HANDOUT 5: Theatre Review Outline

1. Title of Review 2. Your Name 3. Production Information a. Title of the show b. Name of the Director c. Is the play typical of one specific genre? d. What is the style of the performance? 4. Summary of Plot

a. Provide a brief description of the story 5. Themes and Issues

a. Outline the important themes of the play b. Discuss the Director’s interpretation of the play c. Is the play typical of one specific genre? d. What was your interpretation of what the performing group was communicating? 6. Analyse Characters

a. Describe and analyse the characters (often the main two) b. What were the characters motives or objectives? 7. The Performers

a. Did the company members deliver a strong performance? b. Were there any remarkable performances/monologues worth noting? c. Was there a performance that distracted from the show? d. How convincing were the actors in the portrayal of their characters? e. How well did they use their voice, movement, or gestures to portray their character? 8. Production Values

a. Describe the set and lighting b. Costumes c. Sound d. Props e. Does it all work together? f. How effective were the production elements for the performance? 9. Recommendation

a. What effect did the performance have on you? b. What’s missing, what’s worth seeing? c. What do you value most from the production? d. Use evidence from the performance to backup your judgement

Based on “How to Write a Theatre Review” by State Theatre Company http://statetheatrecompany.com.au/content/uploads/2017/02/How-To-Write-a-Theatre-Review.pdf