Devised Theater Institute with Piscataway
Monday, July 20, 2026 - Friday, July 31, 2026
Art
Over the course of two weeks, Teaching Artists Jasmine Carmichael and Dave Seamon used the practices of Devised Theater to lead Piscataway Middle School Students through a process of working together as an ensemble to create and perform an original piece of musical theater. Collaboration is at the heart of Devised Theater, with all members of the ensemble contributing to the creation of the work. During the first week, students learned about the elements of storytelling and how to tell a complete story, created artwork that reflected their individual and community identities, and participated in a variety of theater activities and games. The first week culminated with the students working in small groups to develop a concept and pitch their ideas for the final show. Throughout the second week, the students wrote the script and music, created choreography and distinct characters, made decisions about costuming and staging, and rehearsed in preparation for the final sharing on Friday, July 31st, where they presented their original musical, A New Note.
Advocacy
Throughout the program, the students were encouraged to create art work that reflected their identities and what was important to them. The Teaching Artists led them through a series of creative exercises that allowed the students to articulate their opinions and deeply listen to the experiences and perspectives of others. Through this devising process, the advocacy theme of “Responsible Use of AI” was discovered. The students collaboratively developed a piece exploring the dangers and limitations of relying too heavily on AI and urging their audience to practice using AI responsibly and only as an aid to human creativity, not a replacement for it. During the final presentation, one ensemble member said that prior to the program, they thought art was only meant to entertain, but now they understood that art can have a message and should say something in addition to entertaining.
Community
This Devised Theater Institute consisted of 15 Piscataway Middle Students from Schor, Conackamack and Quibbletown Middle Schools. The students were all previous participants in a Piscataway Township arts program, including drama, choir, and band. Some students knew each other, but many met for the first time and were brought together through their love of and experience with theater in their schools. Throughout the Institute, students worked together to create a new musical. This kind of collaboration requires a great amount of communication, patience, teamwork, and creative problem solving. They became connected through a shared purpose and goal. The passion for their advocacy theme further deepened their sense of ensemble and community.
final sharing
Insert Photos from the final sharing day and a description - title of musical.
Teaching Artists and Guests
process photos
Every day of institute started with a full group warm up, and every lunch was screen-free, meaning time for chess and soccer games!
During the first week, students completed an identity flag project in small groups and presented their flags.
At the end of the first week, students developed and performed pitches for the final show.
The final sharing of students’ original musical A New Note was performed on Friday, July 31st for friends and family.