Theatre Studies Writing Frames

Note: When writing about Theatre it is vital you analyse and evaluate by giving
examples and using key terms.

Theme:

Stimulus:

Focus:

A: Performance focus: What? How? Why?

What did you do?
How did you do it? (How did you use the stimulus as a starting point for your performance:
detailed description of physical, vocal and interaction techniques used. Give examples from
actual rehearsals in detail by describing how you experimented with lines and action)

Why did you do it like this? (Choices: why did you represent your work in this way? what
reaction did you want to get from the audience?)
B: Evaluation:
Self-Evaluation:
1. What was my role in the performance? (Evaluate your contributions towards: Ideas for
theme, rehearsal, direction, execution)

2. How did I help or hinder my groups progress and performance? (Evaluate if your
contribution was effective in achieving your groups goals for this performance)

Group Evaluation:
3. How far did you achieve the aim of this piece? (Did your performance meet all the criteria
for success? How does it compare to expectations for success?)

4. How far did you collaborate, research and discuss for this piece? (Did you work
cooperatively when exploring different techniques and options while being supportive of your

Theatre Studies Writing Frames

group members? How far did you collaborate on language, characterisation, script
and ideas?

D: Target Setting
Targets for Self: (What are your strengths? What more do you need to do to improve? Be
specific in your targets)

Targets for Group Performances: (Identify areas you did well as a group. What more can you
do as a group to improve? Be specific in your targets)

E: Learning
My Learning (What I have learnt):

If I could change one aspect I would:

Appendix: When writing about your performance in Drama, use specific words to describe your
work. These may include:

Theatre Studies Writing Frames

Voice - Volume, pitch, pace, emphasis on key words, pauses, speed, rhythm,
tempo, accent, clarity, stillness, quality - angry, sarcastic, bitter, cynical, witty, nasty, malicious,
vindictive, spiteful, happy, jolly, funny, warm, friendly, cold, hostile, welcoming, gruff,
sophisticated, raucous (loud, common), posh, upper/middle/lower class, seductive, flirtatious,
cunning, manipulative, superficial, false, sincere, dishonest, corruptive etc. (Please be specific.
Use a dictionary or thesaurus)

Non-verbal language - this is about communicating without words.

Eye-contact (maintained or broken), i.e. looking at each other or one person or both
looking away. Length of contact, who starts the contact, who breaks it off, who holds it for
the longest and why. What does the eye contact imply? Fear, love, hatred, suspicions or
a warning?

Posture - How are you sitting or standing? What does it communicate to an audience?
Straight back, slouched, arms folded, arms open, legs crossed, legs open, formal,
relaxed, informal, head up or head down, shoulder hunched or straight etc.

Facial expressions - What does your face communicate to the audience and people on stage?
Angry, melancholic, sad, nervous, happy, confident, distressed, in pain, shy, arrogant, etc.
Provide details explaining how you achieved the right facial expression - eye-brows raised or
lowered. mouth open or tight-lipped etc.

Use of gesture - What gestures does your character use to communicate to the audience?
Pointing, raising fist, raising palm to indicate slapping, crossing hands to deny, shaking.nodding
head, waving finger etc.

Physical action - how does your character move on stage? What does this tell the audience
about the role? Speed of movement - fast, slow, lethargic, energetic, lazy, nervous, old, young,
infirm, limp, handicap etc.

Physical presence - imposing, withdrawn, small, large, superior, inferior, confident, shy etc.

Use of space - how is the space available used to show characterisation and dramatic
intention? What does the space tell us about the character?
Proximity - how close do you stand to other characters on stage? Why? To intimidate, to show
intimacy, to show friendship, to frighten, to oppress physically etc.
Justified use of space - when you move on stage can you justify your actions? Do you have to
pick up a bag, move closer to talk privately to another character? Leave the stage to go and
collect a prop/change role?
Use of levels - do you know when to sit and when to stand? Why do move? how do you use the
levels to tell us more about the situation for example a group standing behind one actor who is
sitting on a block etc.

Use this link on Drama Terminology as a reference in your analysis.