This document provides guidelines for writing a critique of a performance seen for a theater arts class. It outlines 14 required sections for the critique, including an overview of the play, a plot summary, discussion of themes and characters, analysis of design elements, and reflections on acting and directing. The objective is for students to demonstrate their understanding and use of theatrical vocabulary and concepts.

1. Performance Critique
Descriptions:
This is the Theater art class.!!!
1. Watching a life play!
a. You have to go out to watch a life theatre.
b. Theatre cannot be stand-up comedy showcases and dance
concerts. (so the show must meet the "official class definition
of theatre”, so you have to be discerning)
Suggestion:
Some shows currently running that are getting a lot of
attention: A Night with Janis Joplin at ACT, What You Will at
the Pear Theatre, The Glass Menagerie at CalShakes and An
Octoroon at Berkeley Rep. Of course you could find something
else to watch by writing the critique.
***Guideline (what you have to write in the critique)
Use the following required format for your critique. Please
divide your paper into sections and use the Roman numerals and
titles exactly as they appear below. You should use the
theatrical vocabulary and concepts we are learning from our text
in your answers.
Once you have finished with a paragraph, go back and place in
boldface all vocabulary words or concepts from the chapter that
you are featuring. This might be several words per paragraph,
but by all means should include at least one term per answer.
Points will be deducted for reports that use laymen's terms or
excessive verbiage to express ideas for which we have learned
vocabulary, for failing to place vocabulary in boldface, or for
reports that boldface common words instead of theatrical
vocabulary.
The major objective of this report is to demonstrate your

2. familiarity and facility with theatrical perspectives and "lingo."
Make sure you use our terms and definitions, and make them
easy to find in your report!
Title:
Think of this like a headline.Give your critique a ten word or
less title into which you have put some creative thought.
Neither your name nor the name of the play is a title for a
report. Center this title at the top of your page, place it in italics
and use the rules for capitalization of titles. Do NOT put it in
bold, underline it, or place quotation marks around it. If you
want to give it greater emphasis, place it in a larger type size.
Do not put any other title or heading on your paper.
I. Thesis Statement
Begin your report, as all reports, with a compelling thesis
statement that gives a sense of what is to come and makes the
reader want to find out what you have to say about it. This
statement should be exactly one sentence long – no exceptions.
Be sure that your thesis says something specific about the
production you watched, and not about the play as literature.
II. Overview:
Your thesis statement should be followed by an overview in
eight numbered complete sentences that cover:
1. The full name of the play. (Make sure you spell it correctly
and place it in italics. Underlining is NO LONGER acceptable
practice for titles. ALL CAPS or Boldfacing never were.)
2. The full name of the author of the play. Be certain to spell
this, and all names, correctly.
3. The name of the theater company presenting the production.
4. The name of the physical theater in which you saw the play.
5. The date and time you saw the show.
6. The cost of the ticket, with a very short explanation of how
you purchased it – online, at the ticket window at showtime, at
the half-price booth in Union Square, etc.

3. 7. The exact seat and row number you sat in (usually available
on your ticket) with a brief description of its location in the
theater.
8. If anyone you knew shared this experience with you, say who
and give the reader a brief sense of their response as compared
to yours.
III. Plot
The next section of your report should be a brief summary of
the plot in five sentences. In the first sentence of this paragraph
define the type of plot we saw, using terms from the "Continuity
and Linearity" section of your text and associated CourseStream
lecture. Place those terms in boldface. In the second sentence,
incorporating boldfacedterms into you report, tell us the
inciting incident of the play. In the third sentence, incorporating
a boldfacedterm into you report, describe the major incidents of
conflict in the play. In the fourth sentence, incorporating a
boldfacedterm into you report, describe the climactic incident in
the play. In a final sentence, incorporating the boldfacedterm
into you report, describe the denouement of the play. This
paragraph should precisely five sentences long, no more and no
less.
IIIa. Following that, in a single, concise, grammatically-correct
second paragraph, employing one or more "qualities" (which
you will, of course, place in boldface) from the "qualities of a
fine play" section of your text, describe at least one strength of
the play’s script.
IV. Theme
The third section of your report, using a concise and clear
single sentence, is a statement of the play's theme, or meaning.
Use this precise formula: "The meaning (for which you may
substitute moral, or lesson if that is closer to your conception)
of the play is xxxxxxxx." Avoid slipping into naming motifs
instead of themes by eliminating "weasel phrases," like deals

4. with, examines, and is about.
V.Character, described by function
This section of your report should concentrate on the character
functions as agents of the action, not their relationships inside
the play. Indicate in this section which character is the
protagonist, which (if any) is/are the antagonist(s), and any
other characters that play interesting special functions.
(Sometimes there is a narrator or chorus figure, sometimes a
character whose primary purpose is to serve as a counter-
example to the protagonist called a foil, etc.) This should take
you less than 200 words total. All terminology for character
functions should be boldfaced.
VI.Literary Qualities (Aristotle's Diction)
For this report this section should be very brief, one to two
sentences only, but give a sense of the boldfaced major literary
devices of the script, using at least one example.
VII.Music and Musicality (3 points)
If the play is a musical or opera, this section is apt to be
extensive, but for most shows you will be discussing such lesser
issues as background music, or the musicality of the actor's
voices. It is always worth noting music (even background
music) that is performed live.
VIII. Spectacle
In another 250-500 words discuss the spectacle of the play. This
is one of the two most important sections of your report. Spend
time and effort to get it right.
Using vocabulary from the Designers and Technician's chapter
discussion on staging formats, pg. 97, name in boldface the
format employed by this production in a complete,
grammatically-correct sentence.
In a second concise and grammatically correct sentence describe
the general look of the scenery using boldfaced terminology

