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For the Cappies awards and your feedback on shows to be meaningful, people must know that your evaluation is objective – that it is based solely on your knowledge of theatre and what you observed in the show – without any outside influence. Therefore, when working as a Critic at a show, it's best to socialize only with fellow Critics. Even waving at a friend you have at the host school may be interpreted by others as bias toward the school's show. This also includes texting and social media. So, to preserve your integrity as a Critic, keep with your fellow Critics. Your friend(s) will understand. For the same reason (and the sake of your relationship), if you have a really close friend on the cast or crew, it's best not to even review their show. That's what professional theatre critics do in the same situation.
Saving Your Opinions for Your Review
The While the cast and crew of the show and their family and friends (and anyone who knows someone who knows someone who goes to the host school) will be very are eager to hear what you think about the show. To save yourself from awkward moments or rumors (misguided or true) about your point of view (and thus your credibility as a Critic), it is best for you to only divulge your opinions in your review. Even if you loved the show, it's best to say nothing. For if you talk about this show, people may expect you to also talk about other shows, about which you may not have many positive things to say – and if you decline to talk then, suspicions will be raised. The safest course of action to take is that of professional critics – maintain a strict policy of saying nothing at all, to anyone, about the show. Ask them all to read your thoughts in your review, where you can't be misquoted or pressed to say more. thought of their work, your opinions must be presented carefully to give a balanced evaluation of the whole production-and prevent hurting their feelings. After all, these students are students like you, just learning their craft. The Review Writing Guide will show you how to appropriately present your evaluation of these student's work.
Here are some tips to help you at a show to save your opinions for your review:
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Your Critics' Choices scores and award votes are even more private than the opinions you save to put in your review. They are not even to be shared with other Critics, not even the ones on your team. The results (names of award winners) will be divulged at the Cappies gala, but the scores are not revealed at any time so peoples' feelings are not hurt and you are not put in the awkward position of having to defend your score.
Confidentiality Consequences
Divulging information about the Cappies Show, discussion in the critics' room, critics' choices or voting whether in person, via social media (i.e. Twitter, Snap Chat, Instagram, Facebook, etc), or in writing could result in removal from the Cappies Program per your local Steering Committee.
Writing Carefully
While the cast and crew of the show are eager to hear what you thought of their work, your opinions must be presented carefully to give a balanced evaluation of the whole production – and to prevent hurting their feelings. After all, these students are amateurs like you, just learning their craft. The Review Writing Guide will show you how to appropriately present your evaluation of these students' work.