Live Performance Critiques

Every LHS Theatre student is required to attend TWO live theatrical performance each year, and to write formal performance evaluations of each show they see. In addition to increasing a student's exposure to a variety of performing arts and styles, this assignment gives students an opportunity to view theatre critically to determine what elements contribute to a show's success (or, unfortunately, failure). Here is some information that will help insure students are successful on this SUMMATIVE assignment.  

Quick Guide:

• Students must see TWO live theatrical performances each Year (August 13, 2025 - May 8, 2026). No critiques from shows you've seen previously or outside of those dates will be accepted and/or graded. 

• The performance must be attended LIVE - no recordings, YouTube videos, etc. - so please plan accordingly.

• One of the two performances MUST be an LHS Theatre performance. A list of those opportunities appears to the right. Individual production information can also be found on each student's Google Classroom, on our department Facebook, Instagram, etc.. 

• Each student's written performance critiques must be submitted as SEPARATE DOCUMENTS for ease of grading.

• Student's written critiques should be submitted in essay format. Slide Decks, bullet-point lists, etc., will not be accepted. A guide to navigate writing a performance critique is below. 

• Academic dishonesty (cheating, using AI to write your essay, etc.) is grounds for an automatic zero. No exceptions.

Live Performance Critique Assignment Deadline: May 8, 2026

How to Write a Critique for a Theatrical Performance

A critique is an evaluation of a performance of a show. It should contain five paragraphs. The guide below should give you ideas of what to write about in each paragraph!

1. Paragraph 1—The Basics 

Include the answers to the five W’s: Who (the playwright, directors, and actors)? What (the title of the play)? Where (the name of the school or theater)? When (when did you see it?)? Why (In a few sentences, state the basic theme of the show)?

2. Paragraph 2—The Plot 

Briefly summarize the plot of the show: How well did the story work? Was it interesting, entertaining? 

3. Paragraph 3—The Acting 

Reactions to the performers playing the characters in the play (use their real names and character names): Were they believable? How was their volume and articulation? Did their gestures and body movement stay true to the character?

4. Paragraph 4—The Design 

Set: *Did it establish a definite mood and correct time period for the play?
Lights: *Did they convey appropriate mood, emphasis, and brightness?
Costumes and Makeup: *Were they true to the period of the show and to the characters?
Sound: *How did the sound effects and music contribute to the show’s mood? *If this performance was a musical, what is your opinion of the orchestra’s performance? 

5. Paragraph 5—The Reaction 

What is the play’s effect on the audience? What was your opinion of the show as a whole? A judgment or recommendation – would you recommend others see this play? 

Remember to: 

Backup all your opinions with valid reasons. Be objective, fair, and sincere. Evaluate the entire production. Be constructive. Indicate good points along with those you felt needed improvement. Enjoy the show—don’t go to be overly critical.