AQA A-Level Drama and Theatre live theatre evaluation overview quiz quiz

AO1: create and develop ideas to communicate meaning

AO2: apply theatrical skills to realise artistic intentions

AO3: demonstrate knowledge and understanding of how drama is developed

AO4: analyse and evaluate live theatre

Because Section C is closed-book, so you respond entirely from memory

Because you are allowed to take your written notes straight into the examination

Because the production records you keep are formally submitted for moderation

Because the theatre itself legally requires every audience member to keep them

There is no real difference between the two, and the words are used interchangeably

Analysis explains the meaning created; evaluation judges how successful the choice was

Analysis is used only for the actors, whereas evaluation is reserved only for designers

Evaluation always comes first and analysis is only ever added on afterwards as support

A full plot summary of the production first, followed by your personal opinion

A list naming every single scene in the order that it appeared on the stage

Focused point, precise moment, analysis of meaning, evaluation of success

Background history of the theatre company first, then a list of the whole cast

The general standard of the acting was really good throughout the whole of the production from the very start to the finish

There were a great many actors on the stage at the same time during several of the busier crowd scenes

I personally enjoyed the play very much indeed and would happily recommend it to other people

The actor's sudden stillness and dropped vocal tone made the threat land powerfully, so the moment was highly effective

Describing without evaluating, so the answer never judges success

Using accurate and precise theatrical vocabulary throughout the response

Carefully answering the specific question that the examiner has actually set

Giving precise remembered detail about particular moments in the production

Ignore the question entirely and instead write a general review of the production

Shape every paragraph to answer it directly

Answer a different question that you had already prepared and rehearsed in advance

Only address the question briefly in the very last sentence of the conclusion

Simply say that the moment was very emotional and then quickly move straight on to the next point

Summarise the whole character arc of the role across the entire length of the production from beginning to end

Describe the precise vocal and physical choices, name them, then explain the meaning and audience response

Describe only the costume the actor happened to be wearing during that particular moment on stage

Refuse to reach any judgement at all and simply sit firmly on the fence throughout

Mention only the strengths of the choice and quietly ignore any of its weaknesses

Mention only the weaknesses of the choice and overlook any of its genuine strengths

Weigh both but commit to a clear overall judgement

Because the section is from memory, so concrete detail is the evidence that earns marks

Because the detail you remember can literally be exchanged for money after the examination

Because the examiners simply count up the total number of words that you manage to write

Because giving enough remembered detail removes any need to evaluate the choices at all