Definition of MLA Format The MLA format is a series of rules and guidelines for writers that have been used since 1985. The writing style prevents plagiarism and allows readers to easily access the sources cited by authors. Because the MLA writing style does not accommodate scientific and technical publications, it is primarily used in the humanities with subjects including the arts, media, literature, and social science. MLA Format Guidelines ·  Double-space the text of your paper. ·  1 inch margins ·  Font size should be 12 pt.   · Choose a legible font such as Arial, Lucida, or Times New Roman. ·  Leave only one space after periods or other punctuation marks. ·  First line of paragraphs should be indented one half-inch from the left margin. ·  Page number in upper right-hand corner. MLA Format example of a first page. Theatre 383 - A WELL WRITTEN PLAY CRITIQUE A play critique is an evaluation of a performance. Using the vocabulary developed in your course of study, construct strong statements of observation and support them with specific details. All work is to be original to you and a result of your viewing the live performance you are writing about. Reference the MLA and College Level Expectations handouts available in our TITANium course page. Please use the Writing Center on campus if you need assistance to achieve college level success. Third person is used when a degree of objectivity is intended and is used in academic documents such as theatrical reviews. The third person perspective directs the reader’s attention to the subject being presented and discussed. Third person personal pronouns include he, she, it, they, him, her, them, his, her, hers, its, their and theirs. There is no place for “I” in this type of academic document. Each of the theatrical elements you will analyze needs to be approached in three different steps. DESCRIBE what you saw in detail. Make the reader see what you saw. Be specific and thorough. Use adjectives and adverbs that paint a picture for the reader. ANALYZE and reach conclusions as to what the director or designer was trying to achieve. Why did they design the movements, sets, lights, sound effects, make-up or costumes that way? What emotions were they trying to make the audience feel? JUDGE how effective their efforts were. Do not be vague. (ie. Don’t say things like: “It was awesome.” They were appropriate to the time.” “It was good.” Arghh….) Give a diplomatic, honest opinion. Give credit for positives to the individual. If you have something negative to say, do so constructively. IF YOU CANNOT SUPPORT YOUR OPINION WITH SPECIFIC DETAILS FROM THE SHOW TO ILLUSTRATE YOUR POINTS, THEN YOUR JUDGEMENTS – POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE – ARE NOT REALLY WORTH MENTIONING. WRITE A STANDARD FIVE PARAGRAPH CRITIQUE. INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH (include answers to these questions) What is the title of the show? Who wrote it? Where was the show performed? Who directed it? When does the.

1. Definition of MLA Format
The MLA format is a series of rules and guidelines for writers
that have been used since 1985. The writing style prevents
plagiarism and allows readers to easily access the sources cited
by authors. Because the MLA writing style does not
accommodate scientific and technical publications, it is
primarily used in the humanities with subjects including the
arts, media, literature, and social science.
MLA Format Guidelines
· Double-space the text of your paper.
· 1 inch margins
· Font size should be 12 pt.
· Choose a legible font such as Arial, Lucida, or Times New
Roman.
· Leave only one space after periods or other punctuation
marks.
· First line of paragraphs should be indented one half-inch from
the left margin.
· Page number in upper right-hand corner.
MLA Format example of a first page.
Theatre 383 - A WELL WRITTEN PLAY CRITIQUE
A play critique is an evaluation of a performance. Using the
vocabulary developed in your course of study, construct strong
statements of observation and support them with specific
details. All work is to be original to you and a result of your
viewing the live performance you are writing about. Reference
the MLA and College Level Expectations handouts available in

2. our TITANium course page. Please use the Writing Center on
campus if you need assistance to achieve college level success.
Third person is used when a degree of objectivity is intended
and is used in academic documents such as theatrical reviews.
The third person perspective directs the reader’s attention to the
subject being presented and discussed. Third person personal
pronouns include he, she, it, they, him, her, them, his, her, hers,
its, their and theirs. There is no place for “I” in this type of
academic document.
Each of the theatrical elements you will analyze needs to be
approached in three different steps.
DESCRIBE what you saw in detail. Make the reader see what
you saw. Be specific and thorough. Use adjectives and adverbs
that paint a picture for the reader.
ANALYZE and reach conclusions as to what the director or
designer was trying to achieve. Why did they design the
movements, sets, lights, sound effects, make-up or costumes
that way? What emotions were they trying to make the
audience feel?
JUDGE how effective their efforts were. Do not be vague. (ie.
Don’t say things like: “It was awesome.” They were appropriate
to the time.” “It was good.” Arghh….) Give a diplomatic,
honest opinion. Give
credit for positives to the individual. If you have something
negative to say, do so constructively.
IF YOU CANNOT SUPPORT YOUR OPINION WITH
SPECIFIC DETAILS FROM THE SHOW TO ILLUSTRATE
YOUR POINTS, THEN YOUR JUDGEMENTS – POSITIVE OR
NEGATIVE – ARE NOT REALLY WORTH MENTIONING.

