Guiding Students to Analyze and Appreciate Theatre Productions Critically
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This week's email discusses guiding students to analyze critically and appreciate theatre productions. Plus, we catch you up on the week's most important theatre news and stories. And don’t forget to join us next Monday, March 18, at 3:00 PM for a Live Webinar with playwright Don Zolidis, the most-produced playwright in American Schools. Click here to sign up.
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Sweeney Todd Revival Sets Closing Date by Michael Abourizk, Broadway News | The revival currently stars Tony Award winners Aaron Tveit and Sutton Foster. Read...
Grab Your Tissues; The Notebook Musical Opens on Broadway by Meg Masseron, Playbill | The Nicholas Sparks novel comes to New York with a score by Ingrid Michaelson and a book by Bekah Brunstetter. Read...
How a box of The Notebook Tissues became Broadway's Hottest Merch by Maureen Lee Lenker, Entertainment Weekly | Move over magnets and mugs; it's time for tissues to shine. Read...
Watch the Composers of Water for Elephants, PigPen Theatre Co., Perform 'The Road Don't Make You Young' by Diep Tran, Playbill | This band of theatre makers doesn’t know much about the circus, but they do know something about traveling on the road together. Read...
Celebrating 8 of Broadway's Overlooked Female Creatives by Margaret Hall, Playbill | A wealth of women created for the stage in Broadway's midcentury, only to be forgotten by the general public. Read...
Little-known Theater Jobs: Head Props by Ruthie Fierberg, Broadway News | Cie Martin supervises all of the props and furniture for Broadway’s Sweeney Todd — including the famed barber chair and a lot of stage blood. Read...
Recipients of 2023 Andrew Lloyd Webber Initiative's Scholarships and Grants Revealed by Logan Culwell-Block, Playbill | The American Theatre Wing program works to support underserved public school students as they continue theatrical studies. Read...
Casey Likes and Salena Qureshi Are Part of the Workshop for the New Musical I and You by Andrew Gans, Playbill | Based on Lauren Gunderson's play of the same name, the musical is penned by Gunderson and Ari Afsar. Read...
The Big Idea
Guiding Students to Analyze and Appreciate Theatre Productions Critically
by Zach Dulli, The Scene
In the world of educational theatre, guiding students to analyze and appreciate theatre productions critically is not just about fostering future critics; it's about nurturing well-rounded individuals who can engage with art on a deeper level. Today, we delve into the art of teaching students to dissect and appreciate the intricate tapestry of elements that make up a theatre production, including acting, direction, and technical aspects. Educators can help students unlock a richer, more profound understanding of the theatre by cultivating an environment where critical analysis is paired with genuine appreciation.
The Framework for Analysis:
Understanding the Narrative: Start by encouraging students to grasp the production's narrative structure and thematic depth. Encourage them to look beyond the surface story and explore underlying themes, historical contexts, and the playwright’s intentions. This foundational step is crucial for students to appreciate the complexity and nuances of the production.
Evaluating Acting Performances: Acting is the most visible element to the audience and often the most critiqued. Teach students to assess actors' ability to convey emotions, their consistency in character, and how effectively they interact with one another. Encourage discussions about whether the actors bring depth and nuance to their roles and how their performances contribute to the production's overall impact.
Direction: The Invisible Hand: The director's vision is pivotal in bringing the script to life. Students should learn to identify the director's influence on pacing, staging, and the overall aesthetic of the production. Discuss the director’s choices in casting, blocking, and ability to harness their team's strengths to tell the story effectively.
The Magic of Technical Elements: Theatre is a sensory experience, and technical elements like lighting, sound, set design, and costumes play a significant role in shaping the audience's experience. Teach students to observe how these elements enhance or detract from the narrative. Encourage them to consider how lighting sets the mood, sound underscores emotion, set design contextualizes action, and costumes reflect character and time period.
