Becoming the Critic Chapter 2

Becoming the Who? Critic: Any person who publicly expresses his or her opinion about a work of art or literature.

Terms of the Trade Program/Playbill: a pamphlet given out that tells theatergoers about the show they are seeing. This usually contains information about the play, who is involved, etc.

Intermission: in theatre, this is a break taken between acts. Etiquette: a set of rules of acceptable behavior in a certain situation. Terms of the Trade

Be on time or early. Unlike at the movies, most live theatres will not let audience members in once the show has started. No Cell phones. It is disrespectful to actors and to everyone sitting around you. This goes for text messaging as well as talking on the phone. Theatre Etiquette

Cut the chitchat. Excessive talking in the theatre is also very rude. The theatre is no place for full blown conversations. In most theaters, the ushers will usually ask you to leave if you can’t stop talking. Theatre Etiquette

AVOID getting up and leaving during the performance. This is another rude and distracting behavior. There’s a reason that most shows have an intermission. Even if you hate the play, the polite thing to do is wait to leave until intermission. Theatre Etiquette

Beware of noisy wrappers. Don’t interfere with the performers. Laughter, audience, and audible weeping are quite welcome in the theatre. Heckling actors is not. Flash photography is almost always forbidden in the theatre. Keep aisles clear of your personal effects Theatre Etiquette

a phrase originally coined by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. It means the audience agrees to accept the unreality of theatrical event and “pretend” the events unfolding before them are real. Willing Suspension of Disbelief

Curtain Call when the performers come out and take their bows for the audience. It is a chance for the audience to show their appreciation for the work the cast and crew have done on the show.

Standing Ovation a form of applause where the audience members leave their seats to clap for the performers. It is usually reserved for outstanding performances.

What are the qualities of a good critic? You should always go into a theatrical performance with an open mind. However, it is all right to have your opinions about what subjects aren’t suitable for the stage. It is important to have at least some knowledge of the play or style of the theatre you are attending.

What are the qualities of a good critic? It is also important to have some knowledge of the production process and what kind of work goes into producing a piece of theater.

A Crit-What? A Critique or review is primarily about giving your opinion. Don’t tell the story of the play. Give your reactions to the play and try to support these with your knowledge about theatre.

What are the qualities of a good critic? The best critics are balanced. No good comes of tearing the play to shreds. The ideal reviewer will address both the strengths and weaknesses of a production.

What are the qualities of a good critic? Be constructive. It isn’t your job to insult the works of others. The best critics suggest ways a production or a performance could be improved without being nasty about it

What are the qualities of a good critic? Discuss who you think the performance is geared toward (older or younger audiences, adventurous or old-fashioned types, etc.).

What are the qualities of a good critic? Try to cover as many areas of the production as possible.

What are the qualities of a good critic? Don’t just discuss the actors. Keep in mind as many areas of the production as possible.

What are the qualities of a good critic? Don’t just discuss the actors. Keep in mind that this is a collaborative art. What do you think of the set, lights, costumes, sound, makeup, music, etc.?