playthecritic Critical thinking and review writing

autumn term 2016

Many students have difficulty ‘deconstructing’ artistic experiences and expressing their views about what they’ve seen in writing.

Play the Critic enables sixth form students to hone their review writing skills under the guidance of professional theatre critics, directors and writers.

Objectivesl To develop critical thinking and writing skills

l To deepen understanding of the processes involved in theatre-making and the creative contributions of theatre professionals

l To bring students into direct contact with professional critics and directors who share their passion, knowledge and skills

Programme Students attend an evening performance of a play selected by Mousetrap Theatre Projects

A day or two later they attend a full-day practical masterclass led by the play’s director and two critics, to learn how to craft journalistic-style reviews

Students attend a second theatre production of their own choice selected from a shortlist and write a 350 - 500 word review which is submitted to one of the critics.

The critic visits the school to run short one-to-one tutorials with each student.

The best student reviewer from each school is invited to accompany the critic to a press night.

Writer, Simon Stephens and theatre critic, Matt Trueman

King Lear Old Vic

A disturbing tale of a king’s descent into madness, King Lear tells the story of a tyrannical king who chooses to give bequests of his kingdom to only two of his three daughters - a decision that leads to a devastating series of events.

Directed by Deborah Warner, internationally renowned for her interpretation of works by Shakespeare, this production features a remarkable cast including double Academy Award-winner Glenda Jackson as King Lear, Jane Horrocks as Regan, Celia Imrie as Goneril, Morfydd Clark as Cordelia and Rhys Ifans as Fool.

Wed 26 Oct 7.30pm Tue 1 Nov 7.30pm Tue 8 Nov 7.30pm

Plays Your students will either see King Lear or An Inspector Calls as their first theatre visit. If you have a preference, please state this on your application form. They will be offered a further 6 - 8 plays and asked to select one for their second visit.

An Inspector Calls Playhouse Theatre

Stephen Daldry’s multi-award winning production returns to the West End. Written by J. B. Priestley, this darkly sinister play puts the spotlight on an upper-middle class Edwardian family as each family member becomes implicated in the death of a young working-class woman. Its social and political themes are as relevant today as ever: ‘With the refugee crisis, the European referendum debate and American elections, you can’t fail to see the genius of Priestley’s writing’ Stephen Daldry.

Ian MacNeil who won the Critic Circle’s Award for Best Design will attend the masterclass day to discuss his vision for the piece.

Tue 15 Nov 7.30pm Wed 16 Nov 7.30pm

BenefitsWhat do drama teachers and students say?

‘We loved it last year, and found it extremely beneficial - it also transferred to the great grades our students received.’Jessica Thom Cardinal Wiseman School

‘Participation provided so many positive outcomes for our students, academically, culturally and socially... an invaluable resource.’Helen Everett SFX College

‘Two of my lower ability students moved up an entire band.’Anthony Taylor Chadwell Heath

‘Play the Critic was a fantastic way of changing your view about writing for a career.’Selena Barnet College

‘They were inspired to write with greater vitality and confidence... writing that has developed into other aspects of their written theatre appreciation.’Maria Pereira Seven Kings

‘The course radically improved the quality of the students’ reviews this year. It was brilliant!’ Sue Dunn Burntwood

School

Address

Postcode Borough

Name of teacher

Email

School telephone number Teacher’s Mobile

Year Group

Number of sixth form students (tickets are limited to 20 per school)

Percentage of students on free school meals

Relevant subject/s studied

Are any students G & T registered Yes No

Is this a curriculum activity or an enrichment activity? Curriculum Enrichment

Reasons for application

I would prefer to attend

King Lear Wed 26 Oct Tue 1 Nov Tue 8 Nov

An Inspector Calls Tue 15 Nov Wed 16 Nov

I confirm that, together with my students, I will be able to attend all the activities listed above and that I understand the costs involved: £200 plus £8 per ticket (See Cancellation Policy below.)

Signature Date

Cancellation Policy Any tickets purchased on the school’s behalf are non-exchangeable and non-refundable in accordance with box office policies, though we always endeavour to make adjustments to dates or numbers where we can. If any workshop sessions are cancelled with less than 2 weeks’ notice, the school will be liable for the full costs. If more than 10% of the students are unable to attend the theatre performance, the school will be liable for the full unsubsidised cost of the tickets.

Send your completed application to: Mousetrap Theatre Projects, 33 Shaftesbury Ave, London W1D 7EH or email a scanned copy of this application to Linda@mousetrap.org.uk

Aplication form If your school is offered a place on Play the Critic, your students will be expected to

• Attend a theatre production of Mousetrap Theatre Projects’ choice, prior to the masterclass • Attend the full day masterclass at a London theatre • Attend a further production of their choice (teachers do not accompany this trip) • Write a theatre review • Attend a personalised tutorial at school with one of the theatre critics

inspiring young people

Cost £200 + £8 per theatre ticket

Complete and return the attached application form or send it online via the website, www.mousetrap.org.uk, to linda@mousetrap.org.uk

Mousetrap Theatre Projects33 Shaftesbury AvenueLondon W1D 7EHT 020 7836 4388T 020 7632 4119E linda@mousetrap.org.uk mousetrap.org.uk

Registered charity no. 1053434

Play the Critic is supported by

Garfield Weston Foundation

The John S Cohen Foundation

Theatre critics Lyn Gardner and Stewart Pringle with director Richard Eyre