All students are required to write two play critiques each semester; (1) for the Peninsula Drama Fall/Winter play and (1) "Professional" show.
The show must be a theatrical narrative -- meaning it must have a story to follow. It can be an improv show. It can be a dance show. As long as it has a storyline.
Yes: Comedy SportzLA, Swan Lake, Nutcracker, Cirque du Soleil
No: Stand-up comedy, UCLA Dance Major Showcase
Play critiques should be 1-2 pages, with ticket stub attached as proof of attendance, and address the following information:
- Play
- Writer(s)
- Director(s)
- Main characters and the actors who play them
- A brief description of the plot/storyline
- What the theme/message/main idea of the show is.
- Setting (where and when does the show take place)
- General impressions of technical elements - was the design thought out and are those designs well implemented
+ Costume/Scenic/Lighting/Sound
- Your favorite character / actor in the show.
- If you saw a musical, what is your favorite song.
- Your overall impression of the show and if you would recommend it to others.
1st semester Drama 1 and Drama 1 Advanced can fill out the Play Critique Form and answer all questions.
Drama 2, 3 and 4 must type their critiques in paragraph form, but may use the Play Evaluation Form as a guiding document.
CRITIQUE FAQ's
Q. What is a "professional show"?
A. For these purposes, a professional show is any show ABOVE high school level. This can include junior college (El Camino or Harbor College), college (CSU Long Beach), adult community theatre (Aerosapce Players, Torrance Theatre Company), small professional/regional (Long Beach Playhouse) or really big (Ahmanson, Pantages, Mark Taper Forum).
Q. My friend is in a play, can I go see his/her show for critique credit?
A. That depends. If the theatre fits the above category, then yes. If your friend is in a show at another high school (e.g. PV High, Chadwick) or a local youth community theatre company (e.g. Encore, Pops, South Bay Conservatory) then you should still see the show and support your friend - but you may not use it for your professional show critique assignment.
Q. What about a filmed version of a play?
A. While theaters were closed this was the only way you will be able to view a show for this assignment. For the 2023-2024 school year, we are resuming the requirement to attend a live theatrical event. This is a much different and more valuable experience than viewing a recording from home. Any students who are concerned about not being able to attend a live performance of a production, there may be an alternate assignment available that could include viewing online productions.
Q. My critique is due today and I'm absent and/or my printer is out of ink. Can I email my critique? Is it okay to turn in late.
A. Yes, you should email your critique as an attached .doc or .pdf file. Please don't embed the text into your email message. .odt files or other proprietary softwares are not accepted. If you can't attach a .doc or .pdf an open shared cloud document (Google Drive) is acceptable. However, if there are any issues with my ability to open the file due to sharing settings, the document may be late. Don't forget to scan and send your ticket stub.
Absence does not excuse your critique from being late. This is a long-term assignment, there are not exceptions to the due dates.
Q. What if I am not sure about the show?
A. Email Mr Cohen ([email protected]) production information. Don't just send a show title, but include a link to the particular production you are looking at seeing, and he can respond with an opinion.
Q. I can't find a show to see, can I skip this assignment?
A. NO! This is Los Angeles. Arguably the largest city for theatre in the World. You can find a show. Check out the Helpful Links page for some ideas.
