How to Write a Theater Report

Many English and Drama classes require you to write a report on a play or musical as a requirement for the class. These reports can be a bit difficult as they don't follow the typical "report" style, but they are also not reviews. Following a few easy steps, however, can make your report writing an easy experience

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A play or musical to see
• A copy of the script (optional)

1. Choose the show you are going to see. Many times a professor will assign the show, but sometimes you get to pick the show you want to do your report on. If you do get a choice, make sure it's a show you have interest in or think you would enjoy. Going to see a show you are interested in makes the report writing that much easier

2. Attend the show. Be sure to look at all of the elements of the production, starting with the box office experience and ending with the final curtain call. Bring a notebook to jot down notes about the production; such as acting, light and set design and direction. Read the program to get a sense of the show you are about to see.

3. When you get home, reread your notes and begin an outline. Focus on what you liked and didn't like within the context of the show; however, your report should encompass more than simply what you liked and didn't like. You should focus on whether an actor convincingly created the character or whether the play's message was conveyed by the director's concept. Look at both the artistic and technical elements of the show.

4. Take a day and let the experience fully enter your psyche. Don't write anything in haste, as with time you will come to realize new things about the production you hadn't thought of initially. Theatre can have many levels to it, and oftentimes you will discover things upon further reflection.

5. Sit down and write the report. Begin with the production information (the name of the play, where you saw it, who was in it and who directed it) and then move onto the show itself. Set your report up so that each paragraph or group of paragraphs focuses on one thing. Try to discuss what the message of the play was (and remember, not all plays have a message). Discuss whether the production was successful or missed the mark in conveying its story and meaning.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have a chance to meet the production staff and talk to them, do so. They often can provide useful information about the piece and the process to put it all together. Take a friend. Theater is a lot more fun when you share it with people. Try to read the script. This will give you a better understanding of what the play is about, which can help you think about how the production you saw interpreted the script.
• Make sure your report doesn't descend into a review of the piece. Your job is not to review it, but to report on whether the play meets its artistic goals. Remember to talk about the artistic elements and why they worked or didn't work

References

• The Theatregoer's Guide