For your Production Critique, you will compose an essay in which you share your thoughts about a theatrical production. The goal for each essay is to clearly express your personal opinions regarding the play, based on the various topics we have discussed in class this semester. The essay should be at least four pages, double-spaced, using a 12-point font, Times Roman or Calibri font, and one-inch margins. Please submit as a WORD or PDF document. Up to 25 points will be deducted from any paper that does not follow these basic guidelines and/or fails to demonstrate careful proofreading, spell-checking, and correct grammar usage. Late submissions will not be accepted for this assignment. Paragraph 1: Introduction in which you locate the performance and credit the playwright and director and briefly discuss your overall impression of the production. Why did you like it? Or why didn’t you like it? (10 points). Then, provide a 1-2 sentence overview of the plot (10 points). You will support your impression in the following paragraphs. Sample Paragraph 1: I attended a performance of Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun, directed by Jackson Percy, at the Main Street Theatre on November 2, 2013. This was an excellent production of a very moving play due to strong performances, sensitive direction, and very realistic costume and set designs. It gave me a lot to think about concerning the challenges faced by African American citizens in the late 1950s. Paragraph 2: Discuss one actor whose performance you enjoyed. Why did you notice him/her? What did he/she do that brought the character to life? Give specific examples to support your opinion that this actor was worth watching. Be sure you know the name of the actor and the name of the character that he/she played. You cannot simply write “Maria Sanchez was excellent as Juliet.” You need to explain why she was excellent and give examples of what she did on stage that impressed you. (Remember: don’t confuse the actor with the character) (10 points) Which of the following is correct? Paragraph 3: Discuss the theme and cite at least one scene, speech, or specific moment in the production in which the theme is clearly illustrated. Remember that the theme is the lesson, the moral, or the idea that is imparted. (10 points) Paragraphs 4-6: Discuss lighting, set design, and costume design in separate paragraphs. How effective were these elements in helping you step into the world of the show? Or were they distracting? Confusing? Think about these three areas of design and, in each paragraph, explain why you thought it succeeded (or didn’t). Again, you must support your opinion with by describing how/why you admired or disliked the design work (10 points each) Paragraph 7: Discuss how this production serves as a good example of team work/collaboration. Remember, a statement on the importance of collaboration is not sufficient. That is a “given.” Using examples from the production, discuss the collaboration/teamwork you observed. (10 points) Paragraph 8: Discuss how this production speaks to social/political responsibility. What lessons about society / history / politics can be found in the play? Give an example from the production (10 points) Paragraph 9: Wrap up your critique with any final thoughts (which should be in agreement with paragraph 2, your overall impression). And, finally, on a scale of 1-5, with 5 being the best, how would you score this production? Why? (10 points) 100 points total Criteria: PLOT OVERVIEW DESIGN DESIGN DESIGN AND COLLABORATION RESPONSIBILITY
