Verbatim Theater

What is Verbatim Theatre? 

(adapted from Theatrefolk)

verbatim: in exactly the same words, word for word

Verbatim Theatre uses a process in which a playwright interviews subjects on a particular topic and issue, records the responses, then use those words exactly as they are – no changes. However, some companies start with the verbatim text and adapt it to suit their needs -- a dramatic adaptation of a real conversation and real words.

There are some challenges to this type of project: How do you construct a theatrical experience with this material? You’re bringing real people, speaking their own thoughts, to life.

Why Verbatim Theatre?

This process is often used to share a specific story or event. 

Verbatim Theatre gives voice to people who would not normally have a platform.

The process creates dialogue in a way that most playwrights have to manufacture otherwise. The subjects speak naturally, so their dialogue includes all the ums, pauses, slang, regionalisms, repeated words, and other speech mannerisms that happen in conversation.

Finally it is a tool to study the physicality of a specific person or group of people. How do you imitate the gestures, physical stance, and expressions of someone else?

Verbatim Theatre is a great way to work on creating a physical character and to hear/analyze natural dialogue.

Examples of Verbatim Theatre

• The Laramie Project – Moises Kaufman and the members of the Tectonic Theatre Project interviewed people in Laramie Wyoming after the murder of Matthew Shepard.
• Aftershocks, Paul Brown. This play is based on interviews of survivors of an earthquake and the effect of the disaster.
• Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992 by Anna Deavere Smith. Based on interviews about the effects of the Rodney King trial and verdict.

What’s the Process?

• Choose a topic or event as the source.
• Find interview subjects.
• Subjects must be a real person (no movies) speaking in their real voice.
• The interviews must be recorded so that you can transcribe the text exactly.
• When you perform the text, speaking verbatim is key. You’re bringing someone else to life through this process and it’s important to convey their thoughts and words exactly.