The Reason for Extra Credit
Extra Credit is not meant to be easy. It's meant to help boost a score, replace a quiz, or gain back credit lost when you are sick, absent, or turn in late work.
Extra credit ( abbreviated XC in my class) is meant to be more work than the original assignment. In the computer, the score will read "Extra" unless you have already done it. At that point, points will replace the "Extra" score.
How Much Extra Credit May I Do in a Quarter?
- One reading project
- One professional play
- One high school play
- All after school extra opportunity offered
You may choose to see ONE high school play in a term AND one professional play in any term. Each play requires you to write a play critique for credit. Please see the "How To." It is the PAPER you are receiving extra credit for writing, NOT just attending the actual, physical performance. You must do both to get the credit. I do not accept summaries of the play for credit. Please write me a critique of the performance.
Here's a link at Goodman Theater
A. Describe and evaluate the acting in the production.
1. Choose the performers you liked best--citing illustrations from the production. Note things they did well--gestures, moments, bits, etc.--and explain why you think they were good.2. How was the performer's voice, movement, interpretation of the role?
3. Separate the performer from the role. Can you dislike a character but admire the performance?
4. How did the performers relate to each other? Did they listen and respond naturally, or did they look like they were "acting?" 1. Has the director helped the actors perform convincingly?2. Do the performers play together as an ensemble?
3. Is it easy to see and hear what is going on?
4. Are entrances and exits smooth? Scene changes?
5. Is the stage space used well? Are some areas ignored?
6. Does the pace and rhythm seem right? Does it drag or move swiftly? 1. Is the scenery helpful to the play? To the performers?2. Is it a hindrance? Too distracting? Too overbearing?
3. Does it contribute to the mood? Is it appropriate for the style of the production?
4. Is there a symbolic element in the scenery? In the shapes or colors?
5. Is the design aesthetically pleasing in itself? 1. Is the lighting realistic or nonrealistic?2. Does it help create mood?
3. Are all actors properly lit? Can we see their faces?
4. How does the lighting use color and direction (where does it come from: below, above, behind, etc.)?
5. Are light changes made slowly or quickly? Is this right for the play? 1. Are the costumes right for the play? In period and style? For the theme of the play?2. Are they right for individual characters, in personality, station in life, occupation, etc.?
3. Is the design good? The colors? Why or why not?
4. Are there differences between costumes for major and minor characters? Between one faction in the play and another?
Describe and analyze the play--script--characters, plot and structure, or content and theme, as in the play reading critique--and explain how the production realized that element of the written text in its production.
Play viewing critique: (NOTE: Be sure to identify clearly WHAT PRODUCTION you saw (name of theatre company, place, date, etc.] that you are writing about.) Think: Who, what, when, where.
Your critique must be TYPED, double spaced, using paragraphs, good mechanics, and spell check! Do not type the questions and a one word answer. I expect the play critique to look and sound like these examples:
Here's a link at Goodman Theater
A REALLY great guide (that I totally agree with)
Do AT LEAST TWO of the following: A. Describe and evaluate the acting in the production.
3. Separate the performer from the role. Can you dislike a character but admire the performance?
4. How did the performers relate to each other? Did they listen and respond naturally, or did they look like they were "acting?"
3. Is it easy to see and hear what is going on?
4. Are entrances and exits smooth? Scene changes?
5. Is the stage space used well? Are some areas ignored?
6. Does the pace and rhythm seem right? Does it drag or move swiftly?
3. Does it contribute to the mood? Is it appropriate for the style of the production?
4. Is there a symbolic element in the scenery? In the shapes or colors?
5. Is the design aesthetically pleasing in itself?
3. Are all actors properly lit? Can we see their faces?
4. How does the lighting use color and direction (where does it come from: below, above, behind, etc.)?
5. Are light changes made slowly or quickly? Is this right for the play?
3. Is the design good? The colors? Why or why not?
4. Are there differences between costumes for major and minor characters? Between one faction in the play and another?
Describe and analyze the play--script--characters, plot and structure, or content and theme, as in the play reading critique--and explain how the production realized that element of the written text in its production.
