THEA 131 - Introduction to Theatre Dr. Frederic

PLAY CRITIQUE REQUIREMENTS

FORM:

1. Typewritten (a MUST). 1" margins, size 12 type. Do not play with margins or type size.

2. Double-spaced (a MUST)

3. STAPLED in upper left corner.

4. No cover page is necessary. Your name, the date, title of play and author, and where the play was performed should appear at the top of the first page. Please don=t waste a report cover either.

5. Ticket stub and program must be stapled to the back of the critique. (Program must accompany any play that is being critiqued to replace a quiz grade.)

6. Number each section or sub-section. Discuss in paragraph form (like a discussion test). Do not worry about an introduction or conclusion.

7. Do NOT just answer questions with a yes or no. Discuss means discuss. Be specific--do not just say that you did or did not like something. Tell WHY you feel the way you do. Give details to reinforce your opinions. Tell HOW effects were achieved.

8. Answer each question and part of a question. I did not type these questions just to practice my typing. Be succinct and to the point so that you can remain within the space limitations.

9. Spelling, grammar, punctuation errors will cost you points. Proofread, run spell check and grammar check.

10. Failure to follow this form will result in loss of credit given for paper.

LENGTH:

One full page, minimum; Two full pages, maximum. You will be penalized if you go over or under these lengths.

ASPECTS OF PERFORMANCE TO BE DISCUSSED:

I. Which actor stood out most in your mind (for either a good or a bad performance)? Tell me why. Be specific. What physical/vocal/emotional techniques stood out? Why? Do not make personal attacks on the actors for faults of the script and/or production.

II. Visual/Auditory elements of the play - [4 questions to be answered in this section]

A. Set - Discuss the set as to how each served the play. Was it a realistic set? If yes, did this fit the type of play? If no, how did the set reinforce the world of the play? How well was it constructed?

B. Costumes - Discuss the characters= costumes in terms of how they were reflections of the characters= personalities. Were they unified or did they all appear to come out of the actors= closets? Were they appropriate as to the time period/age/occupation/social class of the characters?

C. Lighting - Discuss how this served the play. Were there any special effects? A sunrise, lightning? Spotlights? Was it very bright, or dark and spooky? How did that reinforce the mood of the play?

D. Sound - Discuss the use of sound in the performance (don=t forget pre-show, intermission, and post-show music). Sound means SOUND EFFECTS, not whether or not you could hear the actors (although you can comment on that in section III).

III. Answer the following questions concerning the production as a whole - [4 questions to be answered]

A. How would you rate this production (1-4 stars)?

B. Was the play entertaining?

C. What does the play have to say about people, relationships, human nature?

D. What did I learn about the theatre from this production?

LATE PAPERS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED