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IB Junior English Extra Credit: Theater Critic
WORTH up to +3 pts on large assignment
A theater critic analyzes given works of drama. Most often, this analysis is in written form and appears in print
or digital media. In addition to providing literary interpretation, the writings of a theater critic help raise general
awareness about theater among readers.
Assignment: You will play the role of theater critic and write a one page review on the one act play of your
choosing to be performed at THS.
Directions: Bring a notebook with you to the performance to take notes with. As a tip, I suggest doing the bulk
of your note taking AFTER watching the play so you can actually experience it. Afterward, you will choose
ONE play to write a review on. Your review will critique the dramatic merits of the play and must incorporate 3
lit terms you have just learned about in class. You must also include notes you took at the performance.
Materials to turn in:
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Notes taken at the performance (staple to back of review)
1 page typed (MLA format) review; review must:
o Have a thesis (not just the play was good but the plot was carried by a single element: the
psychological motivation of its protagonist.)
o Provide analysis to support thesis
o Effectively incorporates 3 lit terms (from the gallery walk); place these in bold in your paper
There are innumerable approaches to critiquing a play. You can focus on: characterization, mood and tone,
humor, how dramatic elements successfully (or not so successfully) create suspense, develop the plot, affect the
audience, etc. Please read this article on approaches to writing a successful theatre critique.
Here’s a list of elements to consider critiquing:
1. Acting
2. Costumes
3. Directing
4. Lighting and Sound Effects
5. Setting or Environment
6. Stage Business (movement or spectacle)
7. Other Significant Human Details
8. How did the author (playwright) choose to treat his subject?
9. What acting performance(s) stood out in your opinion?
10. What made the performance(s) stand out?
11. What technical element(s) (scenery, costumes, lighting, special effects, music) contributed most to the
production and why?
12. What were the weaker parts of the production?
13. To what degree did these weaker elements hurt or hinder the production?
14. What was the strongest single element of the production?
15. What was your overall reaction to the production?
16. How does this production compare to others you have seen?