Play Critique Format 2015 On a cover page, list all of the information on the checklist. Students may use the format of the checklist to create their play critiques, but all upper level students are challenged to write critiques in their own words using scholarly language. Each critique will have a cover page and a play program attached. Cover Page example: Playhouse on the Square “Fences” By August Wilson Critiqued by SaraLyn Archibald Play Production Q1 Critiques will detail the seven aspects of theatre. Upper level theatre students are required to include lighting as well. Intro students may include lighting for extra credit. Critiques MUST be emailed to saralyn.archibald@acsk-­‐12.org. Students without computers may go to the AHS library to type critiques. Each aspect should have its OWN PARAGRAPH with a minimum of 5 sentences. Plot will have a minimum of 10 sentences. You are not limited to the 8 items listed below if there are other aspects you would like to include such a props, rigging etc. Describe what you saw -­‐ DO NOT USE OPINION until the OVERALL EFFECT. Critiques must be a minimum of 2 typed pages, double-­‐spaced with font 12-­‐14 pt and darker blue, dark purple or black ink. 1. Sound-­‐ If there is music played, what kind of music is it (jazz, classical, rock or period contemporary, Renaissance )? If mics are used, what kind (lavalier/ body mic, hanging choir mic, stand mic, hand held mic)? If sound effects are used in the play-­‐what kind (gun shot, toilet flush etc). What kind of mood does the sound create? Is it a musical? Ex: “There was preshow blues music from the depression that created a dramatic mood. During the show, cricket sounds were used to make it seem like the action was outside.” 2. Characterization-­‐ What do the actors DO vocally and physically to create the character (not what are they portraying)? What pitch (high or low), volume (loud or soft), rate (fast or slow) and quality does the character have to his/her voice? Does the character have an accent or dialect (Southern, British, Jamaican)? What is the bodylead of the character (head, chest, pelvis)? Is the accent or dialect the actor’s and not the character’s? Does the accent/dialect drop in and out? Does the actor drop in and out of character? Did the cast cover up rough spots well? Could you tell when you were watching the actor and when you were watching the characters? Are the characters believable? Ex: Not-­‐ “She was old” but “She made her voice thin and gravely and walked slowly with curved shoulders to show she was old.” 3. Set design-­‐ Can you see the set before the show? What does the set look like? What are the colors, shapes (walls, doors, windows, stairs, levels), and textures (brick, concrete, wood, fabric) used? What period does the set suggest? What mood does the set create: dramatic, comedic, mysterious etc.? Are there levels (platforms, stairs) used? If so, how high are they? Is the set realistic? Minimal? Are there walls, furniture, a painted floor? Is it realistic or suggested? Is it too cluttered or too empty? Is it believable? Ex: “The unit set was of a home from the 1930s-­‐40s. The front porch was made of wood that was painted crème, but looked worn out. There were 3 steps up to the porch that was about 12 inches off the ground and about 8 feet by 10 feet across. It had a wooden handrail all around it that was about 3 feet high with banisters every 2-­‐3 feet. The screen door was gray metal that squeaked whenever someone opened it. The front window had torn yellow & blue curtains pulled back with shiny blue bows. This created the impression that the family had pride in their home, but not enough money.” 4. Costumes, Hair & Makeup-­‐ What is the period of the costumes (Renaissance, 1960s, Contemporary)? What do they look like-­‐ colors, shapes (Long sleeved, short sleeved, long dress, short dress, pants, jacket etc.) and texture (denim, satin, cotton, leather)? What do the costumes suggest about the characters (jobs, wealth, character)? Do the costumes suggest the same period as the set? Are they wearing makeup? What does the hair & makeup look like? Is the makeup natural, age, animal, fantasy? Describe the hats & shoes. Ex: “Troy wore a long sleeved khaki cotton shirt from 1950s with his name embroidered on the left pocket. When he got home from work, he took off the shirt to reveal a dingy white tank t-­‐
shirt. His hat, gloves and work boots showed that he was a garbage man. His hair was cut short and his age makeup showed the age to be in his late forties due to the lines and wrinkles.” 5. Lighting-­‐ Can you see the actors? Do the lights change? If so, when? Are the changes slow fades or quick blowouts? Are spotlights or moving lights used to follow the action?What are the colors (gel), shapes (soft edge/non-­‐delineated or hard edge-­‐delineated), textures (gobos) used in lights? Is the lighting down, side, front or back? Are there special lights used? Ex: “Amber front light was used to light the characters during the day scenes. At the end of the day, there would be slow fade into the night scene which had light & dark blue down light. No gobos or special lighting effects were used.” 6. Genre-­‐ What is genre? Comedy, drama, musical, farce, tragedy? Are there jokes, music? Does the main character have a fatal flaw? If so, what is it? Does it end happily? Does it make you think? Is the plot sung? Is the situation funny? What examples tell you the genre? Ex: “The worn set, worn costumes and depression music mix with the lines about a family’s struggle to create this drama.” 7. Plot-­‐ (MUST HAVE a minimum of 10 SENTENCES) What happens in the beginning, middle, and end? Who are the main characters and what are their relationships? What are the conflicts between characters? What do the characters want and what is standing in the way of them getting it? Where is the climax? Is there an intermission? What happens right before the intermission to make you want to come back and see how it ends? How does the play resolve itself (denouement)? Do any of the characters get what they want? Ex: “In this play, Troy is a garbage man who is struggling to do the best he can to provide for his family. It is 1957 in Chicago when we meet Troy and his wife, Rose. They are an African American family facing economic, social and emotional challenges from outside and from within. The play starts off with…..” 8. Overall Opinion-­‐ What is your overall opinion of the play and why? Did you like it? Why or why not? What is your overall opinion of this production and why? Was it well acted? Well directed? What moments do you remember the most? Does it leave you with thoughts to ponder? Does it leave you singing a happy tune? Why do you think the author thoughts the story was important enough to write about? Were there scenes or monologues in it that would be good for competition/performance? Would you recommend it to someone else? Why or why not?