3. WRITE A STANDARD FIVE PARAGRAPH CRITIQUE.
INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH (include answers to these
questions)
What is the title of the show? Who wrote it?
Where was the show performed? Who directed it?
When does the play run? What is the main
message/theme of the show?
BRIEFLY summarize the plot of the play or musical
PARAGRAPH #2 – The Acting - Explore audience emotional &
intellectual experience
What did they do to appear believable? How did
they accomplish seeming realistic?
How was their Volume? Articulation? Tone? What
specific body movements were effective?
How were specific characters engaging? Who was
interesting to watch? Why specifically?
PARAGRAPHS 3 & 4 – Evaluate the technical elements and
how they contribute to the performance.
– DIRECTION & DESIGN:
SET/SOUND/LIGHTS/PROPS/COSTUME/MAKEUP
What mood was established and how? Describe the
direction/set/use of sound/lights?
How was the time period reflected? How did they
complement the mood of the play?
How did they/it draw or direct focus? How did they/it
contribute to the play?
PARAGRAPH 5 – The Reaction or Conclusion – How
successful was this live performance?
State your opinion as fact. Restate essential show information
along with statement of success or failure. Share your reaction
to the performance referencing key details addressed in essay.

4. College-Level Writing Expectations
The definition of “college-level” writing for Holly Sneed’s
courses will be the following:
· The writing will have clearly defined, strong statements of
observed theatrical elements.
· The writing will include specific evidence to support the
general observation statements.
· The writing will reflect the awareness of the conventions of
standard written English such as grammar, punctuation,
spelling, and word usage.
· The writing will use clear and logical organization following
the guidelines provided.
· The writing will demonstrate the ability to synthesize, analyze
and apply discipline content.
· The writing will be formatted in standard mla format.
National College Faculty descriptions of letter-grade writing
evaluation :
1. The “F” essay is superficial and fails to show mastery of
correct language usage. Improper subordination, imprecise
words, frequent misspellings, and gross illiteracies occur. The
writer is unable to write clearly and effectively. The work has
not fulfilled assignment criteria and is simply not acceptable at
college level.
2. The “D” essay has many faults, though the writer has made
an attempt to transcend superficial treatment of the subject. The
paragraphs evidence some understanding of unity and
coherence; however, ideas are not organized logically or
developed satisfactorily. The writer makes a number of usage
errors, though they do not reflect illiteracy. The work is below
average but not a completely failed attempt as the basic
assignment criteria has been met at a minimum.
3. The “C” essay is adequate, but mediocre; technically correct,
but tedious. The subject is stated tritely and generally. Topic
sentences lack clear support. Word choice is repetitive because
of limited vocabulary. Clichés are often used. Spelling is
generally accurate with only occasional errors. Punctuation

5. problems exist in complex sentences. The basic assignment
criteria has been met. The work firmly reflects average college
level ability.
4. The “B” essay handles the subject interestingly. The reader’s
attention is caught in the introduction. The thesis sentence is
justified in the body of the essay through well-developed
paragraphs. Clear sentences employ a variety of structures. The
language is vigorous, vivid, and precise. There are very few
usage errors. The major problem with a “B” essay is that the
writer either lacks knowledge of the subject or oversimplifies it
and thereby fails to do it justice. The work is above average but
not quite excellent.
5. The “A” essay is organized logically and has smooth
transitions. It is written clearly and has varied sentence
structure that reveals an individual (but not eccentric) style. The
writer uses a sufficiently wide vocabulary that says precisely
what the writer intends and does so vigorously. There are
virtually no errors in syntax, grammar, punctuation, or
mechanics. Through a desire and ability to achieve clear and
precise communication, the writer reveals a disciplined and
mature mind. The work is excellent.