MY EXPECTATIONS OF CREATIVE ASSIGNMENTS
Please do not approach creative assignment topics with the attitude that "they can
be whipped off" the night before the due date. Unless you have an extraordinary
comprehension of the subtleties of the text we are studying, this decision will be a
mistake! Here are my expectations for creative assignments (whether these are written or
performed), and thus the aspects I will be evaluating:
1. The content must demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the text, especially pertaining
to the area you are examining. I recommend serious secondary reading (ie. not Coles
Notes) to give you more insight than you might have gained from a first reading of the
text.
2. Your creative presentation must illuminate the particular aspect you are examining.
For example, if you are interpreting a character, you must give me real insight into that
person's motivation or rationale for his/her actions or responses. Make me, as a reader or
a spectator, "sit up and take notice" because of your profound understanding of your topic
and your unique insight. I want to be able to say to myself, "I've never thought of [that
topic] in quite this way before! Interesting!"
3. In your creative interpretation, do not stray so far from the author's text, philosophy
and style that your presentation is unbelievable in the context of the characters or
circumstances the author has created. Your presentation must be "authentic" (see
expectation #1). You do not necessarily have to imitate the author's writing style,
however, particularly if it is somewhat difficult (e.g. Shakespeare).
4. Whether you are writing or performing, polish your presentation.
(a) If you are writing, your finished copy must be word-processed, bound or stapled
neatly. Do not waste your time "beautifying" your work with fancy paper, borders or
other aesthetic touches. Remember, I am looking for sophisticated and profound
interpretation through the written word, and you will get no marks for extras which have
no meaning and which may, in fact, have been included to mask mediocrity in the written
articulation. Do your best to make no technical errors at all: pay careful attention to
correct structures in sentences, grammar, spelling and punctuation.
(b) If you are performing, I will be evaluating the script as well as the performance. In
the script, I will be looking for technical precision in your writing as well as techniques
of script writing, such as stage directions and blocking instructions. When you perform, I
will expect to see effective and imaginative use of costumes, props and sets and clear
evidence of thorough rehearsal. Of course, lines must be fully memorized (use a prearranged prompter) so that your performance is· believable.
NOTE: Do not sign up for a creative performance with a group unless you are fully
prepared to commit yourself to the other members for the duration of the preparation and
performance of the assignment! A performance is only as strong as its weakest cast
member!
NOTE: All creative assignments must be accompanied by rough work which shows
clear evidence of having been reworked. Either hand-edit or highlight modifications
you have made. NO ROUGH WORK = NO MARK!