NJACT appreciates the commitment and dedication of its
Reviewers. Here are a few tips help make the review experience more
and efficient and effective.
Re-read the Review
Criteria Before the Show. As a Reviewer, keeping
track of everything you need to look for is challenging. We
recommend you re-read the Review Criteriato help keep you focused
on what to look for.
Take
Notes! We recommend you do take notes in whatever
fashion you find comfortable. Notes will help you prepare a more
meaningful review and can be used to refresh your memory if NJACT
has questions about a review you submitted.
Submit Your Review
Right Away. This isn't just policy, it actually
makes good sense. It's easier to write a review hours or days
after you see a show, than it is to write one weeks or months
later. Email your reviews to reviews@njact.org.
Be Prepared With
Directions and the Phone Number of the Theater. Make
sure you have the address and the phone number of the theater you
are going to in case you get lost or have an accident on the way to
the theater. Also, if you have never been to the theater before,
make sure you know about how long it will take to get there and
give yourself plenty of time. Keep in mind that if you are late and
miss any part of the show, your review will not be
valid.
Ask for the
Technical Sheet at the Box Office. Arrive early and
request the Technical Sheet at the box office Make sure that all
the names and credits you need to complete your review are clear
and included. If something is missing (e.g., no costume designer is
listed), talk to someone on the production staff to get this
information before the show starts if possible. If you can't get
this information before the show, be sure to get it before you
leave the theater. It is sometimes very difficult to get this kind
of information days after the fact.
Review At Different
Theaters. Review at theaters where you haven’t been
before. Also, try to review shows that you are not familiar
with so you have no preconceived ideas of how they should be
performed.
Be Polite but
Professional When Asked for Your Opinion of a
Show. If someone should ask you your opinion
about a show you've just reviewed on behalf of NJACT, we highly
recommend that you keep your answer polite, professional, brief,
and non-judgmental. Say nothing that can be interpreted as a
preview of your review. You might say something like, "I'm
reviewing the show tonight for the Perry Awards, so I really can't
comment, but congratulations on a fine evening."