Theater Arts Play Report
This essay is expected to be 3-5 page analytical paper in MLA format (double spaced).
Introduction:
Begin with a statement that draws in the reader, (commonly known as a ) (Examples: A quote of dramatic dialogue or an impressive technical effect.)
Report is not a plot synopsis of the play, but an analytical paper that reports your observations on a specific production.
Be sure to cite the venue of theatrical performance, the name and author of the play and the date you attended it in your introduction.
If you are using other sources in addition to the performance, be sure to include a works cited page. This is a measure to prevent accidental plagiarism.
Thesis Statement: Your intro should include a thesis. A thesis is an encompassing statement that identifies the main idea of your paper, usually outlining the 3-4 main points to be discussed. The thesis statement should tie together the major ideas you have put forth in your introduction and is usually placed at the end of the introduction paragraph.
Body Paragraphs:
Essay should contain three to four (depending on the number of points outlined in your thesis statement) body paragraphs each outlining one main point.
Each point should have two to four sub-points with evidence / specific examples from the performance that support your idea/point. These are your observations on specific elements of the production and are the most important part in making an essay yours. They are the “why” behind your essay.
You don’t have to like a production or its elements, but you must be able to articulate “why” something did or did not work for you.
Below is a possible example of the Body of a paper with the following thesis statement: “’Dracula’ was a highly entertaining production that explored the central idea of man’s eternal struggle with his passions through the use of elaborate technical enhancements (costumes, scenery, lights, sounds, etc) and dynamic performances.”
Body Paragraph 1: Your first body paragraph should be about the central ideas of the performance.
Why was the play written? What was the author’s motivation for writing the play?
What are the themes of the play? (not the plot!)
How does the author and director use imagery in the writing and on stage and what kind of symbolism is used to convey a message to the audience?
Body Paragraph 2: Your second paragraph should cover the technical aspects of the play.
Include lighting, scene design, costuming, makeup, and/or any other technical aspects of the play.
Much is communicated in a play using technical aspects; analyze what technical aspects the director/designers and the various technical departments used and more importantly why you believe they used these techniques and if they worked, or not, to enhance or otherwise take away from the production.
Body Paragraph 3: In your third body paragraph you should analyze the performances of the actors.
Consider the acting, the blocking, monologues, and any other specific performance related examples.
Give very specific examples and be sure to explain what exactly the actors did to catch your eye (vocal variety, physical intensity, emotional range, etc).
This paragraph runs the highest risk of being “plot” driven instead of analytical of the acting so be sure to stay focused on the what specifically made a good or non-effective performance and not the “what happened next”.
Conclusion:
Your conclusion should both revisit and wrap up your essay.
Your thesis should be restated along with each of your main
Use different wording to avoid sounding repetitive.
Close your paragraph with a statement that offers a point to your whole essay, possibly referring back to your “hook.”
Reminders:
The complete essay will contain:
A clear thesis statement clearly expressed
Developed (Substantial) paragraphs
Topic sentences and Transitions for each body paragraph
Specific observations from the play for each point
Analysis and Synthesis of each observation being made
A conclusion that unifies the essay
