The Play Review

Assignment – The Play Review

Overview

Seeing a play in person with a live audience is a fantastic experience and unique to the artform. You are an active participant as an audience member and there is an exchange of energy when you are in the room with the actors. Never been to a play before? No problem! I am here to guide you through the process.

Included here is information for you to complete your play review worth a large portion of your grade. It includes an attached form for you to complete as well as due dates and helpful “how-to’s” 

Since you will be seeing a play and including a plot summary and general critique of the production, you will want to use your own words based on the experience. If you feel you need to include some history on the play and are including research, simply cite it by giving credit to any ideas other than your own.

Instructions

View One in-person play  from the Plays Accepted for the Play Review tab and write one play review including proof of program and ticket with play review form for 200 points

or

View Two Online Plays Through Digital Theatre Plus from the Plays Accepted for the Play Review Tab and write two play reviews including screenshots of your viewing along with the play review forms for 200 points.

As a student, you can often get discounts on tickets. Some places offer a “lottery” or “under 25” or “rush” discounts on tickets. Calling the box office or checking the website can often save you some money. 

Goldstar Events WebsiteLinks to an external site.  has all of these plays. Visit this website and become a member (FREE) to receive tickets at a reduced rate. Make sure the ticket you purchase is before the  deadline for your play review. 

Submission

Use the play review form and submit as a PDF attachment document or paste the text/form through CANVAS.

You may include a screenshot in your document or as a separate upload as proof of attendance, program, and ticketing.

To submit your assignment, click on “Submit Assignment” on the top right corner of the page and provide your response. You may type your response in a word document first and then copy-paste it into the text box. For more information on submitting discussions and other assignments, follow this link: How to Submit Assignments Links to an external site.Links to an external site.

Late assignments are accepted with a penalty. 

Grading & Feedback

For assignments, I will be leaving individualized and general class comments on your post. Please refer to the Regular & Effective Communication Plan page for information on how I will be communicating with you and providing feedback. 

This assignment is weighted with a total of 200 points and will go towards your Participation and Assignments percentages

For grades, point breakdowns, and comments left on assignments, please make sure to check the grading rubric (found at the bottom of the assignment page) along with the comments section of the gradebook. 

Review the Syllabus for class point totals. At any time in the course, you may view grades to the left of the page. If you need assistance, here is a brief tutorial on How To View Your Grades in CANVASHow to Write a Play Review
Guidelines:
A critique as defined by the Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary as “an act of criticizing; a critical estimate or discussion; the art of evaluating or analyzing with knowledge and propriety works of art or literature.”
TIP: Read examples of critiques through the Los Angeles Times, Burbank Leader, New York Times, Variety, and other sources to see what critics focus on. Also, Review Chapter 15 “Viewpoints” of the Barranger text, Theatre A Way of Seeing 7th edition outlines a critic’s job when approaching a play review.
A Rubric for Grading
What your assignment should contain and the percentages for success!
Review the rubric for this assignment below for specifics.
Examine the play review questions prior to going to the theatre.
?Thought Questions: Writing the Review
Content and Analysis
Is there a mature approach to subject matter?
Was there use of slang incomplete sentences?
Is this college level work?
Class concepts/general theatre
Are there specifics on acting, directing, theme, technical theatre
The critique and does the essay present conclusions based on class concepts?
Grammar/Spelling/Sentence Structure
Does the critique present adequate support of opinions
and does it have good grammar and spelling?
Following Directions/Proof of Attendance
Include a screenshot of your video screen or a picture of your program as proof of attendance
Utilize the Play Review Form
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: How does one write a critique?
A: First place to start is research. Either a newspaper or internet server can help you here. Do not “cut and paste” the synopsis from a website. Use your own ideas and critical thought.
Q: What is contained in a critique?
A: What was your experience like?  Was this your first time seeing this particular play?  What were your expectations? Did those expectations change?  Since you are “analyzing” as stated in the definition above, how would this compare to other works that you have experienced.  How was the acting? The story? The technical elements (such as costumes, set design, sound design)?
Q: What if I completely disliked the experience?
A: I would like to know about it. A particular production isn’t for everyone, but I would like to know why. You are analyzing it from a critical point of view, which means explaining to an “audience” who hasn’t been to the play or film about the experience and why or why they shouldn’t attend.
??Writing in “third person” and Other Helpful Tips
Write in “third person” – rather than “I really liked this show”, state your opinion so you are giving a general perspective: “PCPA’s production clearly depicted the playwright’s intention through the directorial concept and portrayal of the complex characters”
Have a pad and pencil/pen with you while watching the performance  to jot ideas down
Use the names of the actors, director, and designers in your critique (information that is found in the program or the credits). Be specific as possible.
Where can I find the names of the performers? Producer? Designers? Playwright?
These can be found in the program. For the filmed performances, they may be as a part of “credits”. This may involve some research to find. Do not leave these things blank.

Plays Accepted for Play Review

Live Theatre is a wonderful experience – theatre is meant to be experienced together with a community for its full effect. However, there are options for this course that can guide you to appreciate Theatre as an artform, while being able to enjoy in the comfort of your own home at a lower cost, provided by GCC.

