How to Write a Critique for a Theatrical Performance A critique is an evaluation of a performance of a show. It should contain three to five paragraphs. Remember, this is a formal paper, so all the rules about spelling, grammar, citations, etc. apply. The point of this paper is to critique the play not just describe it. If you just describe the plot, then you will be getting a grade of?

1. Paragraph 1—The Basics Include the answers to the five W’s: Who (the playwright, directors, and actors) What (the title of the play) Where (the name of the school or theater) When (when did you see it?) Why (In a few sentences, state the basic theme of the show)

2. Paragraph 2—The Plot / Script Briefly summarize the plot of the show: How well did the story work? Was it interesting, entertaining? Did you like the actual script? What was the major conflict, dramatic question, or unifying theme? What was the dominant tone of the play? Serious? Comic? Ironic? Explain.

3. Paragraph 3—The Acting and/or Directing Reactions to the performers playing the characters in the play: Use their real names and character names Were the roles appropriately cast? Were some actors inadequate to their roles? In what ways? Were some actors especially effective? If so, how and with what effect? Did their gestures and body movement stay true to the character? Were the actors audible? Understandable? How was their articulation? Were there any special skills (such as dancing, singing, playing a musical instrument) required of any of the actors? If so, how effectively were the demands met?

Reactions to the direction of the play: Was there an identifiable production concept, unifying metaphor, or interpretational approach? If so, what was it and how was it manifested in the production? Were all of the elements of the production compatible and coordinated? Explain. If not, what seemed out of place or inadequately integrated with the rest?

4. Paragraph 4—The Design Set: Did it establish a definite mood and correct time period for the play? What characteristics did the scenery embody? What did the scenery convey about the play? How did the scenery contribute (or fail to contribute) to the total production? What would have been lost if the scenery had been eliminated?

Lights: Did they convey appropriate mood, emphasis, and brightness? Were there any special lighting needs? If so how well was it executed? Overall, how did lighting contribute (or fail to contribute) to the production concept and the total production?

Sound: If this performance were a musical, what is your opinion of the orchestra’s performance? Were there any special sound needs? If so how well was it executed? Overall, how did sound contribute (or fail to contribute) to the production mood, concept and totality?

Costumes and Makeup: Were they true to the period of the show and to the characters? Were there any special costume needs? (historical, fantasy? etc.?) If so how well was it handled? Were there any special makeup needs? (Same as above) If so how well was it handled? Overall, how did costumes and makeup contribute (or fail to contribute) to the total production?

5. Paragraph 5—The Reaction What is the play’s effect on the audience? Was the audience attentive? Was the audience interested? What was your opinion of the show as a whole?

Remember to: Back up all your opinions with valid reasons. Be objective, fair, and sincere. Evaluate the entire production. Be constructive. Indicate good points along with those you felt needed improvement. Enjoy the show—don’t be overly critical.

GRADING RUBRIC 4 Grammar and spelling were excellent. Directions were followed. Content/critique was excellent. 3 A few grammatical and/or spelling errors. Problems with following directions. Content/critique okay but need more to satisfy the task. OR The grammatical and/or spelling errors are beginning to affect the content. Content/critique difficult to understand. 2 A lot of grammatical and/or spelling errors. Directions minimally followed. Content/critique only partial. OR The grammatical and/or spelling errors are affecting the content. Content/critique quite difficult to understand. 1 Grammatical errors, spelling errors, sentence construction errors. Directions not followed. Content/critique not pertinent to the directions. 0 PLAGIARISM!

Thank you! Adapted from THE101/how_to_write_a_play_review.htm THE101/how_to_write_a_play_review.htm