Devising Theatre is a practical handbook that combines a critical analysis of contemporary devised theatre practice with descriptions of selected companies, and suggestions for any group devising theatre from scratch. It is the first book to propose a general theory of devised theatre.
After identifying the unique nature of this type of performance, the author examines how devised theatre is perceived by professional practitioners, and provides an historical overview illustrating how it has evolved since the 1960s. Alison Oddey examines the particular working practices and products of a number of professional companies, including a Reminiscence theatre for the elderly and a theatre-in-education group, and offers ideas and exercises for exploration and experimentation.

Alison Oddey is a lecturer in Drama and Theatre Studies at the University of Kent. Since 1977 she has devised theatre with young people, teachers in training and students as well as with professional actors. She has published articles in theatre journals and taught a series of practical workshops on devising theatre at the Universities of Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Antwerp