EProsnie+User's+Guide


 * User’s Guide: How to Write a Play Review **

Writing a play review can be an exciting, though difficult, task. You have to be both spectator taking in and enjoying the performance and critical analyst of the production itself. You have to be able to provide a very brief summary of the play, a close objective analysis of the performance you attend, and an interpretation and evaluation of the entire ensemble of staging, acting, directing, and so on.


 * Basic Information**

• In what theatre is the play being performed?

• What date and time did you see the play?

• What play did you see?

• Who was the author?


 * Script:**

• What was the major conflict, dramatic question, or unifying theme?

• What was the dominant tone of the play? Serious? Comic? Ironic? Explain.


 * Directing:**

• Was there an identifiable production concept, unifying metaphor, or interpretational approach? If so, what was it and how was it manifested in the production?

• Were all of the elements of the production compatible and coordinated? Explain.

• If not, what seemed out of place or inadequately integrated with the rest?


 * Acting:**

Please spell actors’ and characters’ names correctly.

• Were the roles appropriately cast?

• Were some actors inadequate to their roles? In what ways?

• Were some actors especially effective? If so, how and with what effect?

• Were the actors audible? Understandable?

• Were there any special skills (such as dancing, singing, fencing, playing a musical instrument) required of any of the actors? If so, how effectively were the demands met?


 * Scenic Design:**

• In what type of performance space was the production staged?

• What characteristics did the scenery embody? What did the scenery convey about the play?

• How did the scenery contribute (or fail to contribute) to the total production? - What would have been lost if the scenery had been eliminated?


 * Costume Design and Makeup:**

• Were there any special costume needs? (historical, fantasy? etc.) If so, how well were they handled?

• Were there any special makeup needs? (Same as above) If so, how well were they handled?

• Overall, how did costumes and makeup contribute (or fail to contribute) to the total production?


 * Lighting Design and Sound:**

• Were there any special lighting or sound needs? If so how well was it executed?

• Overall, how did lighting and sound contribute (or fail to contribute) to the production concept and the total production?


 * Final Thoughts**

• What was your overall impression of the performance?

• What was your overall impression of the experience?

• Any final thoughts?