Experience a play from one of the following performed LIVE with and in front of an audience. Note: dates for when these productions run and purchase your tickets prior to the play review due date. You can find these on the website of the Theatre listed or www.goldstar.comLinks to an external site. for a reduced ticket rate. Many Theatres will have tickets at a reduced rate for students. If you choose this option, you will only need to submit 1 play review, but it does take a little more effort in acquiring the tickets. These are professional-level or touring productions, and will be at a higher cost. 

Local (Los Angeles) Theatre

I Love You, Because (Musical) at Glendale CollegeLinks to an external site.

Peter and the Starcatcher at Glendale CollegeLinks to an external site.

Funny Girl (Musical) at Ahmanson TheatreLinks to an external site.

The Wiz Pantages Theatre, HollywoodLinks to an external site.

• Chicago Pantages Theatre HollywoodLinks to an external site.
• Black Cypress Bayou at The Geffen PlayhouseLinks to an external site.
• Fat Ham at The Geffen PlayhouseLinks to an external site.

One of the Good Ones Pasadena PlayhouseLinks to an external site.

King Hedley II at A Noise WithinLinks to an external site.

Nora at Antaeus Theatre Company (Glendale)Links to an external site.

Singularities or the Computers of Venue at The Road Theatre (North Hollywood)Links to an external site.

There may be others and some terrific pay what you can student deals that I will post in Announcements as they come up.

• Choosing the two-play online/digital option?

If choosing this option, you will be viewing and experiencing two plays from Digital Theatre Plus – the viewing platform provided by GCC Library Database.

To access Digital Theatre Plus, watch the following video:

Digital Theatre Plus Productions – Choose 2 of the Following:

True West

• Pipeline

The Last Train to Nibroc

• Into the Woods (Musical)

Things I Know to be True

• Allegiance (Musical)

An American in Paris (Musical)

• Closer Than Ever (Musical)

Forever Plaid (Musical)

Funny Girl (Musical)

Medea

Red

Long Day’s Journey Into Night

Play Review Format

the following for your play review form questions to cut and paste and save as a PDF file. 

Once you submit the assignment, attach the PDF as a file, and any other supporting materials (such as a jpeg of your program). 

??Tip!  – Include the image in your Word Document so you won’t have to upload two files. 

You can also type in if you’d prefer, just make sure you answer all of the questions listed in order to receive full credit.

Again, don’t just list the names, but rather, give specifics.

?? Important Note:  This is not an essay. 

For the ratings – you may highlight or simply include your rating.

Copy and Paste the following play review questions into a word document. 

Highlight the following from “Play Review #” through to the end “Actor’s Name”

Open a word document, and paste the information into a new word document. 

When you have completed all of the questions, save as a PDF. (Keep the word document just in case you need to make additional adjustments). 

How to Cut and Paste Into a DocumentLinks to an external site.

Begin Play Review Form 

——

General Information

Play Review #

Date:

First Name:

Last Name:

Play Title:

Author:

Producer:

Theatre Venue (Name and Location):

Show Date: 

Would You Recommend This Production for Others to See? Why or Why Not? Explain. 

Specific Questions About the Production

Overall Reaction to the Show: Explain your Overall Reaction (using critical thought) Give a brief justification as to why you rated your overall reaction as you did :

Briefly Outline to the Storyline of the Play (Play Summary in your Own Words): 

What Was the Theme of the Play? (What was the playwright want you to walk away with upon the play’s conclusion?) :

Describe the Two Most Compelling Aspects of the Production. Explain Your Choices (Aspects of the production include direction, set design, lighting design, costumes, sound design, make up, acting, dance, music, stage combat, etc.); Back up your responses with specific evidence. 

Were there least successful Aspect of the Production? Explain and Justify the choices: 

What Do You See As the Play’s Most Relevant Topic in Regard to Your Life? (TIP: All stories are relatable to the human condition in one way or another – go deep to explore this through your critical analysis to help find the answer)

Ratings and Specifics

Below is a scale system 1 -5 (which you may highlight, circle, or indicate how you wish. Remember to use your program to find the names of the artists responsible.

??TIP: Have you included names and details in your answers above? Back up evidence, which include designer, actor, director names and details from the show will help you be most successful for this assignment and give the reader a sense of attending. Again, ask yourself “WHY?” you rated them as you did. Go beyond one word conclusions to describe (e.g. “boring”)

RATE DIRECTION 1 = BAD; 2= SO-SO; 3= OKAY; 4 = GOOD; 5 = WOW

DIRECTOR’S NAME:

RATE SET DESIGN 1 = BAD; 2= SO-SO; 3= OKAY; 4 = GOOD; 5 = WOW

SET DESIGNER’S NAME:

RATE LIGHTING DESIGN 1 = BAD; 2= SO-SO; 3= OKAY; 4 = GOOD; 5 = WOW

LIGHTING DESIGNER’S NAME:

RATE COSTUME DESIGN: 1 = BAD; 2= SO-SO; 3= OKAY; 4 = GOOD; 5 = WOW

COSTUME DESIGNER’S NAME:

RATE MAKE-UP DESIGN: 1 = BAD; 2= SO-SO; 3= OKAY; 4 = GOOD; 5 = WOW

MAKE-UP DESIGNER’S NAME:

RATE OTHER TECHNICAL AREAS (as applicable)

RATE ACTING: 1 = BAD; 2= SO-SO; 3= OKAY; 4 = GOOD; 5 = WOW

ACTOR’S NAME:

ACTOR’S NAME:

ACTOR’S NAME:

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