5. from the "scenery" section of your textbook (pgs. 101-104.) Be
sure to credit the designer by name.
In a single, concise and grammatically correct sentence,
employing boldfaced terminology from your textbook's section
on "Contemporary Lighting Design" (pg. 112-113), describe the
lighting for the play. Make sure your answer credits the
designer by name.
In a single, concise and grammatically correct paragraph,
describe in detail the costuming for the play you saw. Be sure
your answer credits the designer by name, discusses all the
important costumes, and employs boldfaced concepts from
Cohen's discussion of the four functions of modern costume
design that begins on page 121 of your text.
IX. Convention
As discussed in our text and in the video, in addition to the
usual six elements of a play, we also want to note how the
conventions of the play work. Some conventions we want to be
aware of: Plays that use mime, dance or acrobatic movement to
convey a sense of objects that are not physically present, actors
that play more than one character – especially if they change
character in front of us instead of just re-entering as someone
else, characters played by puppets – especially if the puppeteers
are visible, visual elements that are metaphorical instead of
realistic – for example the use of scaffolding in place of
buildings, mixtures of presentational and representational
performances, etc.
X. Acting and Directing
This is the other most important part of your report. Spend time
and energy on this section of the report above all others.
In a single, concise and grammatically-correct paragraph,
describe the specific performance of an actor applying terms
and concepts, which you place in boldface, from the "Acting

6. from the Inside" section of your text's acting chapter.
In a single, concise and grammatically-correct paragraph,
describe the specific performance of a different actor applying
boldfaced terms and concepts from the "Acting from the
Outside" section of your text's acting chapter.
Direction can be both difficult to "see" in a finished
performance, and hard to write about. Cohen suggests that one
way to articulate the outcome of a director's central task of
conceptualizing a play is to state the concept of the play as a
tagline. Using this approach, in a single, concise and
grammatically-correct sentence, which in some manner
identifies the director by name, state the concept of the play as
a tagline. (See page 164 of your book for details about
taglines.)
XI. Outstanding Moment
In a paragraph or less, describe the most outstanding moment of
the production to you. Say specifically what happened in
sufficient detail that someone who did not see the production
would understand what occurred. Is this moment memorable
because it produced a sense of pleasure or a sense of
discomfort?
XII. The Event as Theater
In a section one paragraph in length, apply the "official class
definition of theater" from the video in Unit One to the event
you saw, and using the concepts from the discussion in Chapter
One defend the proposition that this event was a piece of
theater, as opposed to some other art form. Make sure you cover
all six aspects of the definition. In particular spend time on
concrete examples of impersonation in the play, citing specific
moments in the play and how the actor accomplished them.
XIII. Summary

7. In a final paragraph, summarize the major ideas in your paper
and provide any closing detail that relates to your thesis
statement.
XIV. Works Cited
At the end of your report, attach a Works Cited page in MLA
format. At minimum it will have the citation for the production
program (Playbill) from which you draw your information about
cast and crew names. (Always save it so that you have the
information needed to discuss the creators and participants by
name.) It should have citations for any other sources you used
in constructing your paper as well. Be sure that all citations
have the two parts: the MLA intext citation, as well as the
citation of the Works Cited page.
Running head: SYSTEMS ENGINEERING
1
Systems engineering
6
Systems engineering
Name
Institutional Affiliation
Systems engineering is one of the most complex and wide
engineering sectors and it is for this reason that it has attracted
widespread attention and focus from all over the world. It is
therefore critical to understand this sector in order to some of
the primary reasons why people should study systems
engineering. In lieu of the above fact, this study will carry out a
comprehensive analysis on systems engineering which will
include but not limited to a statement of objectives and a
comprehensive analysis on this sector in order to augment our

8. understanding on this important course.
Systems engineering is an approach that involves a variety of
disciplines and various ways of ensuring that particular systems
are effectual and successful. The primary aim is to outline the
needs of the customers as well as the functions that are needed
during the first phase of the development cycle. This form of
engineering aims at putting in place all the requirements and
further formulating the design process in a way that will make it
easier for the system to validate all the necessary details and
documents, while at the same time ensuring that all the
considerations have been put in place (Hitchins, 2008). The
problem can include but is not limited to the operations, the
performance, the test areas, the manufacturing area, the cost and
the schedule, the training and support and also the disposal.
Systems engineering includes a number of disciplines and
groups that are made up of a specialized team in order to form a
process of development that is structured in a particular way.
This therefore implies that the concept process is developed, the
production phase and also the process of operation. The needs
of the customers as well as those of the business are taken into
consideration through systems engineering with the primary aim
of ensuring that there are quality products that meet the needs
of the consumers or customers.
Statement of the problem
The problem statement mainly begins with a highlight of all the
functions that must be performed by the system at the highest
level. This can be done through a mission statement or through
a concept of operations or an analysis of the deficiency that
should be addressed. All the requirements in the systems should
be identifiable in this problem statement and all the systems
should be able to address all the pertinent requirements that are
needed. The preferred requirements should further be traded off
with all the necessary alternatives that are available. The

