How to Critique a Play
After watching a play, consider the following elements of the production and write an ESSAY incorporating these ideas:
Objective Information
Name of the play, where did you see the play, who wrote the play, when was the play written, when did you see the play
The Play Itself
Write a paragraph or two explaining the plot of the play. What are the main happenings? Who are the main characters? How do they help to move the story along? Just discuss the basics. Do not go beyond 2 paragraphs. One paragraph is even better.
Critique the Plot and Theme
Did the actors portray the story in a believable way? Use examples from the play to support your answer, was it interesting? Use examples to support your answer, what was the playwright trying to say? What message was he sending?
Critique the Acting
How was the acting? Who was good/ bad? Why? Who was you favorite character? Could everyone be seen and heard?
Critique the Design Techniques
What did the costumes look like? Did the makeup seem to be good for the type of play? Why? Give specific examples to explain your answer.
What did the the set look like? Were there any props that were very good or interesting? What about the lights and sound? Were they good, bad, indifferent? Did they all work together or did one thing overpower the show? Give specific examples
Summary Paragraph
a. Overall, did you like the play? Why or why not? What was your favorite part or what could they have done better?
b. Do you think the audience liked the play? Why or why not?
These are just suggestions for theatre students to consider. This is also dependent on the student watching the play. If the play is read, obviously there will be some sections that will not be applicable. In those cases, concentrate more on plot and theme.
Objective Information
Name of the play, where did you see the play, who wrote the play, when was the play written, when did you see the play
The Play Itself
Write a paragraph or two explaining the plot of the play. What are the main happenings? Who are the main characters? How do they help to move the story along? Just discuss the basics. Do not go beyond 2 paragraphs. One paragraph is even better.
Critique the Plot and Theme
Did the actors portray the story in a believable way? Use examples from the play to support your answer, was it interesting? Use examples to support your answer, what was the playwright trying to say? What message was he sending?
Critique the Acting
How was the acting? Who was good/ bad? Why? Who was you favorite character? Could everyone be seen and heard?
Critique the Design Techniques
What did the costumes look like? Did the makeup seem to be good for the type of play? Why? Give specific examples to explain your answer.
What did the the set look like? Were there any props that were very good or interesting? What about the lights and sound? Were they good, bad, indifferent? Did they all work together or did one thing overpower the show? Give specific examples
Summary Paragraph
a. Overall, did you like the play? Why or why not? What was your favorite part or what could they have done better?
b. Do you think the audience liked the play? Why or why not?
These are just suggestions for theatre students to consider. This is also dependent on the student watching the play. If the play is read, obviously there will be some sections that will not be applicable. In those cases, concentrate more on plot and theme.