A method for the magic : devising and developing engaged Theatre for the Very Young

This reflective practitioner research study explores an artistic and education process for developing engaged and engaging Theatre for the Very Young (TVY). Through this study, the researcher asks the questions: What happens when I center an educational theory in a TVY theatre making process? And what does it look like to intentionally center the play habits, rituals, and relationships of very young people in TVY through performance choices? The researcher examines a perceived tension between artists and educators, both of whom work to center young people, in order to see what happens when theory and practices from arts and education are combined. This study examines a ten-week devising process and subsequent performances of a new TVY piece called Magic Box. The researcher observes and analyses preschoolers’ play as inspiration for the devising and rehearsal, as well as ways that environment and adult intervention shaped youth engagement during the performance. The study concludes with recommendations for both artists and educators to attend to each other’s expertise, and encourages practitioners to include youth voices as dramaturgs for performances intended for them.