How to Write From an Informed Audience Perspective

Below are some questions to consider as you write or talk about a theatre production you have attended. All of these may not apply to every show and you may not have strong observations for each one of these things. Always back what you say or write with specific choices, particular moments, details of timing, colors, textures, movement, etc.

Introduction, Thesis and Conclusion:

• Your exit critique should express your opinions and point of view backed up by evidence of examples from the production that caused you to think those things. Your introductory paragraph should contain your thesis statement.

• Your thesis statement should express your point of view-what you think in general about the production and how it was successful or not successful. The body of your paper will then provide details in support of this opinion.

• "A thesis statement focuses your ideas into one or two sentences. It should present the topic of your paper and also make a comment about your position in relation to the topic. Your thesis statement should tell your reader what the paper is about and also help guide your writing and keep your argument focused." (from http://www.cws.illinois.edu/workshop/writers/tips/thesis/)

• Your goal, through the paper, is to support your thesis statement / point of view and convince the reader that your opinion is accurate based on the evidence provided from your observations.

• You may find it easier to write your introduction and your conclusion after writing the first draft of your paper.

• Your Conclusion should not introduce any new ideas but should restate the main idea of your paper and summarize any sub points. Don't repeat things from your paper, but help show how they fit together and support your thesis statement.

Acting:

• Use key terms and vocabulary that apply to this production and your observations (Some examples that may be applicable include: intention, objective, tactics, action, antagonist, protagonist, ensemble, gesture, pacing, projection, subtext, beat, cheating, cue, fourth wall, motivation, obstacles, business, upstaging, etc., etc.)

• Was there clarity of relationships?

• Were the actors understandable? How were voice and diction used?

• Were dialects used and if so did they contribute to the story?

• Did you find they were performing with truth and honesty?

• Were you moved by the performance?

• Did the physicality of the actor's performance match the production and the character?

• Did you believe their story?

Design and Technology:

• Use key terms and vocabulary that apply to this production and your observations (Some examples that may be applicable include: apron, flat, box set, unit set, wagon, cross-fade, cue, cyc, designer, effect, fly/flies, focus, gel, gobo, grid, ground plan, house, level, prop, practical, sightlines, acting area, etc., etc.)

• Were the design elements on the same page as directorial concept and acting choices?

• Did the design elements look cohesive?

• Did the design elements support the storytelling? The style? The flow?

• Were the requirements of the play met?

• Could the actors move as needed and did they fit within the world of the play?

• Could you hear the actors? Were microphones used and if so were they used well?

• Did the lighting help set the mood?

• Did the transitions between scenes fit the flow and the style of the production?

• Did the scenic painting support the style of the show?

• Did the design elements establish the time and place?

• Was the space used well?

• How were the design elements executed?

Directing and Choreography:

• Use key terms and vocabulary that apply to this production and your observations (Some examples that may be applicable include: fourth wall, genre, style, blocking, improvisation, intention, levels, transitions, etc., etc.

• Define the director's concept and explain whether this was viable for the play.

• Did the concept fit the play?

• Was it successfully and consistently realized?

• What were the stage pictures / arrangement of the actors like?

• How were levels used?

• Do the director's notes support the production?

• Did the choreography / actor's movement support the character and/or story?

• Were the transitions between scenes handled well?

• How was the pace, timing, tempo, and rhythm?

• Does the way the music is presented make sense?

• Was the show well cast?

• Did the vocal styles (spoken or singing) match the style and period of show?

• Did the actors use the space well and were all parts of the space used?

Stage Management and Technical Crew:

• Use key terms and vocabulary that apply to this production and your observations (Some examples that may be applicable include: spike, cue, upstage/downstage (etc.), wardrobe, wings, fly, backstage, blacks, quick change, etc., etc.

• Were the cues on time?

• Were there any noticeable errors?

• Did they create a seamless world on stage?

• Did they convey complete control of the environment?

• Was the production presented in a professional way?