Fine Arts Department Theater Review

Fine Arts Department Theater Review Journalism Style

Each quarter every theater student must see a theater experience. This may be in the form of a live performance play, dance concert, musical, performance art, etc. You may see Esperanza shows, outside productions, other school plays. If you are in a dance class the show you see must have staged movement. If there is a choreographer credited in the program then the show is appropriate for the dance requirement. If you are uncertain if a show you have selected will qualify for this assignment, check with your teacher before seeing the show. Shows that do not meet the criteria will not be accepted for this assignment.

FOR EACH SHOW:

1. The show must be seen in the quarter for which the assignment is due. For example, a student could not have seen a show during the summer and use that show for their assignment.

2. The student must save the ticket stub and the program. All shows will have each of these items. Two points will be taken off per item missing. Attach these items to your assignment.

3. The assignment must be typed or word-processed, double spaced on plain white paper. Hand written assignments will not be accepted. There is ample time between assignments (10 weeks) to use the schools computer lab.

4. The assignment is accepted anytime throughout the quarter before the due date posted in the classroom. No late papers will be accepted. If you are absent on the last day the assignment is accepted, make arrangements to get the assignment turned in. Since the assignments are due every 10 weeks ample time is given for preparation and completion.

FOR THIS ASSIGNMENT:

You are a theater critic for a major newspaper. Your job is to accurately review the show as you see it. Your newspaper requires a concise yet catchy review for its paper, not to exceed two pages, typed, double-spaced. It may be suggested that you read a few examples in newspapers to see the style you might try and the sample of headlines used.

The following information must be contained somewhere in your review:

1. The name of the production. 2. The location of the production, name of theater and city.

3. The name of the producing body and/or Producer.

4. The run of the show. The dates and times of the show performances.

5. A brief synopsis of the show.

6. What you liked or did not like about the show. Be complete in your thoughts.

7. Focus in on one aspect of the show; Costumes, a particular actor, sets, theater space, production number. What was notable about it? Why was it remembered by you and worthy of mention in the article?

8. If writing about any of the characters, give the actor credit.

9. Write a catchy headline; Put this at the top of your paper.

10.A call to action. Should the readers see the show or miss it.

GRADING: The assignment will be graded with the following Rubric Scale:

A 18-20 points Clear conveyance of ideas. Completely answered all the questions in a concise manner. Obvious thought and effort was put into the assignment. Clear writing style. Included the ticket stub and program. Assignment was neatly presented, minimal spelling and grammar errors.

B 15-17 points Unclear ideas at times. All answers were addressed but some may be unclear. An average effort seems apparent in the assignment. Relatively clear writing style. Ticket or program may be missing. Assignments neatly presented.

C 12-14 points Unclear ideas throughout. Many answers incomplete. Minimal thought put into the assignment as it is presented. Writing style unclear. Ticket or program may be missing. Assignment could be neater.

D 9-11 points Very unclear and incomplete writing style and organization to assignment. Ticket and program may be missing. Incomplete

F 8 points or less Did not address the assignment. Obvious lack of homework put into the assignment.