Summary & Response Paper

Summary & Response Paper

The play you have to see it

Each student is required to see one recorded play and write a short paper on the production. This paper should be 3—5 pages in length. At least one page should summarize the play’s plot points, main characters, setting, and theme—in YOUR words and YOUR sentence structure (do not just copy from the playbill or another source). In your introduction paragraph, be sure that you have a thesis that states your dominant opinion of the play.

At least one page should explain your response to the play. Did you enjoy the production? Why or why not? How is the play experience different from watching a movie or television show? What worked for you dramatically and what did not? You need to write your summary / response in multi-paragraphs.) Be sure to include the link to play you saw, as well.

You also need to apply the Freytag Pyramid to the play you attend, and this should be at least one page of your paper. You will receive a handout on the Freytag Pyramid, and you may incorporate the Freytag Pyramid in written form as part of your summary or on its own on a separate page, as a diagram, or drawn and labeled by hand (attach photo of the drawing and attach to your paper).

As with all outside papers, type and follow MLA format, such as double-spacing and using page headers. Use good grammar and spelling, of course. I am mainly interested in that you see a recorded live play and think about the experience. Thus, no research is required and is, in fact, discouraged as I want your personal summary and response to the play. Your research is your attendance and attention to the play production.

Many playhouses are offering plays online, so do check to see what is available in your areas.

One option is to sign up and see plays for free for one week at BroadwayHD.com, although be sure to cancel the subscription so that you do not have to pay $8.99 a month, unless you want to keep access after the assignment.

A great play to watch is Long Day’s Journey into Night, as our class final exam focuses on this American masterpiece that we read and discuss at the end of the course.

You may use other playhouses for this assignment, too, as long as it is an adult production with real actors talking and/or singing on stage. Check out the links for free Broadway productions This paper may be uploaded to the link on Canvas any time before or on 21 May 2021.