Outside Drama Acting Critiques

Overview: Students will attend at least two local theatre productions and critique the actors and acting. It is suggested that you combine this activity with your "service learning component"; if you perform a duty for a local theatre on a performance night such as ushering, you can see that show for free. Of course, you must contact any respective theatre at least one week in advance if you wish to do this. You should write your critique as soon as possible after viewing the performance. You may find it helpful to jot down notes during intermission and/or immediately after the production. You can choose up two plays showing this semester in the community for your critiques. Remember, you don't have to write both critiques; see the syllabus for further details.

Due Dates: Your critiques should be submitted by the dates indicated on the class schedule. Try to have your first critique done by midterm. The second critique is due by the last regular class session.

Specifics: Each paper should be 800 words in standard academic prose: typewritten, double spaced, 1-inch margins. Be sure to have an introductory paragraph where you take a stand and state opinions. Let the following paragraphs support your opinions; use specific examples with every assertion. Finish the paper with a concluding paragraph that emphasizes your primary position. Keep your observations and comments focused on acting rather than on directing or design elements. Be sure to address such issues as:

  • How does the actor "show" or "tell"? Use specific details.
  • How does the actor interact with the general environment?
  • How does the actor interact with the immediate environment?
  • How is character expressed physically? How does the actor move and gesture? Where is the physical center of the character?
  • How does the actor show age?
  • What is the character’s journey through the play? What was your first impression of the character? How does the character change?
  • What is the goal(s) of the character? What does he/she want? What drives the character?
  • What tactics are used to achieve objectives?
  • Do characters listen to each other?
  • Does dialogue flow from interaction or memorization?
  • What sort of conflict is the character involved in?
  • What is the status of the character in relation to other characters? Did status change?
  • What kind of subtext seems to be communicated between actors?
  • Is there a "style" of acting that is used evenly by all actors?
  • Did some characters touch you or effect you more than others? Why?

Feel free to add any additional relevant comments.

Style and grading: Your paper must be in standard, academic prose. Include a word count on your paper; 800 words are expected. The formatting, style and specificity of your critique can earn you a maximum of 30 points. Remember, your 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. We will be looking for such specificity--that will earn you points. Be opinionated but back opinions up. We won't be grading opinions but rather how you support them.

Theatre Contacts:
North Coast Repertory Theatre
: 442-NCRT; 268-0175; 300 5th St. Eureka, CA 95501 E-mail: ncrt@humboldt1.com
Pacific Art Center Theatre / Vagabond Players: 442-1533; Location: 1611 Peninsula Drive, Manila
Ferndale Repertory Theatre: Reservations: 786-5483; Office: 786-5484; e-mail: therep@northcoast.com
Plays-in-Progress World Premiere Theatre: 443-3724; 615 4th Street, Eureka, CA 95501 e-mail: SBigelow10@aol.com
Humboldt Light Opera Company: 445-4310 e-mail: mcryder@humboldt1.com
Redwood Curtain: Eureka Mall, Eureka; Phone: 707.441.6965; E-mail: info@redwoodcurtain.com
Curtain Call: http://Eureka.Redwoods.cc.ca.us/main/dept/theater/curtain-call.html