Play Critique #1

Write a critique of at least a two act play. The play can not be one read for any other class at Central High School.

Paragraph #1: Combine answers to make complete sentences.

1.       What was the title of the play? (All play titles should be in italics or underlined.)

2.       Who was the playwright of the play? (Full Name)

3.       When was the play written or videotaped (Check the copyright date and publishing history page at the front of the play or on the video) OR when was it performed if in person?

4.       By whom (which publishing company) was this version of the play published or who produced the play (name the producer) if you watched it on video or in person?

5.       How many pages are in this written version of the play OR how long did the play run if you watched it on video or in person?

6.       Tell how many acts there are and what type of play it is: musical, farce, fantasy, tragedy, comedy, drama.

Paragraph #2:

7.       Who was the protagonist (the central character who the play was most about BUT not always the “good” guy)? What were his/her most admirable traits? What obstacles was he/she faced with? How did he/she overcome them? If a “viewed” production, tell whether the actors portrayed the protagonist character convincingly (believably).  Consider the voice, diction, gestures, movements, reactions, mood, and spontaneity of the actor.

8.       Who was the antagonist (the person who caused the central conflict in the play)? How did this character cause conflict for the protagonist? If a “viewed” production, tell whether the actors portrayed the protagonist character convincingly (believably).  Consider the voice, diction, gestures, movements, reactions, mood, and spontaneity of the actor.

Paragraph #3:

9.       Write a one paragraph summary of the play’s plot. Your summary should include a little bit about all the parts of the play, including the ending. Do not just write about the first act and then write, “...and if you want to know how it ends, you’ll have to see it yourself!”  Be complete.

Paragraph #4

10.   Write a one-paragraph review of the play. Explain the best and worst qualities of the play and the production if it was viewed. Why did you like it or dislike it? What sort of a person would enjoy this play? You may even create a “rating” scale and give it a rating if you want.

FINALLY:  For full credit, you must write a 2-3 sentence response to another student's critque.

This is due by Thursday, March 21, 2013.

 

Assignment #1: Student & Structure of Drama

FIRST: Read pages 1 through 45 in the classroom textbook “The Stage and the School” by Ommanney and Schanker.   Chapter One (2-28) deals with “The Student of Drama” and includes an overview of the theater student’s relationship to the course.  Chapter Two (29-45) deals with “The Structure of Drama” and includes the way in which the production is laid out in a script format. 

Take notes on your reading as you may use them for your blog comment and for the unit test.

NEXT: Based upon your reading make a one paragraph comment for each chapter question below (two paragraphs minimum total):

• Based upon Chapter One: If a student really wants to take this course seriously, what are the necessary requirements for a theatre student to be successful and learn?  Be specific and use references from the chapter, not from personal knowledge or experience.
• Based upon Chapter Two:  Compare and contrast a “play” and a “novel?”   be specific to the structures of each as explained in this chapter.  Finally, what do you prefer in a play: an emphasis on plot, character, or situation?  Why?  Be specific and give examples when possible.

FINALLY:  In order to receive full credit for the blog assignment, respond with at least two sentences to another student’s blog comment.

This assignment is due by no later than 9 AM on Wednesday, February 27, 2013.