As part of this course, you are required to see a live theatre productions and write a performance response papers. The guidelines are below BE SURE TO CAREFULLY READ AND FOLLOW THE ASSIGNMENT GUIDELINES! This is not a “review” but rather a critical response to the production you have seen. This is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your understanding of the concepts discussed within this course. Response Paper Instructions and Guidelines
The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate your ability to critically analyze a theatrical production using the concepts discussed in this course pertaining to the following areas:
Script/Playwrighting
Acting
Design – Scenic, Costume, Lighting, Sound
After seeing a live theatrical production, you will explore ALL the topics listed above in a personal response paper. While this paper will discuss your own opinions of the performance, keep in mind that you are to maintain an academic tone throughout. Avoid the use of “I” whenever possible. Give your opinions and impressions, but make sure to back them up with specific examples from the performance. “I liked/hated it.” is not analysis. Below you will find some questions to get you thinking about these topics. You are not required to address every question. However, use these questions to assist you in formulating your own critical response to the performance you’ve seen.
Make sure to get a program at the performance. You’ll need it to reference the appropriate artists responsible for the work you’ve seen by name. Make sure that you use actor and character names appropriately. Do not fail to distinguish between the two.
Paper specs:
No more than 2 double-spaced pages.
Must be typed
Be specific. Used detailed examples
Must be submitted as a .pdf, .doc, or .docx file via Canvas course site
Emailed papers will NOT be graded
Late papers will not be accepted
UniCheck:
All papers in this class must be submitted to UTC Online (Canvas) text-matching software (UniCheck) for review and to analyze for originality and intellectual integrity. By submitting your paper online, you agree to have your paper included in the institutional repository of digital papers. If the results of the review indicate academic dishonesty, disciplinary action may be taken against the student as outlined in the UTC Student Handbook.
Performance Details:
Whenever possible you are to see the UTC production indicated on the syllabus. If you are taking this course from a distance that prohibits you from attending this performance, you are required to get instructor approval before attending a performance in your area. The paper due date will not be altered without instructor consent.
The UTC Theatre department productions are held in the UTC Fine Arts Center, Dorothy Hackett Ward Theatre. Contact the Box Office at 423-425-4374 for further information.
Grading:
You will be graded according to the following rubric:
Component
Total PointsGradePoints
Script
20
A
68-75
Acting
20
B
60-67
Design
20
C
53-59
Writing quality
15
D
45-52
TOTAL
75
F
44 or less
Things to consider as you begin writing
Please note: You are not required to answer every one of these questions in your paper. These are writing prompts to get you thinking about what to write and how to approach the paper. Script:
What was the text about? What was the playwright trying to communicate?
What was the genre? Comedy? Tragedy? Farce? Domestic Drama?
Was the text realistic or nonrealistic?
What was the dramatic structure? Can you identify an inciting incident? Climax? Etc?
What was the conflict?
Who are the characters? What are their goals?
Acting:
How did the actors portray these characters?
What choices did actors make in terms of how they moved or spoke in order to embody theircharacters?
What did you learn about the characters through non-spoken language?
How did the actors relate to each other? What did this tell you about the characters they portrayed?
Design:
What information did the design elements convey about the time, place, characters and situation of theplay?
What was the overall atmosphere?
What did color choice tell you about the environment and characters?
What was the mood of the play? How did the design elements support this?
What changes happen during the play? Does the set change? Do actors change costumes? Does thelighting change? Does the sound change? How do these changes occur? Quickly? Slowly? What doesthat tell us about the story being told?
Remember that scenery, costumes, props, lighting, sound, projection, and make-up are all elements ofdesign.
Writing quality:
Proper punctuation, spelling, and grammar?
Does the paper flow and adequately convey your thoughts?
Is the paper well structured? Or erratic?
Have you maintained an academic tone?
Have you provided support for your opinions and analysis?
The play I attended was “Blood wedding” UTC type that in its go come up