9. problem statement should outline what should be done as
opposed to how it should be done. In doing so, the statement
should address all the requirements that are needed by the
customers whether behavioral or functional.
In addition, all the alternatives should be thoroughly
investigated based on their different schedules, the costs, the
merit figures and also the performance. An analysis should be
done in order to judge them based on their abilities when
compared against the requirements. Assessing and taking into
consideration the alternatives is one of the most effective ways
of addressing the design problems and further averting the
various risks that are posed to the project (Sage, 2012). In
addition, it is also one of the most effective ways of ensuring
that the problem statement has clarity.
The system should them be modeled in a way that fits all the
necessary design processes. The modeling process will enable
the managers to expand, use and manage the system throughout
the period that it is supposed to be managed. There are various
models that can be used for instance the block diagrams, the
functional flow diagrams, the analytical equations and also the
computer simulations. Systems engineering is the process
through which products are created and the process for
producing the products outlined.
The next step or process should be integration where people,
businesses and also the systems must be integrated in a way that
will enable them to interact effectively with each other.
Integration is one of the most effective ways of ensuring that
there is cooperation and that everything is working
harmoniously in order to promote the effectiveness of all
systems involved. The subsystems should be defined in a way
that reduces the need for the exchange of information.
Integration is one of the most prudent ways of promoting the
efficacy and efficiency of the system.
Launching the system
This is the process of running the system and coming up with

10. the needed output. This is therefore the process of making sure
that everything works according to plan and that the system is
achieving the intended purpose (Hitchins, 2008). The
alternatives are defined effectively in accordance with all the
relevant details in a way that fosters integration and also the
test of all the levels that are needed to deliver the final product.
The final process should be an assessment of the performance
and a reevaluation of all the outputs. The final process should
be variations through documentation of low variability.
My background and exposure to engineering to date, cuts across
various sectors and fields where I have gained significant
experience over the years. One of the areas where I have
experience is in the ICT sector where I have worked as the
systems engineer in a number of areas. In addition, I have also
managed the power systems of different power providers in the
country. In the academic sector I have a two degrees from the
Embry Riddle University one in ICT as a computer engineer and
the second one in electrical engineering. A statement of the
particular MSysE track includes both technical and electrical
management. The technical and engineering management
through which the applicant intends to pursue will involved a
theoretical and a practical application of the engineering in
different systems. They made this election because of its
importance. My academic and career objectives will include the
following.
· To augment my knowledge in systems engineering
· To incorporate the academic knowledge in different sectors of
the economy
· To participate in the improvement of different systems in
accordance with the modern needs and emerging technologies
The MSysE program will positively contribute to the
achievement of the stated goals because it will provide the
needed knowledge to succeed in the area.
References

11. Hitchins, D. K. (2008). Systems engineering: A 21st century
systems methodology. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons.
Sage, A. P. (2012). Systems engineering. New York, NY: John
Wiley & Sons.
YeoungNam University's civil engineering program was not just
limited to civil engineering. I was given the opportunity to
experience and learn about many different types of engineering
as well as the fundamentals of all engineering, and my initial
interest in System Engineering was developed there. All the big
projects and group assignments I had to do during my
undergraduate study helped me immensely later when I had to
do a lot of hours of practical training as the main part of the
aviation program of Everett Community College. My learning
didn’t stop after getting my bachelor's. After graduation, I took
several courses from a private institution to gain more practical
training on real life civil engineering work. Thanks to all the
hard work, I had no difficulties getting the Korean national
license to operate as a civil engineer.
The intense two-year aviation (Powerplant & Airframe
Certificate) course at Everett Community College allowed me
the chance to transfer and apply my skills and knowledge in
civil engineering to the field of aviation. I was able to acquire
more thorough understanding of system engineering, as well.
Because this program put people in groups and has them work
together pretty much all day for two years, I was able to further
discipline myself to collaborate with other people to come up
with united solutions even on quite challenging problems.
Therefore, I would like to choose a Technical track in particular
MSysE track. I have always thought about what purpose It was
made for us, rather than simply looking at things from a
childhood perspective, and whether this is the best way to

12. reinforce it I feel satisfied with myself in the design project
even night shift work is happy to invest time in my favorite
part.
I am very grateful for having several chances to chat and work
with system engineers or retired engineers from Boeing,
volunteering at Museum of Flight Restoration Center and
working at Boeing Delivery Center. I was able to re-confirm my
passion and gain better idea of what system engineers are really
required to do at work. I enlisted in the US Amry for an endless
challenge and now I serve as a reserve I always want to help the
country by this study of positive change and development