THEATRE AND VISUAL ARTS: IDIS 103 AND THEA 211 REQUIREMENTS FOR WRITING THEATRE CRITIQUES Two PRODCUCTION critiques are required. SCHOOL PRODUCTIONS BELOW COLLEGATE LEVEL WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED FOR THESE ASSIGNMENTS. GUIDELINES CHECK LIST I. PRODUCTION CRITIQUE CONTENT A. THEME Identify and discuss the concept/theme/meaning of the play. Program notes can help you identify concepts and themes. DO NOT RETELL THE EVENTS OF THE SCRIPT (PLOT). EXAMPLE: A critique of a performance of Romeo and Juliet should NOT state that Romeo fell in love with Juliet, secretly married her, was involved in the fight that killed Tybalt, fled the city, etc. It should explain what the production MEANS TO YOU and how the details of the production support that meaning. What, for example, did that production of Romeo and Juliet say about civic peace, decision-making, violence and conflict management, parent-child communication, or the value systems of human societies. Your discussion of theme may also consider the function(s) that the play served FOR YOU. B. PRODUCTION ELEMENTS Evaluate the effectiveness of such elements as the size and shape of the theatre, blocking, acting, scenery, lighting, costumes, props, make-up, and sound. Explain how these elements contributed to Coppin State University Visual and Performing Arts 2500 W. North Avenue Baltimore, Maryland 21216-3698 Phone: 410-951-3366 Fax: 410-951-4151
or detracted from the effectiveness of the performance. You may also comment on actoraudience interaction. Judge several elements in depth or more briefly cover all the elements listed above. C. JUSTIFICATION Statements about the content and production elements must be JUSTIFIED with evidence from the performance. EXAMPLE 1: “This play examines the theme of violence” is not sufficient. Critics should cite examples from the production that demonstrate why this is the theme. EXAMPLE 2: A statement such as, “The lighting was good,” is not sufficient. Critics should describe how, for example,…