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Be Familiar with the Theatre Evaluation Guide. To know what to "Keep in mind" and what to "Look and listen for" in a Cappies show, see the Theatre Evaluation Guide. You may find it helpful to review it before each show, especially when you're starting out. The better you know and understand what's in the Theatre Evaluation Guide, the more you'll enjoy watching shows, the better you'll be as a Critic, and the more you'll learn from the whole experience. The cast and crew of the show you're scoring may have looked through these guidelines, too, so they'll know what they need to do to excel. While you're watching, see how well they pull it off.
Learn About the Show. A day or two before you see a show, do a little background research on the play/musical to help you appreciate what you are going to see – and give you something interesting to share with your readers in your review. It's easy on the Internet; just search the show's name, and see what comes up. For instance, what's the history of the show? When was the play written? How long was it on Broadway? Has it won any notable awards? Was it controversial or trend setting?
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Bring Your Binder and a Pen. Bring this Critic binder with you to each show so you can refer to the Theatre Evaluation Guide, as needed, during discussions and scoring. You can also use it as a hard surface to write on while you're taking notes during the show. Be sure to have something to write with as well. It works best if it's a pen that makes a fat stroke so you can see what you're writing in the dark. (No pen-lights or other light sources, please, as it can be very distracting for the cast to see them go on and off during a show.)Do not write in the theater as you are watching the show. Write your notes at intermission and after the show, before the discussion begins. It is rude to take notes during a performance.
Dress the Part. You are going to the show as a Critic, a position of trust. The people at the host school need to see that you take this seriously so they can have confidence in your opinions. How you carry yourself, including what you wear, helps with this – especially since you and your fellow Critics will be seen as you all walk into the show together. Regular school clothing or the like is usually fine, as long as it's neat and tidy.
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Planning to Arrive Before, and Stay After, the Show. There are pre-show and post-show Critic discussions, so, when scheduling your transportation, plan to arrive 45 minutes before the opening curtain and stay about 45 minutes after the show. Depending on where
youwhere you're going and the time of day, you may want to allow some extra time for in case you get temporarily lost or stuck in traffic.
When you get to the show's Cappies room on time, you'll have a chance, before the discussion begins, to linger look at the food table and to chat with the other Criticstech theater boards. A Critic who arrives late might miss the opening discussion and have to play catch-up later about who's eligible for what award category. A Critic who gets there less than ten minutes before curtain may not get (In some Cappie chapters, a critic who arrives after the director's speech is not permitted to see the show , as the school may take back their ticket. A Critic who gets there after curtain, even if the school lets them in, might have missed too much to be allowed by the Mentors to review and score the showas a Cappie and will have to purchase a ticket.) A Critic who arrives ten minutes prior to curtain may not attend the production as a Cappie and will have to purchase a ticket from the host school.
Determining How You'll Get There. Work out with your parents how you're going to get to and from shows. Nearly always you'll have to get there by car.
If your plan is to have somebody drop you off at, and pick you up from, the show, make sure they will be there about half an hour after the show is over and that they know they may have to wait for you. If the school is close enough that they can get there within half an hour after bows, you can call Call them on your way back to the Cappies room to let them know about when you'll be ready. (Bring your cell phone or arrange to use somebody else's to call them.) If for any reason your ride is late, make sure you find and tell a Mentor. At least one Mentor must stay until the last Critic has been picked up. This way no one is left standing alone, late at night, at a place they don't know. Be considerate of the Mentor's time and be sure your ride is on time.
If your parents are going to drive you, they may want to stay for the show. If so, make sure they know they can't go in the Cappies room at any time (even before the show), and they can't sit with you. They'll need to come as early as you do (45 minutes before the show) and stay as late as you do (45 minutes after the show, or maybe later, if it takes longer). Also, they'll have to buy their own tickets – preferably in advance, so they're sure to get a seat. Call the school's theatre department to make reservations.
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