Chapter 2: The Audience and Criticism The Audience completes the creative process Key concepts: Perception Interpretation Intention

Key Concepts Perception : the audience’s experience of the performance Interpretation : how the audience derives meaning from the performance Intention : what the artists (director, playwright, etc.) try to communicate to the audience through the performance The audience’s interpretation may or may not match the artists’ intentions

Watching a Performance Theatrical Performance versus Film Theatre and Film differ in numerous ways, including how the audience experiences these two types of performance.

Watching a Performance Theatrical Performance Occasion Generally, theatre is considered more of a formal or special occasion than film. Tickets Generally, reservations must be made well in advance. Seating Seating is often reserved, with your assigned seat number appearing on your ticket.

Watching a Performance Theatrical Performance Credits Credits and other information about the production are on a printed program, given to the audience as they enter the theatre. Setting/Scenery The setting or scenery is often fully viewable before the start of the performance. Additionally, scenery may or may not be realistic - a common convention of theatrical performance.

Watching a Performance Theatrical Performance Intermissions Theatrical performances often include one or more intermissions. At intermission, the audience is free to leave the theatre space briefly. Focus Unlike film, where the audience’s focus is directed by the camera, theatrical performance enables each audience member to choose where to look and for how long. Theatrical artists employ techniques to guide the audience’s focus; but ultimately, each audience member chooses what and how to watch.

Watching a Performance Theatrical Performance versus Film Quality Theatre Film Occasion Special/Formal Regular/Informal Tickets Reserved Purchase just before Seating Reserved Open Credits In program before Credits roll after Setting Often visible prior Hidden prior Scenery May not be realistic Usually realistic Intermission Yes No Audience Focus Viewer’s choice Determined by camera

Who is the Audience? Audiences vary significantly in several ways: Aesthetic Tastes Education Economic Status Race Age Culture Community

Influence of Audiences on Theatrical Production The choice of what is performed The style in which the production is performed The way in which the production is marketed The duration of the run ; how many performances are given

What do YOU think? 1.What are some reasons why producers and theatres should consider the intended audience when selecting and offering theatrical performances? 2.What might happen if such consideration is NOT given? 3.Suppose a particular theatre’s main audience is composed of white, upper middle class patrons. What are some of the issues that might arise if this theatre tries to attract new audiences, such as Hispanics or gays and lesbians?

Influence of Audiences on Theatrical Production Ongoing Questions for Theatres: How many audiences do we wish to attract/serve? How can we meet the differing interests of these multiple audiences? Theatre cannot exist without audiences. Sensitivity to varying audience tastes and interests is essential to achieving a diversified theatre.

The Audience and Critical Perspective 3-Step Process for Evaluating the Theatrical Experience: 1.One experiences the performance 2.One analyzes the performance 3.One communicates one’s response to another This process reveals information about our personal tastes or aesthetics, by illuminating our thoughts and feelings.

The Critic Criticism = the act of making judgments The 3 Basic Concerns of the Critic: 1. Understanding : What were the artists trying to do? 2. Effectiveness : How well did they do it? 3.Ultimate Worth : How valuable was the experience?

Making Connections How do you define for yourself what makes a production satisfying or not? To answer this question, consider a play or perhaps a movie that you’ve seen and your response to it. Make a list of 5 pros and 5 cons about the production. Write a short review using your list as a basic outline.