Intro to Theatre and Dramatic Literature (ENGL/TD120), Fall 2022
Writing Assignment One: Observing Elements of Production
Due: 10/11 on Canvas by 11:59 PM CST.
RESPONSE OVERVIEW & OBJECTIVES
Writing Assignment One is designed to help you observe how a single element of production
works both descriptively and analytically. To do well on this assignment, you’ll need to push yourself
to carefully observe the choices made by designers in ways that you may not have noticed prior
to taking this class. The assignment asks you to report objectively (without personal opinion or bias)
in Observation Sections #1 and #2 before coming to your own assertive conclusions in the Analysis
Section.
Expectation: Demonstrate ability to describe and critique one element of theatre production
the National Theatre’s adaptation of Treasure Island (dir. Polly Findlay) [available through Drama
Online Database on the UW-Madison library website]. Your TA will tell you which Production
Element you will be considering. To succeed on the assignment, you must:
1) Closely observe how one specific production element in the performance is being used to help
create meaning in production.
2) Report observations with clarity and specific detail.
3) Draw clear conclusions grounded in observations.
PRODUCTION ELEMENT
RESPONSE STRUCTURE
Note: Each section should start on its own page. IE) Section 1 Should begin on Page 1; Section 2
on Page 2; Section 3 on Page 3.
Section 1. Observations from Production: The production Element in the entire production (250-
300 words)
Using vocabulary from Barbara Clayton’s “Guide to Basic Elements of Theatre Production,
make observations about a single production element in a single production. How do you observe
the production element working across the production? Are there repeated patterns used by the
designer? Specific sections that have more production element density than others? Successful
responses will describe the overall use of the production element in the production objectively and
support the description with cited evidence.
Section 2. Observations from one Scene: The production Element in a single scene (250-300
words)
How does the production element work in a single scene? Choose one brief window of time
between 180-300 consecutive seconds in length to specifically observe. Watch this scene
repeatedly until you are confident in the use of the production element in this scene. Successful
responses will use cited example to describe how the element functions in this scene.
Section 3. Analysis: Insights into how the Production Element choices make meaning for
audience (200-250 words)
1) What meaning can you make from the designer/director’s production element choices in the
scene[add specific scene language]?
2) How do the specific choices impact the audience’s experience of the narrative and the theatrical
event?
3) Did you find the designer’s choices effective?
Successful responses will support claims with specific evidence and avoid generalizations.
GRADING CRITERIA
Observations #1: 25%
Observations #2: 25%
Analysis: 30%
Properly Cited Evidence: 10%
Logistics, Grammar, Spelling, Mechanics: 10%
LOGISTICS
Citation:
-Cite evidence by either video time stamp (hour: minute: second). For example, if the lighting
changes drastically one hour and 30 minutes into the productions for a duration of 30 seconds you
might write:
Designer Mike Smith used a pinpoint spotlight on actor Jane Doe (1:30:00-1:30:30).
-This level of citation specificity is essential for letting your reader understand your observations and
eventual analysis.
-You should mention the directors, actors, and designers responsible for the choices being made by
name at least once whenever possible.
-I do not expect you to use outside sources for this assignment, but if you do so, you must cite them
properly.
Word Choice:
-You are not allowed to use first person singular pronouns (I, my, me, mine) except when quoting
the text. The reason? Pushing subjective reactions to the sideline for this essay will help you focus
on objective evidence.
Logistics:
-To receive full credit for “Logistics,” your heading should follow this template:
[Your Name]
ENGL/TD120- [Your Section] / [TA’s Last Name]
Scene: [Indicate your focal scene]
Word Counts: 222 / 215 / 199 [Indicate word counts for each of the 3 sections]
Use standard formatting: 12 point Times font with 1” margins and double spacing. PDF
submissions only.

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