How to Write a Theater Review

In a theater review, a writer provides a reflection of his/ her own thoughts, opinions, and overall impressions of the (recently attended) theater play. One of the most important paper sections that should go at the beginning of the review is the summary of the plot of the given performance. As a rule, the summary section is not long because the core of the paper should deal with the analysis. As a final stage of writing the review, a writer should move on to the overall evaluation of the play, where he/ she evaluates the work of the director(s), actor(s), and the correspondence of the decorations to the main storyline. When writing a theater review, a student may evaluate the performance in terms of the following:

• Subjective commentaries;
• Artistic commentaries;
• Technical remarks.

Tips to Write a Perfect Theater Review

• Before attending the performance, it is advisable to get familiar with the plot

While some people think that reading some information about the plot spoils the overall process from watching the play, it is actually useful before you have to provide a critical evaluation of the theater performance. Knowing the basics of the storyline will help the writer better comprehend the play while watching and succeed in structuring the theater report layout. When you are watching the play for the first time without getting acquainted with the plot, you may lose the grip of attention and omit many important details. Who knows when again you will get the chance of watching that play again? Therefore, such understanding of the plot twists and what is about to happen really help the writer to be better at the evaluation of the technical aspects, decorations, director’s interpretation of the events, actor(s)’ play, etc. Sometimes, you may be required in your assignment to analyze the play in terms of some specific aspects, and therefore, you should be prepared and look for them in the play while watching.

• Try to be open-minded when watching and interpreting the play

Students should really try to watch the performance as if they are directors. They need to acquire in-depth understanding of what the director was thinking about when he was writing the script. Why is it important? Because students need to find reasons and motifs that the director had in mind while writing the script. If there are differences between the director’s vision of the play and how it is written in original or how you perceived it, you must also pinpoint to those differences. Be alert to all peculiarities regarding the staging.

• When evaluating the play at the final stage of the review, consider more practical aspects, such as the stage, costumes, the overall design, the actors’ competency, and so on.

To sum up, a theater review is a brief analysis of the artists’ play and the way the writer perceives it. A writer may have many subjective judgments in regards to the play. Therefore, it is important to strike a balance between subjective viewpoints and objective critical evaluation.