From your notes, write a review according to the following criteria:
A. Length: 450-600 words, typed and double-spaced, 12 pt. font in Times New Roman
B. The review must have a clear introduction, body and conclusion.
Introduction:
The introduction should include
§ an attention-getter,
§ a very brief plot summary (2-3 sentences), and
§ basic information about the play (title, playwright, director, production company, name of theatre, and type of stage)
§ thesis statement that reveals your point of view about the play and mentions the specific elements you will discuss, such as set, costume, props, lighting, spectacle, acting, directing, etc. (Underline your thesis statement.)
(Reminder: play titles are underlined or italicized.)
(Writing Tip: First, think about your point of view before you begin to write your thesis statement. What do you want to say about this particular production? Consider the directing, the acting, the lighting, costumes, spectacle, etc. The review is about the production elements, not the meaning of the play, not about how the play relates to your life, but how the elements contribute to the playwright's intention which includes the meaning.)
Body:
- The body should have 2-3 paragraphs with topic sentences that clearly refer to your thesis statement. A body paragraph can contain more than one topic if you clearly state so in the topic sentence. For example, both the set and costumes convincingly establish the protagonist's character.
- Support all your points that raise the question "why?" or "how?" with observations that explain the "what" of your answer. For example, if you write, The costumes are outrageously creative, then you need to follow up with specific examples or illustrations to show "how" this is so.
- Use the introduction of Theater class Key Terms you find at the end of each chapter as you review the play. A minimum of 5 Key Terms used correctly is expected. Underline each Key Term. Key terms must enhance your reader's understanding of the play, so choose terms well. Simple vocabulary, such as "comedy," "director," or "audition" does little to enhance your reader's understanding, but terms such as "fly loft," "scrim," or "stage left" can provide useful information as well as indicate you are mastering your new vocabulary.
- Write about the events of the play in present tense. For example, the antagonist wears a dark mask.
Conclusion:
The conclusion must
- restate the thesis statement and make a final recommendation about the play, and
- leave the reader with something to think about, with a reason to go to see the production, or to avoid it altogether.
C. Title and Header
- Include the following heading in the upper right margin of your review:
Your Name
Thea 100
Section #
Hopkins
Review #1 (or #2)
- Create a title and center it. This should not simply be the title of the play.
Part 2 Theater Attendance Questionnaire
On what type of stage (arena, thrust, proscenium, etc.) is this production being staged?
What is the approximate seating capacity of the theatre?
How would you characterize the theatre lobby as far as its potential for audience socializing before and after the show and during intermission(s)?
How did the information in the printed program help you prepare for experiencing this theatre production?
Was there information in the program about the theatre group? If so, what?
Was there information in the program about other productions the theatre has staged or will be staged? If so, what?
If there was an intermission, how long was it and how did the audience respond during the intermission? Did you learn anything about the production during this intermission?
What are the real names of the leading actors?
What are the names of the leading designers (include set, costume, sound effects, and lighting)?
What is the name of the director? List 3 duties of the director and explain how the director succeeded or failed at the tasks.
Name_____________________________
A.
B.
C.
How would you characterize the audience? What was their level of appreciation of or interest in the production? Consider applause, laughter, tears, engagement, or conversation to help you determine audience response.
How long did the play last? How many acts were there? How aware of time passing were you during the play?
If you could change one element of the play, what would it be and how would you change it?