play report 2

THEA 1030 PLAY REPORT ASSIGNMENT

Write a 500-750-word p

aper that assesses the value of a live or video performance. Alternately, you can

prepare a 5-minute video presentation. Either option must be well thought out, clearly stated, and well

structured.

Your thesis should give a clear indication of how you felt

about the production and how well the themes were

communicated.

When composing your paper think about

which elements had an impact on your enjoyment or

understanding of the production.

Structure

Your play report should be primarily focused on the production rather than the plays content, form, or

historical background. This paper should not be a plot synopsis, but a reaction to the production, as a

whole. The report should explain how all of the production elements (directing, design, acting) were

successful in presenting the directors conceptthe central creative idea or interpretation of the play

that unifies all aspects of the production. Below is an example of some the things that you may want to

include in your play report. These elements can be organized in different fashions, but the structure

below is one of the most common. To get an A, you must explore theme/idea and how well it was

communicated:

1.

General Information: This includes the title of the play / musical / performance piece; writer /

composer; director; location of the performance / name of the theatre company; and the date.

2.

Introduction: This provides a brief synopsis of the plays main idea or themes.

3.

Directorial approach/Concept: Here you offer a general description of how the director has

decided to communicate or emphasize the works main themes.

a.

Where the choices that the director made successful helping you to understand the

ideas and themes expressed by the playwright?

b.

Did the production seem relevant to yourself or the greater community?

4.

Space/Venue: Consider the venue.

a.

How was the stage space organized? Did it suit the production? Was there a particular

and varied use of it?

b.

Was the production visually engaging? Were the stage pictures created somewhat

related to the production concept?

5.

Acting: Consider the performances. Was the acting of a particular kind (realistic, stylized, relying

more on physical movements, on words, etc.)? Was the chosen style consistent and appropriate

for this production?

a.

Was there a particular performers performance that stood out to you? Why?

b.

What did the performers do to help make their performance believable or to help you

connect with the characters.

6.

Design: Describe the sets, costumes, lights and sound. How did the design elements contribute

to the audiences understanding or enjoyment of the production?

a.

How do the set, lights, sound, and costumes help tell the story?

b.

How do they help to set the mood?

c.

Are all of the elements unified? (e.g., Do the costumes feel like they belong in the world

that the set designer has created.)

7.

Conclusions: Offer final considerations on the production and its meanings.

a.

How did it contribute to a better understanding of life?

b.

How are the themes relevant to the world we live in today?

*See Rubric in eLearn for scoring requirements. You will choose one of these plays to watch for your 2nd Play Report. If the link does not work, you will need to sign into Digital Theatre Plus through the Chattanooga State Library Website. Click on the link below for a quick tutorial.

As always, you can choose to attend a live production rather than view one of the options below.

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• Video
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• Video
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• Video
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