Criticism
What is good criticism? What is not? What are some of the techniques we can apply to our workshop
in particular? What is specific to playwriting versus other genres? Take a look through the links below.
Take some time to jot down some of the types of feedback you are looking for when you read your
work, or give a copy of your script to someone.
Working to make a script the best it can be means most of us are not just looking for a pat on the back
or a "that's nice" when we read our work. We might want to know some of the following:
1. Is the plot clear?
2. Do the characters feel real?
3. Do you feel as if you go on the journey with the characters?
4. What rings true?
5. What rings false?
6. Where do you stop believing in the reality created?
7. Is there a reality created?
8. Would you sit through this piece? Why or why not?
Any other ideas are most welcomed. Bring these with you, or email them to VTPCirc@yahoo.com
Liz Lerman's toward a process for Critical Response
http://www.communityarts.net/readingroom/archivefiles/2003/10/toward_a_proces.php
Aristotle's Poetics
http://www.leeds.ac.uk/classics/resources/poetics/poettran.htm
How to Critique Fiction (relevant to playwriting too…)
http://www.crayne.com/howcrit.html