Fostering Appreciation Through Critique: Creating a balanced approach to critique is essential. Encourage students to not only point out areas for improvement but also to identify and celebrate a good production. This encourages a positive, constructive atmosphere that values effort and artistry.
Practical Application:
Attend Performances: The best way to learn is by doing. Organize trips to local theatre productions or screen recordings in class. This direct engagement with professional work provides tangible examples to analyze.
Writing Assignments: Have students write their own theatre reviews, focusing on the elements discussed. This not only hones their analytical skills but also improves their written communication.
Discussion and Debate: Facilitate group discussions or debates on different aspects of a production. This encourages students to articulate their opinions and listen to differing viewpoints.
Teaching students to analyze theatre productions critically is an invaluable skill that transcends the classroom. It cultivates empathy, critical thinking, and a deeper appreciation for the arts. By focusing on various elements like acting, direction, and technical aspects, educators can guide students toward a more nuanced understanding and enjoyment of theatre. In doing so, we prepare them not just as audience members but as thoughtful participants in the cultural dialogue.
Encourage your students to look at theatre with a critical eye and an open heart. The stage is not just a platform for storytelling; it's a mirror reflecting the human condition. Through critical analysis and appreciation, we can all learn to see a little more deeply into the art of theatre and, perhaps, into ourselves.
Sarah Jessica Parker, Sarah Snook, David Tennant Score Olivier Awards Nominations by Ellise Shafer, Variety | Discover the full list of nominations for this year’s Olivier Awards, which celebrate the best in British theater. Read...
Giles Terera and More Will Star in U.K. Premiere of Passing Strange by Logan Culwell-Block, Playbill | The 2008 musical by Stew and Heidi Rodewald begins performances at London's Young Vic on May 14. Read...
Get a 1st Look at London's Rufus Wainwright Musical, Opening Night by Logan Culwell-Block, Playbill | The singer-songwriter has teamed with director and book writer Ivo van Hove to bring the 1977 John Cassavetes film to the stage. Read...
Denise Gough to Reprise Olivier-Winning Role in People, Places, and Things by Margaret Hall, Playbill | Duncan Macmillan's celebrated addiction drama will return to the West End later this spring. Read...
Suzan-Lori Parks' The Book of Grace, Noises Off, Fool for Love, More in Steppenwolf Theatre Company's 2024-25 Season by Milly Higgins, Playbill | The season's programming begins in September at the Chicago theatre company. Read...
Director Phylicia Rashad and Playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins on Family and Purpose by Emily Mcclanathan, Playbill | The two artists are collaborating on a new play at Steppenwolf Theatre Company about the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement. Read...
Rachel Bloom, Kayla Foster, Mark Wilding, and More Join The 24 Hour Plays: Los Angeles Return by Molly Higgins, Playbill | The organization brings together groups of artists to produce theatrical works that are written, rehearsed, and performed in 24 hours. Read...
National Asian American Theatre Company Partners With Regional Theatres People's Light and TheatreSquared by Meg Masseron, Playbill | The partnership with the Pennsylvania and Arkansas (respectively) companies aims to expand the representation of Asian American artists nationally. Read...
You can read entire plays for free! Free Reads titles are perfect for your theatre, school, and competition performances. Click on the Play’s title or image to be taken to the Play’s page; once you are there, click the "READ NOW" button and enjoy!
Free Read of the Week:
The Trojan Women adapted by Ellen McLaughlin
The Story: In the wake of their devastating defeat, the women of Troy, all now widows, wait on the beach below the ravaged city to be claimed by their Greek conquerors as slaves and concubines. Though the war is over, exile and degradation lie ahead, and the fates of these women, including Queen Hecuba, her daughter Cassandra, the doomed, mad prophetess, and her daughter-in-law Andromache, widow of the great Hector, are still in the balance.
Drama | 70 - 90 minutes | 12 W, 2 M, (12-40 actors possible: 10-30 W, 2-10 M) | Content Notes: Mild adult content | Set: A beach below the conquered city of Troy.