Day 1

The workshop will begin with the performance of a site-

specific piece performed by Social Interruption that will
give them a taste of the style in which they will be working.

During the morning the students will be introduced to the
concept of site-specificity through a series of exercises and
experiences, both indoors and outdoors, designed to
change their perception of a place that they know very
well.

Next we will practically examine several different aspects
of site-specific work such as architecture, sound, historic
context and sensory effects.

The students will then have time to choose a site and
experiment with the techniques used during the day
culminating in a short work-in-progress showing to peers.
Day 2

Having explored a multitude of themes and aspects of site-
specific work, we will reflect on the work-in-progress
showings of the previous day and focus in on some specific
performance elements that the students have shown
interest in; these might include the roles and layout of
audience, rhythm, or structural composition.

For the rest of the afternoon the students will be
encouraged to work independently in collaborative groups
in a chosen site. The groups will be supported by Social
Interruption to develop the piece into a short showing for
family and friends at the end of the day.

The workshop will conclude with a sharing of feedback on
both the students experiences in the workshop and in the
development and performance of the pieces themselves.
Social Interruption formed from a Theatre degree that is focused on devising performance with an extensive study of
site-specific work. The site-specific work that we create responds to its surroundings and is routed in its site and context,
be that visually, sonically, architecturally or historically. In contrast to studio work, site-based practice allows you to
rediscover and re-engage with an everyday place and its surroundings; for example we might find ourselves considering
the journeys that a corridor has witnessed or searching for the oldest book in the library.
Over two days, participants will be encouraged to refresh the way they look at their school as a site for performance.
Taking inspiration from the past, present and future of the building, its surroundings, its physical properties and their
personal experiences of them, the students will collaborate together to create a final performance. As developing artists
ourselves, we will explore with the students in their environment playing games, encouraging reflective dialogues and
creating performances and happenings around the school.
We have found that students creative potential has thrived on the possibility of taking inspiration from a living
environment rather than a set text or a given stimulus. It allows students to discover a new side of performance, working
collaboratively without the usual restraints of conventional theatre space.
We offer the workshop for up to 20 students aged 15 18 (Yr 11- 13), or a slightly adapted version suitable for students
aged 13-15 (Yr 9 10). The workshop will be delivered by 3 or 4 Social Interruption members each leading a smaller
group of about 5 students. The workshop will run for two days usually over a weekend. In order for the students to have
a varied experience, the workshop would ideally take place in several different spaces around the school.

Workshop Overview
As a company we would spend some time getting to know the school building and its grounds before the workshop,
working quickly to devise a short immersive site-specific performance.
A Site-Specific Devising Workshop by Social Interruption

SEEING DOUBLE
We were very impressed with how hard Social Interruption had worked to prepare the
workshop, giving our pupils a very intense, yet fun and lively two days.- Wynstones School