Performance+Critiques

Performance Critiques for Productions of the Department of Theatre and Film Studies

Due Date: See Schedule pages for exact dates

Requirements:

Q. You may well ask, "Why do I have to write a critique of a production?"

A. Let me offer several reasons:

The act of writing about a theatre production requires you to sort out and arrange your thoughts and ideas into a coherent order. This act alone is a way for you to reflect on the subject with some degree of depth.

It is an attempt to help others to see the production as YOU saw it.

It increases our understanding of the work that you have "read" from your own background and experience, especially as you proceed through this class.

It should help you to begin to formulate and improve your own critical standards based on your study and experience. Given effort over time, you should be able to refine your taste and better express your judgment.

Finally, you are really teaching yourself about the production by examining it with reflection and in greater depth.

Q. Should I address my ideas to you, my teacher?

A. That's ok but you should imagine that you are addressing your ideas to your classmates and the student body in general with your unique perspective of the show. Don't get bogged down in attempting to "please" the professor. Try to please yourself first and then seek to inform these others.

Q. How long should my critique be?

A. No more than 5 typed double spaced pages is usually enough to provide convincing arguments.

Q. If there is a study guide provided by the instructor, consult that before and after seeing the show.

A. Study guides are meant to provide background material to the play and often give you an idea of some of the key points the play and production are likely to raise. BUT do not rely on the study guide to fill in the details. Seeing the show is a must in order to fully understand the interpretation of the show by the director, designers, and cast of actors.

Q. What should I write about?

A. Students of theatre are fortunate to see a play on the stage. Through the dialogue (the script being "read" by the actors, if you will) you will probably understand how the play works. Of course the play has been filtered through the production team: the director, actors, designers, etc. So it bears the stamp of a particular set of individuals. Ask yourself how this group of individuals has handled the play. But remember, this is NOT a professional team of actors (except for professional actors who have been hired to work in the show) and designers. Like you many of them are on the road to a profession, in or out of theatre. You owe it to them to give them a fair and considered evaluation of their work. Professionals may well treat the play quite differently.

Among some of the things you might discuss in the critique are the following:

Text: plot, major characters, main ideas, effectiveness of language, other element (such as music, for example).

Setting: physical appearance, materials, style, color, relationship to the theatre's architecture, relationship to the play.

Costumes: choice of period, color, materials, style, relationship to the characters and the play.

Lighting: atmosphere created, color choices, style, enhancement of (or detraction from) the mood of the piece.

Sound: function of sound effects or musical score; specific examples of sound that support or compete with the action.

Acting: clarity of characterization, vocal and physical work, notable moments in the performance, sense of ensemble playing.

Directing: clarity of story, casting choices, tempo and rhythm of the performance, composition of stage images.

The above list could go on and on.

Q. Should I write about all the matters on the checklist above?

A. No. The checklist is meant as a guide covering possible key elements appropriate for this production and your review of it.

Q. Should I discuss the author or repeat the story and plot.

A. No! These issues are not necessary for you to write about, unless you have a unique spin on the playwright that didn't seem to be taken into consideration by the production.

Q. How long should my critique be? And in what form should it be written?

A. Try to confine your remarks to 5 double-spaced typed pages. Frankly, most of my better papers have been that long. Often anything less rushes the writer and does not do justice to the subject.

Q. Should I use examples?

A. YES, PLEASE DO! Without examples I do not often know how to evaluate something like the following: "The acting was great!" “The set was amazing." "The music sucked." "Awesome costumes!" Without particulars I'm simply lost. Try to point out what about what actors was "great", citing particular moments, actions, etc. Provide some details that made the set stand out for you. Was the design and execution helpful in communicating time and place of the action, mood and atmosphere of the content, etc. What about the music sucked? Was it too loud? Didn't it fit the mood of the scene. Was a sound effect cued late? WHAT!! And surely an awesome costume has some attributes that make you respond so positively. Name them!!

Q. How will I be graded?

A. Critiques will be graded subjectively. A neat paper gets my attention. One that doesn't contain typos, incoherent arguments, or superlatives. Take pride in your work. Take pride in your efforts.

Q. Aren't critiques supposed to be negative?

A. Critiques are expressions of your organized thoughts. They need not be negative to be considered critical. Ideas that aren't supported by concrete illustrations however don't convince me or your reader that you have thought much about the subject. Remember that those who prepared to work for you to see spent many hours getting ready to perform. Your job is to respect them with considered opinions, even if they suggest that the work was not perfect, even flawed.