DRAMA DUO PERFORMANCE CRITIQUES

You will see many performances over the next few class sessions. The critique of dramatic literature performances will follow this format: Define your criteria for judgment and support it with specific examples from many (if not all) performances.

Define your criteria for judging performance as you develop your paper. Illustrate your opinions with specific examples from across the range of dramatic performances you watched. Be sure to include specific examples that were, in your opinion, successful in within the component you are discussing and examples that were not. For example, if you choose to focus part of your paper on levels of characterization (physical, psychological, social and moral) provide examples of individuals or partnerships where those levels were clear and believable, and instances where they were less so. Some observations, such as those on active listening, should be about partners, not just individual performers.

The paper should be at least 800 words of standard academic prose. Include a word count! It is due the end of the next class period after the final day of performances. Remember, these writings substitute for a final exam; it is expected that course-specific terms are used in all papers to demonstrate your mastery of course topics. I will be looking for such specificity--that will earn you points. Be opinionated but back opinions up. I won't be grading opinions but rather how you support them. Papers submitted after the due date and time (including e-mailed versions) will be docked 10 points per week.

 

OUTSIDE DRAMA PERFORMANCE CRITIQUES

Once we have discussed and experienced Oral Interpretation of dramatic literature in class, you should fulfill the course requirement of attending and critiquing a live drama production outside class. Be looking for opportunities on campus and out in the community. HSU productions are often free to students. Student discounts are available at most local community theatres. You might be able to see a community production for free by calling them in advance and volunteering your services as an usher or at the concession stand.

After you have seen a play, write an 800 word critical paper (in standard academic prose) in the manner of the critique on duo performances:

Include a word count! Define your criteria for judging performance as you develop your paper. Illustrate your opinions with specific examples from the production you saw. Be sure to include specific examples that were, in your opinion, successful in within the component you are discussing and examples that were not. For example, if you choose to focus part of your paper on levels of characterization (physical, psychological, social and moral) provide examples of actors or scenes where those levels were clear and believable, and instances where they were less so.

The paper is due within three weeks of studying dramatic literature. Remember, these writings substitute for a final exam; it is expected that course-specific terms are used in all papers to demonstrate your mastery of course topics. I will be looking for such specificity--that will earn you points. Be opinionated but back opinions up. I won't be grading opinions but rather how you support them. Papers received late will lose a penalty of 10 points. Papers will not be accepted during finals week.

Note: Your next literature seletion form is due on the same day, for prose fiction. Turn it in or you will lose 10 points.