Performance analysis that highlights a thesis based on your observation of acting, directing or one of the creative team roles.

Prepare a 3 to 5 page performance analysis that highlights a thesis based on your observation of acting, directing or one of the creative team roles.  You will need to take your observations of the individual’s (actor, director or creative team member) choices and discuss how you saw those choices within the production and why you think they made those choices (aka how it adds to the script/text/plot).

Your analysis should be performance based (acting, directing, or design), thesis-driven, and observation supported. The goal of this assignment is to help you grow as both a writer and an audience member while learning important elements of performance. The key to a solid paper is a focus on observations that directly tie to the message you want to impact your reader. Only include summary when required to understand your argument, avoid entirely if possible.

Criteria:

Select a play/film from the week four module that meets the criteria (and which you have written your Observation Reflection and Thesis+Outline on already).

Take notes about observations you see on stage and your feelings as an audience member (Observation Reflection)

Write a clear thesis statement that includes: (Thesis + Outline)

What performance area you will be reviewing (i.e. Acting, Directing, One Production/Design Role) ONLY pick one

Your overall judgment about the area you are reviewing (well, poor, mixed, etc.)

A preview into your argument or a notable observation to tie your reader into your paper

Support your thesis with at least 3 detailed observations. Be sure to cite any actor, director, or designer names.

In your body be sure you have utilized academic theater vocabulary

Finish with a conclusion that covers who you would recommend the production to and why

Only include a plot summary if it is required to understand your thesis and evidence and even then keep it as short as possible.

Exemplary is earned with a submission with few if any noticeable mistakes, Good is earned when the paper has reasonable but consistent mistakes, Developing is earned when a good faith effort has been made but there are significant concerns, No marks are given when a paper fails to demonstrate skills expected of a college freshman, does not address the requirements of the paper, or are indecipherable due to significant errors.  Please remember that students have the ability to redo their Observation Reflections and Thesis + Outline assignments.  Students who take the feedback given in those assignments and resubmit to a 100% grade will be able to write their final paper with ease.

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