect honestly about the event which took place. Do you think this project
was a success? Explain why.
 What was the first thing that caused your spectators to become spect-actors?

 If the activity did not allow for spect-actors, why?

 What could you change so the activity would have been a success?
 Why would you make those changes?
 Also, evaluate yourself as an actor in this project as well as others who
partook in the project.
 Lastly, what is your overall feelings about Invisible Theatre. Did you enjoy
the project? Do you think it is educational? Did you learn from the
experience?
 If it was a negative experience, did you still learn anything?
 FORM #4
ADULT EVALUATION 100 pts
PREPARATION
 discuss project prior to performance; its purpose and procedure
 gave a letter of explanation of Invisible Theatre and scenario outline
 which details the procedure, to the adult prior to the performance

ACTOR’S PERFORMANCE
 maintained believability (never broke character)
 good vocal / facial expressions
 followed through on prepared actions within the scripted scenario
 effective use of improvisational skills

PROJECT
 well chosen issue; important and of genuine concern for spectators
 spectators became spect-actors

THE ACTOR
 responsible, reliable, & trustworthy (with this project) cooperative; worked well with others
involved, including you - the adult
 PROJECT EVALUATION 100 pts
 well chosen issue; important and of genuine concern for
spectators
 approved rough draft and final typed scenario
 turned in completed forms
 adult evaluation
 journal of recorded events
 self and project evaluation
 correctly followed the rules and guidelines set forth in the project
 performance was successful; performed on time
 issue was examined within the performance
 spectators became spect-actors
SAMPLE TOPICS
 Favoritism  Abortion
 Homophobia  Theft
 Racial slurs; Racism  Teen Pregnancy
 Dating abuse  Abstinence
 Segregation  Interracial relationships
 Student rights  War effort / anti war effort
 Discrimination  Student loyalties vs. teacher
 Cheating loyalties
 Depression  Safe sex / teen pregnancy /
 Disabilities abstinence
 Stalking; Teen Harassment  Stereotypes
 Sexism  Ageism
 Eating disorders  Respect