Creativity in Theatre-Making: Collaboration and Innovation for Theatre Production

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Paul Colwell

Creativity in Theatre-Making

Collaboration and Innovation for Theatre Production

Paul Colwell

$398.95 $319.42

Hardback

Forthcoming
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English

Routledge
01 October 2025

Theatre Studies

Creativity in Theatre-Making identifies and explores relationships between theatremakers. The book seeks to expand opportunities for creativity and collaboration from concept to realisation. It does so by reconsidering the so-called ‘technical roles’ as ‘creators’, thereby dismantling the conventional distinction between creative and technical teams. The book challenges this limited views of creativity, offers an alternative model of relationships – a heterarchy – and uses this to underpin a range of techniques and strategies that improve the productivity, well-being, and inclusivity of professional theatre practice. Its core pedagogic principle is that understanding ‘why’ is more useful than simply knowing ‘what’. The book includes an overview of all the major specialist meetings and roles in theatre-making; as well as an in-depth exploration of the key resources used to create Shows and how these can be utilised collaboratively and sustainably. There is also advice on giving and receiving effective feedback during the production process and engaging with creative, financial and safety risks. Throughout the text, the author defines the specialist terminology being used, and offers real-world examples. Creativity in Theatre-Making is for undergraduate and postgraduate students studying for a creative and/or ‘technical’ role in the theatre industry and related sectors, as well as early- and mid-career theatre professionals looking to appraise or refresh their practice.

By: Paul Colwell
Imprint: Routledge
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 229mm, Width: 152mm,
Weight: 453g
ISBN: 9781032556062
ISBN 10: 1032556064
Pages: 202
Publication Date: 01 October 2025
Audience: College/higher education , Professional and scholarly , Primary , Undergraduate
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

1. Creativity in Theatre 2. The Creatives 3. Constraints 4. The Creators 5. Hierarchy and Heterarchy 6. Possibilities and Problems 7. Feedback 8. Risk 9. Meetings 10. Theatre Process Meetings 11. Summary and Societal Context

Paul Colwell joined the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in 2013. He teaches a range of theatre-making topics across Central’s BA and MA portfolio, with a particular focus on collaboration, technical drawing, design realisation, risk management, and management strategy. Prior to Central, he worked in professional theatre at all scales; from tiny pub theatres to West End musicals to international touring. Roles have included Production Manager, Set and Costume Designer, Lighting Designer and Chief Electrician. His interdisciplinary experience enables him work across creativity, technology and collaboration.