Live Theatre Response Paper Guidelines – THEA 1110

All papers must:

 Be typewritten using a standard 12 pt. font (Times New Roman or Arial) or 11pt. Calibri

 Be double spaced

 Have a length of 3-4 pages

 Have correct spelling/grammar/sentence mechanics. Use spell and grammar check!

 Have a ticket stub and production program stapled as an attachment – Due to the Covid-19
pandemic, this is currently unnecessary.

 Cover every area requested below; points deducted for omissions.

Give clear, specific examples to support your opinions and point of view. When you state an
opinion, give supporting details: “for example...” Paint a vivid picture for the reader.

INTRODUCTION

 Start with something snappy to hook the reader in. Then summarize the play’s story in a
short paragraph: _____________________ by __________________________ is
about______________. Tell something about the history of the play text and the
playwright, or about past productions

 Thesis of paper: Summarize your overall impression of production: _________Theatre’s

production is/is not worth seeing because...

BODY

 Critique the cast members as an ensemble: In general, could you see and hear the actors?
Did the actors work as a team to tell the story? Were the actors, in general, believable,
focused, in character, and engaging? Give examples.

 Choose one main actor to critique: Did this actor engage you for the entire play? How?
Was the actor focused, in the moment, and emotionally inside the character? Technically,
did this actor move and speak well? Seem confident of his/her lines? Vigorously drive the
play forward or drag it down? Did the actor make you care about, or be interested in, the
character? Give examples.
  Critique the spectacle and technical aspects of the production: Describe stage configuration
used. How effective was it? Critique the physical set, lights, costumes, sound (music, sound
effects, etc.), props, and any special effects. Did all these areas together help or hinder the
dramatic action of the characters? Give examples.

 Identify and analyze one possible theme of the play text. (Theme is not just the broad
subject, such as love, murder, family, racism, etc. Theme is the main point, or points, the
playwright is trying to make about the subject). Use examples from plot, character actions,
or dialogue to illustrate your choice of the playwright’s theme.

 Identify the theatrical era in which the play is taking place. If it takes place in the modern
era, does the play make reference to other eras. If so, which?

 Critique the theatre space itself: Was it too small? Too big? Warm and inviting? Freezing
and miserable? Were the seats, rows, aisles comfortable? How were the acoustics?
Sightlines? Degree of intimacy?

CONCLUSION

 Restate your thesis in different words: Summarize why this particular production is/isn’t
worth seeing. Was it powerful? Moving? Gripping? Stupid and pointless? Long and
boring? Educational? Disturbing? Entertaining?