RHSA 2007 Fringe Reviews

PLEASE READ THIS FIRST

I have decided to take the time to make reviews of the shows. It is something I have wanted to institute for a while but never got around to it, or was always debating if it were an educative choice. My fear is that it would set up too much competition amongst students - and Heaven knows we have far too much of that already through numerical ranking. I have concluded that there is value in such an exercise because this course promotes itself at being a production course and as such we expose your work to an audience for a price. Any artist who does this, must be expected to stand up to critique. More importantly, as students you deserve well-grounded criticism. I've always said that those who thought my work was "great" or "crap" didn't particularly help me grow as an artist. Those who recognized my strengths and weaknesses and were honest enough to tell me were always of benefit to me. In fact, if you are a reflective artist, chances are you already know where your strengths and weaknesses are.

Another point: It is NOT mandatory to read these reviews. There are many artists who prefer not to read reviews and please respect the wishes of your peers if they do not wish to know. I realize that is difficult given our environment, but as in many other things, I am entrusting you with this task.

If you decide to read the reviews keep in mind the following:
1. First and foremost, I am proud of all of you for your accomplishments. The Fringe was very successful and it is due to your efforts. Even though I thought some productions stronger than others the most important thing to remember is YOU made it happen and everyone should feel proud of that.
2. The reviews are NOT an indication of your mark.
3. Most importantly, they are the review of ONE person on ONE particular night/afternoon. Yes, I realize that I am not just "anyone" but I have my own bias when it comes to what I find entertaining.

The rating scheme I used is the following:
***** Standing ovation
**** Sustained applause
*** Recommended, memorable scenes
** Seriously flawed, needs more rehearsals and/or dramaturgy
* Get out the hook

Finally, I encourage you to write your own critical reviews. If you click on the "Comments" section at the bottom of each review you may write whatever you want - so long as it is not vulgar or attacking to anyone involved in the production.