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How to Write a Theater Critique

Not all theater productions are of the same quality. While some allow viewers to feel like they are in the world depicted in the play, others leave theater patrons wanting. Reflect upon the quality of a production that you have viewed by writing a theater critique. In your critique, evaluate different elements of the production to create an overall assessment of the play as a whole and allow readers to see how you reached your ultimate conclusion of the show's quality.

Instructions

    • 1

      View the show and take notes. Take a notepad with you to the show, jotting down details as you view it, during intermission or immediately after it ends. These notes will likely prove indispensable when actually composing the critique.

    • 2

      Introduce the show that you are critiquing in the first paragraph. State the name of the show as well as the production company responsible for it, the theater at which you viewed it, and the date of your viewing.

    • 3

      Discuss the acting in one body paragraph. Compose a sentence or two about the quality of each actor's performance, referring to the actors by name and character name together.

    • 4

      Review the set design in another body paragraph. Briefly describe the set design, then explain whether this design seemed effective as a backdrop to the show and whether it appeared realistic as well.

    • 5

      Critique the costumes. Explain what each of the lead characters wore as well as what the members of the ensemble cast wore. State whether you felt these costume choices were strong, providing examples and support for your opinion.

    • 6

      State your overall opinion in the final paragraph. Taking all things into account, give the production a final thumbs up or thumbs down. State this opinion in the first sentence of this paragraph, then explain how you arrived at it in the sentences that follow.

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