The Spring Break Acting Intensive: Devised Theater course is a collaboration between Acting for Young People (AFYP), Mason Community Arts Academy, and Precipice Theater Team (PTT).
The Precipice Theater Team will work with students to craft a dynamic, one-of-a-kind, play using students’ own words, thoughts, and experiences. In this intensive, PTT founders Ashley Forman and Josh Bickford will guide students through their internationally celebrated devising process to create autobiographical, ensemble-based theater that poses significant questions crucial to the participants and their communities. Through writing, movement, rehearsals, and performance, students will collaborate to bring their stories to life, in an environment infused with generosity, creativity, and excitement.
Ideal for students in grades six through high school sophomores, the program will culminate in a fully realized and polished performance.
Here, Ashley and Josh tell us more about their process and the exciting plans they have in store for our upcoming collaboration!
Josh Bickford
Lead Teaching Artist
Ashley Forman
Lead Teaching Artist
Can you tell us more about the Precipice Theater Team? What are the origins of the company, and what is your mission?
Ashley: Absolutely! Precipice Theater Team is an interdisciplinary theater company that produces collaborative, autobiographical productions designed to pose vital questions, spark dialogue, and strengthen connections within communities. We create dynamic productions that integrate theater, visual art, and music to deliver unique artistic experiences.
After decades of developing this devised theater process at the regional level, I’m thrilled to now lead a company that focuses entirely on the kind of work I believe is most vital for young artists. I founded Precipice Theater Team to ensure young people have a space where their stories are celebrated, their talents are recognized, and their minds are challenged to imagine what’s next for the American stage.
How does a devised program format differ from a more “traditional” acting class or camp?
Ashley: In a traditional theater class, students typically work from a preexisting script, learning their assigned roles and waiting for their turn to shine. In a devised theater program, we flip the process. We start with actors first and develop the script based on their ideas, experiences, and contributions. This is also different in that it is ensemble theater, meaning that every student is on stage for the entire play and crucial to every moment.
What might a day of spring break camp look like? What can students expect?
Josh: A typical day of our spring break intensive begins with a warmup designed to center the students, heighten spatial awareness, integrate body and breath, and strengthen ensemble focus. The day unfolds with skill based games, creative movement, discussions on areas of exploration, autobiographical writing, and rehearsing newly devised sections of their original play.
Can you tell us more about the public performance opportunities for this program, in the Spotlight on the Arts festival and Precipice devised theater festival?
Josh: We are excited to be able to offer multiple performance opportunities for this ensemble. First, on May 4, students will perform their play at the Spotlight on the Arts Festival. Then, on May 25, as part of Precipice Theater Team’s Devised Theater Festival, they will take the stage at the historic George Washington Masonic Temple in Alexandria to perform alongside other PTT ensembles, allowing them to connect with a larger community of young, local artists.
Anything else you’d like to share, in general, or about our collaboration?
Ashley: We’re thrilled to partner with the incredible Acting for Young People! AFYP has been a cornerstone of theater education in Fairfax County, shaping and supporting generations of artists. Their commitment to empowering young performers aligns perfectly with our mission, making this collaboration especially meaningful. It’s an honor to join forces for this exciting new initiative.
Program Details
Ages: 11–15 (grades 6–10)
Dates: April 14–18, 2025
9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Tuition: $395
Location: Mason Community Arts Academy Building in Fairfax, Virginia
Public Performances: Sunday, May 4 and Sunday, May 25 (times to be announced)