Writing Performance Reviews
Formal writing is writing by the means of business or academic work. Normally
delivered in an impersonal and dispassionate tone, it is targeted at a critical and informed
audience, based on closely investigated knowledge; and intended to reinforce or
challenge concepts or arguments. One example of formal or academic writing is
Performance Review.
Performance Review is a part of academic writing that deals with writing a
critique towards a performance art. Performance art is an art that orchestrates the artist or
the artist itself is the art. There are lots of kinds of performance arts like dancing, singing,
operas, theatre plays and many more, writing a critique paper on performance arts is easy
just focus and enjoy the show.
In writing performance reviews you need to Go beyond superficial description and
discuss how the exhibit made you feel, what it reminded you of, or how it could have
been changed. Use vocabulary words and concepts from class discussions in your
descriptions. Start your review with a catchy statement so that you can grasp the attention
of the reader. For instance, you can start with a quote or perhaps some list of items from
the play. You can even add some logistical information to your review, telling your
readers about the ticket prices or the contact information for the theatre.
Before you go to the place where you are to watch you need to take note of the
following. First be sure to have the tickets on your hand already because you cannot
critique if you in the first place cannot watch the play itself. Second, review your
syllabus, are there any specific details that your instructor has asked you to notice or
include? If so, be sure to make a note of them at the event. Be sure to jut down
information that would be very helpful when you start writing your paper. Third,
familiarize yourself with the work you need to review, better do some research on the
play's historical context. With that known, you will not just get the basis for the review,
but it will also keep you well-informed while attending the performance. Fourth, take
detailed notes at the event, don’t trust yourself to remember important parts of the event
—write them down! Observations can include cast members, audience reactions, lighting,
set, color costumes, quality of delivery, etc. If you are going to be at a performance where
the lights will be dim, practice writing without looking at your paper, or consider taking a
small light to write by if it will not distract others. Fifth, make use of your event program,
it can be a handy resource for important information. The program paper can tell you the
flow of event so as how to start and end your critique paper. Lastly, read the prompt, a
review must be different from news writing. Consider your audience or readers before
writing for basis on how you are going to write.
After the performance you are to start writing your critique paper, so focus, clear
your mind and try to remember as much as you can in the performance you have
watched. There are six parts on how to write a performance review. First is the
introduction, this part must describe the time, place and the type of event. Mention the
title of the performance, time of the day and venue. The introduction may also include
where the performance originated from. Your review should also give one clear,
dominant impression of the work. What is your overall point of view regarding the
experience? The dominant impression may be an overall reaction, or it may select one
aspect of the work as most noteworthy. The impression may draw from elements such as
plot, character, theme, language, music, or sound. Second is the summary, Summarize in
moderation. It’s important to let your readers know what happened, but they don’t need a
play-by-play account. Third is writing the description, Be as specific as possible. Discuss
each element of the performance. You can also try to determine what the artists or
performers intend for you to feel or think. Were these artists/performers successful? Who
was the audience for this work? Did the work meet or exceed the audience’s
expectations? How did other elements (scenery, costumes, lighting, etc.) enhance or
detract from the overall impression? Make insightful comments on the work in relation to
the knowledge you are gaining in class and from your readers. Fourth is evaluation, this
part includes your thoughts and opinions. Be honest but introspective. Explain your side
well. What were your favorite and least favorite parts of the work? Did the work engage
you from the beginning? If not, when did you start to become more directly involved?
When did the work “take off” for you? Were there any significant problems with your
experience? Fifth is the conclusion, do not include any new information. Summarize your
thoughts and impressions. Include what needs to be said about the event that you have not
already said. How could the performance have been improved? Would you recommend
this event? Why or why not. Elaborate with reasons why the performance is a must watch
or otherwise. And finally proofreading and finalizing, Read over your review. Make sure
there are no errors, spelling, grammar or logistical-wise.
Writing your performance review can be challenging but following these steps, you
may find it easy. On a final note, just be yourself and write what you think amazed you,
what you felt and specially what you have learned for you to share it in the world and to
make the world realize the lesson you learned.
MOVIE REVIEW
People can have a different perspective on what they see, they could express their
opinions and interpretations within their words. In movie reviews, it allows the writers to
express their opinions about some film or documentary. The main purpose of a movie
review is to inform the reader about the film and its ideas and to assess and define what
positive and negative aspects it has. There must also the need for the unbiased and
objective approach. The review will then determine whether someone will want to see the
movie.
Steps to properly create a movie review, one must watch a movie twice to be able
to take notes of the major and minor events and characters. Then research for important
details that would help in making an in depth analysis of the movie or film. Third, do
analyze the film thoroughly and create a draft. An outline that you will follow to write the
review in a concise and cohesive fashion. One must provide examples when commenting
dialogues, locations, plot, everything. Lastly, proofread and finalize by paying attention
to grammar and punctuation errors.
In further avoidance of errors, organization in making movie review is required.
The importance of well-structured outline must never be underestimated. Write an
introduction that could start with a hook that can provide a surprising fact or a quote from
the movie to attract attention. Then enter a clear statement of your opinion on it whether
you liked it or not. While for the summary be careful not to tell too much about the film.
Give an outline but do not give away essential details like the plot twists or the ending. If
there is a big surprise, it can entice the readers by hinting that something special will
happen without revealing it. The third one is the Analysis of Plot Elements, where in this
part includes analysis of the rising action and the climax. While next to it is the Creative
Elements, that includes the analysis of the dialogues, characters, use of colors, camera
techniques, mood, tone, symbols, costumes or anything that contributes or takes away
from the overall plot. We must also take note that opinion should always be supported
with examples and facts from the story. With the opinion, conclusion can be done.
Announce whether the filmmaker was successful in his/her purpose, re-state your
evidence and, if applicable, explain how the motion picture was helpful for providing a
deeper understanding a topic. Include possible recommendations for the movie or the
actors.
Movie review elements must also be taken into the text, such as the Title of the
Movie/Film, Summary, Filmmaker, Creative elements, and Actors. Avoid inserting
yourself and not focusing on the film. Then promptly avoid mistakes on failing to check
facts about movie background and release date, director, casting, and etc. Being focused
and prepared are key steps on writing a movie review and of course do not forget to
proofread.