Guide to writing Critiques
A critique is a formal, written discussion of a theatrical production. The evaluation
should be an objective and comprehensive piece of writing. It should contain five
paragraphs. Use MLA Format for your heading and margins.
Paragraph 1: The Basics: answer the 5 W’s
 Who? ( the playwright, director and producing organization)
 What? (title of the play)
 Where? (name of the theatre)
 When? (date you saw it)
 Why? ( short plot summary and basic theme)
Paragraph 2 and 3: The Acting
React to two of the performers in the play.
 Use their names and their character names
 Were they believable: true to the play, the theatrical conditions?
The following items should be discussed in your review.
Respond with more than “yes” or “no”; provide examples to support.
VOICE: volume, tempo, vocal quality, interpretation, articulation?
BODY: Were the gestures, movement and business suitable to the
characters?
EMOTIONS: Were reactions true? Climaxes achieved in the play by
characters?
RELATIONSHIPS: Was there ensemble work? Proper character
relationships?
PROJECTION: Project orally and visually to the audience?
Provide a minimum of three points with examples.
Paragraph 4: The Design
The following items should be discussed. Respond with more than “yes” or
“no”, provide a minimum of three points and examples.
SET: Did the set establish the correct mood and background for the play?
LIGHTS: Did the lighting convey the proper mood, emphasis and
illumination?
SOUND: How did the sound effects and music contribute to the show’s
mood?
COSTUMES AND MAKE-UP: Were the costumes and make-up true to the
period and characters? How did they enhance the characters?
Paragraph 5: Your Reaction
What was your opinion of the play?
Was the audience attentive? Interested?
Suggestions:
Read theatre reviews in local newspapers and national magazines
or watch movie review programs for ideas on how to comment.
DO:
BACK UP ALL YOUR OPINIONS WITH VALID EXAMPLES.
BE OBJECTIVE, FAIR, AND SINCERE.
ASSESS THE ENTIRE PRODUCTION.
BE CONSTRUCTIVE. INDICATE GOOD POINTS ALONG WITH THOSE
YOUR FELT NEEDED IMPROVEMENT.
BE HUMBLE, KIND AND REMEMBER THE CHALLENGES OF DOING LIVE
THEATRE!
PRESENTATION AND MECHANICS:
WRITTEN IN INK OR TYPED. ONE SIDE OF THE PAPER ONLY.
INCLUDE:
GRABBERS SENTENCES
CONCLUSION SENTENCES
CONCRETE DETAILS
EXAMPLES OF DETAILS
MECHANICS: PUNCTUATION, CAPITALAZATION, SPELLING
Samples:
Grabber: “The first theatrical performance from the Theatre arts I class from
Chandler High School was a successful learning experience for the new and
upcoming actors of 4th hour.”
Concrete Detail: “Karen Smith portrayed a ditzy, blonde character.”
Example detail: “She brought her character forward by her breathy, soft voice,
confused facial expressions as well as consistently twirling a curl of hair.”
Concrete Detail: “Joann Davis really set up her character’s depressed attitude with
her acting skills.”
Example Detail: “Her feelings in regard to her boyfriend dumping her were obvious
from her slouching posture, whining vocal tone and her frequent sighs.”