In this unit of instruction students will be learning about the role of a theatre critic and then applying what they have learned to create their own critique of a filmed or live production.  This "Click to Teach" lesson was inspired by a high school lesson plan written by theatre educator Kristie Farr as a part of the EdTA SEL Lesson Plan library.  Download the lesson by going to the SEL library and typing "Theatre Critique" in the keyword search.  

Learning Goals:

The students will:
1. Understand the purpose and role of theatre criticism
2. Analyze, interpret, and critique a theatre performance using Goethe’s Principles of Criticism
3. Develop a framework for criticism and write a review of a performance.

"A critic is an artist- perhaps the most seasoned of all."

Photo courtesy of Tyler Mitchell.

Follow the journey of one Thespian as he learns to love the artistry of theatre journalism while exploring the role of a theatre critic. 
Read all about it in this Dramatics.org article- "Theatre Critics are Artists Too."

Click on the image above to read reviews of  "Chicken and Biscuits" collected on the website "Did They Like It" .  Choose one favorable review and one review in which the critic did not like the production. Did They Like It collects reviews from many different critics all in one place, making it easy to see theatre critics at work.  Be ready to discuss the reviews with the class.

Class discussion:  Find a learning partner to work with, then share the answers to each of the questions below.  Be sure you have analyzed BOTH of the reviews you have chosen.

How did the author try to "hook" the reader's interest?
What details did the author share about the show?
What was the author's opinion of the show? 
What reasons (evidence) did she give for her opinion?
What would you say are the steps to writing a review? 

Homework:  go to the website "Did They Like It" and find a review for a show of your choice.  Print out the review, and highlight or circle the positive remarks and constructive criticism.  If you are unable to print the review, make notes in your theatre journal.  Be ready to discuss the review you chose with the class next class period. 

In order to write a review of a show, you will need to learn a little bit about how to critique a work of art.  In the 18th century, a German philosopher named Goethe determined one way to critique a work of art by answering three simple questions:  
1. What was the artist trying to do?
2. How well did the artist accomplish it?
3. Was it worth doing?

These questions are called "Goethe's Principles of Criticism".  You will be using these as the basis of your review.

Homework:  Read through this slide show from SlideShare.net  to learn more about Goethe's Principles, and then write about what you learned in your theatre journal.  Be prepared to share your ideas with the class. 

https://www.slideshare.net/gar...

Choose one of the two performances below to watch and critique.

Remember Goethe's Principles of Criticism?
1.  What was the artist trying to do?
2. How well did the artist accomplish it?
3. Was it worth doing?

It's time to put these into practice by watching a live or video taped production and creating your own theatre review just as if you were a theatre critic.  Download the worksheet to complete your critique following Goethe's principles of criticism as a method of organizing your review.  If you are unable to download and print, you may use the prompts below to create your review in your theatre journal. 

View or Download the Worksheet

Opening:
Please give your name, the title of the play or musical, author, whether the performance was viewed live or taped, place of performance, plot summary and theme. You may include actors, designers, directors and/or technicians if interested.
Body:
Please describe 2 theatrical elements (writing, acting, directing, technical) with detail and accurate theatre terminology and relate the elements to the theme. Use Goethe’s Principles of Criticism by answering the following questions for each area:
     What was the Artist trying to do?
     How well did the Artist accomplish it?
Other Questions to Consider:
     Are the characters well-developed? Are they believable?
     Does the production use images and symbols in significant ways?
     Do they add to the impact of the production?
     Is the performance well-paced?
     Does the acting move you?
     Do the scene design and costume design add to the production in a significant way? Sound?
     Lighting? Music?
Conclusion:
Sum up your critique and answer the last of Goethe’s questions: Was it worth doing? And WHY?

Deep Dive into Critic Styles

 "Did They Like It" is a website which collects reviews of Broadway and Off Broadway productions in one easy access location.  Go to the website and choose a show which has mixed reviews.  (some thumbs up, some thumbs down).   Compare and contrast the reviews.  Try to analyze each review to look for the specifics that the reviewer mentioned in order to understand why the reviewer felt the way they did about the production. 

Explore the  "Did They Like It" website and identify 2 more reviews you would like to analyze.  Read or listen to each review for style and technique.  Make notes in your journal as you read or use a voice recorder to capture your thoughts.  

Critical Thinking Task:  Journal Entry

Theatre critics serve an important role in helping us define our own tastes and opinions.  Often theatre goers will identify a particular theatre critic whose opinions they find the most helpful.  Sometimes it is because they find themselves agreeing with the theatrical reviews that the critic writes, sometimes it is because the critic's reviews are clearly so well thought out and informed.  Based on the reviews you have read, which reviewer would you like to follow?  Write or record a short essay analyzing their style and telling why this critic might be your favorite reviewer.

Just for fun:  Be an internet detective and research your favorite reviewer. What can you learn about their path to becoming a theatre critic?

Standards 

 TH:Re7.1.II.a. Demonstrate an understanding of multiple interpretations of artistic criteria and how each might be used to influence future artistic choices of a drama/theatre work. 

 TH:Re8.1.II.a. Develop detailed supporting evidence and criteria to reinforce artistic choices, when participating in or observing a drama/theatre work. 

 TH:Re8.1.II.c. Debate and distinguish multiple aesthetics, preferences, and beliefs through participation in and observation of drama/theatre work. 

 TH:Re9.1.I.b. Construct meaning in a drama/theatre work, considering personal aesthetics and knowledge of production elements while respecting others’ interpretations

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