Chapter Objectives

The role of the theater audience as well as the role of the critic is discussed in Chapter One. After reading this chapter you should:

1.

Understand that you, as an audience member are a contributing partner in each theater experience; that the "audience factor" has an enormous effect on the actors and actresses performing in a play; and that the variable relationship between the audience and performers at a theatrical event makes each performance a unique event.

2.

Know that audience members participate vicariously in the performance, using imagination to enter the world of the play. Understand these phrases: "willing suspension of disbelief" and "aesthetic distance."

3.

Be aware that the makeup of audience members has changed throughout history. The modern era of specialized theater caters to groups with certain specific interests. In this chapter, specialized theater for diverse groups is discussed. The groups below are mentioned in this chapter and are discussed further in Chapters 15 and 16: a)African-American Theater b)Asian-American Theater c)Hispanic Theater d)Native American Theater e)Feminist Theater f)Gay and Lesbian Theater

4.

In addition to the specialized theater groups above, understand the characteristics of the following forms of specialized theater: Political Theater Avant-garde and Experimental Theater

5.

Be familiar with the synopsis of "Fences."

6.

Know that the special audience member known as the critic observes, analyzes, and comments on theater. Understand that there is a difference between a critic and a reviewer.

7.

Understand that critics often have differing opinions of a single play. Be familiar with the views of two critics of "The Iceman Cometh" presented in this chapter.

8.

Know the difference between descriptive and prescriptive criticism.

9.

Understand that a critic is prepared to "understand and appraise" theater using the following criteria: a)What is being attempted? b)How well has the attempt succeeded? c)Was the attempt worth making?

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