The Theatre Review

A Guide Book on preparing for

Theatre Analysis.
 Overview:
You will find in this pack a full writing frame and a
guide to note taking in the actual theatre, which you
should both use and familiarise yourself with before
the trip. The first section of the pack focusses on
what is required of you in writing the exam review
questions.

The first thing to be aware of is that the theatre

review questions in the exam are not like traditional
theatre reviews, in other words, it is not really about
your opinion on the quality of the performance. Many
people get this wrong by writing about the quality of
the actors and the general delivery of the work,
whereas, you should be demonstrating a sound and secure
understanding of the work as a piece of theatre.

You should be taking notes on, and subsequently

writing about, all of the elements of theatre and how
they have been employed to create the show you have
seen. You are essentially analysing the art of creating
a performance, an art which includes; acting, costume,
lighting, set, props and sound.

Your goal is to demonstrate to the examiner that you

not only have a vast knowledge of all aspects of
theatre, but a shrewd critical eye which can pick out
how moments are embellished through the use of other
theatrical medium.

Finally, all of this needs to be done in a format

which is concise and eloquent!
 Note Taking

Taking notes in the theatre is not without its complications, not

least the lack of light! It is important to ensure that you do
get a good collection of notes on the performance as your memory
can only retain so much. Often, there is time to write up your
thoughts in an interval, but a few subtle notes during the
performance (if done quietly) are also a good idea.

You should always begin your notes with the most fixed concept of
the performance, the set. If you are lucky, the set will be
visible upon entering the auditorium as several modern
productions do not make use of the curtain. If this is the case
take a photo on your mobile phone as a point of reference later.
Remember that you cannot do this during the performance!

You will also need to write your notes in a format that works for
you and one possible template is attached as a part of this
document. Using a table is a good way of ensuring that your
thoughts and notes are put under the correct headings, but some
people will prefer mind maps and similar graphic ideas.

TOP TIPS:

● The best notes MAKE SENSE afterwards - avoid too

much abbreviation or generalised comments.
● Note taking is not a competition, so COLLABORATE.
● There are chances to DISCUSS your notes and the
production with your classmates and teacher(s) - DO
SO!
● DIAGRAMS & DRAWINGS often work more effectively
than words - even if you think you can’t draw, try
to sketch sets and costumes.
 THEATRE TRIP NOTES - SHOW TITLE: :
DATE: VENUE: :

ELEMENT NOTES & OBSERVATIONS

SET
What does
it look
like?

What is it
made of?

Materials?

Function? -
Does it do
a job?

Does it
‘work’? -
do taps
have water?

How does it
add to the
narrative?

Does it
change?

Do the
changes
mirror the
story?

Is there
symbolism?

Is it
‘clever’?
How?
COSTUME
What are
they
wearing?

What does
it ‘Say’
about their
character?

What are
the
colours?

Is there
symbolism?

How ‘sexy’
are the
outfits?

Do they
reflect a
time/era?

How do they
support the
character’s
journey?

Do the
costumes
have a
direct
involvement
in the
story?

How do the
costumes
show
status?

Is it
naturalistic
futuristic,
custom made
or off the
peg?
LIGHTS
How does
the
lighting
start?

How does
the light
support the
show?

Are the
‘specials’?

How does it
improve the
set?

How does it
support the
narrative?

How does it
reflect the
state of
the
character?

Does it
suggest a
time/era?

Is there a
cyclorama/
starcloth?

Have they
used
projections?

Are there
any gobos in
use?

Is the
lighting
naturalistic
?

What is the
symbolism?
 SOUND
Is there
music
before the
show
starts?

Does the
sound/music
set a tone,
era or
time?

Does the
sound come
from the
stage or
speakers?

Are there
live
musicians/
effects?

Is there
any
symbolism
to the
sounds
used?

Are the
actors
amplified?
 EXTRA Use this section for any
Are there
additional notes, not covered
any
particular
elsewhere.
props which
support or
add
relevance?

Are there
any
particular
moments
which stand
out? Why?
How?

Was there
something
which made
you think
‘Wow’? What
was it?

Is there
anything
that really
DID NOT
WORK?
 Final Support
Whilst the provided sheets form an excellent base for
your notes, many people will find them unwieldy in the
theatre. Often students prefer to make notes into a
small notebook and then transfer that information into
the sheets provided. Just remember, if you are doing it
this way round, to do so sooner rather than later as it
is common to forget!

What Mr F’s Notes Look Like