Writing a Play Review

Open Ended

Name a play, movie, or TV show that really stood out to you.

What made it memorable — the story, the actors, or the way it was presented?

Multiple Choice

1. Which of the following best describes an effective strategy when taking notes during a play?

• a) Focus only on the lead actor’s performance since they have the most lines.

• b) Write down every detail about the characters, costumes, and props.

• c) Observe key moments, memorable performances, and technical elements that stand out.

• d) Avoid taking notes to stay focused on the storyline.

Multiple Choice

2. Which observation best reflects a thoughtful critique of a play’s pacing?

• a) "Some scenes felt rushed, making key emotional moments less impactful."

• b) "The actors spoke clearly and loudly throughout the play."

• c) "The scenes followed the original script exactly as written."

• d) "The play ended earlier than I expected."

Multiple Choice

3. What is the best way to evaluate an actor’s use of body language in a performance?

• a) Pay attention to the actor’s costume design.

• b) Focus only on their spoken lines and voice projection.

• c) Count how many times the actor moves across the stage.

• d) Observe how their facial expressions and gestures convey emotions.

Multiple Choice

4. Which of the following demonstrates an effective critique of a play’s lighting design?

• a) "The lighting was bright, so I could see everything clearly."

• b) "The creative use of lighting enhanced the mood, especially during tense scenes."

• c) "The lights flickered at one point, which was distracting."

• d) "The lighting was blue, which is my favorite color."

Multiple Choice

5. Which statement best describes how to critique a play’s dialogue?

• a) Focus only on the vocabulary used by the characters.

• b. Determine how long each character speaks throughout the play.

• c. Evaluate how the dialogue contributes to character development and the play’s overall message.

• d) Compare the play’s dialogue to casual conversation.

Multiple Choice

6. Which observation best describes an effective assessment of the set design?

• a) "The set was large, which gave the actors more space to move around."

• b) "The set design reflected the time period of the play, adding authenticity to the performance."

• c) "The set had a lot of props, which made the stage look busy."

• d) "The set featured vibrant colors that caught the audience's attention."

​Formative Task

​Go to Canvas Modules and look for Formative Task 1: Play Review.
Then, answer the 15-item Canvas quiz.

1. Write a play review that critically analyzes the adaptation of George Orwell’s Animal Farm.

2. The review must follow this template and the standard format: Introduction – Body – Conclusion 

3. It must be at least 500 words long.

4. It should maintain a formal, analytical, and objective tone.

5. The review must be well-organized, with clear paragraphs and smooth transitions.

6. Specific examples from the play must be included to support observations.

7. Proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation must be observed.

8. Plagiarism is strictly prohibited. All reviews must be original and written in the student’s own words. The use of AI-generated or copied content from external sources will result in a failing mark.

9. Work must be submitted in PDF format. Work submitted with no access, or anything similar, will be given a grade of zero.

​PT 3 Guidelines: