2025-2026

Instructions

Criteria/rating scales for your evaluations, showing the frequency the skill or value was demonstrated, are as follows:

Emerging: Below 40% of the time; rarely
Growing: 40-60% of the time; sometimes
Solid: 60-80% of the time; often
Accomplished: 80-95% of the time; usually
Outstanding: 95-100% of the time; nearly or always

Use the descriptors below for each category as a guide. Make your choice for the production’s level based on the descriptors you are comfortable evaluating within each category. Give each category a rating.

Please evaluate the production and its elements based on what resources and limitations the school has, not on what you would like to see them use. Do not compare it to any other production of the same show. This show is theirs to tell as they can and will.

Direction

Evaluating the work of the director for the show

Staging/pacing: Stage used fully, artfully; dynamic pictures created; effective use of performers, space; good tempo; smooth transitions
Storytelling: Story and its relationships could be believably seen, heard, and easily followed; supported well by all departments
Stakes: The stakes and their consequences are apparent and drive the production; there’s a sense of a ticking clock as the story progresses
Concept: Overarching concept told a clear, creative, and colorful story with contributions and solutions to problems from all aspects of the production
Vitality: Believability and clarity of story and plot, dialogue interpretation, dynamics between characters, clear character arcs; delightful surprises seen.

Ensemble

In singing, dialogue and all production aspects

Engagement: All members of the cast and company were fully engaged with and contributing to the production.
Environment: Everyone contributed to creating the environment in time period, theme, and setting.
Collaboration: All elements supported one other with a collaborative, cohesive energy. 
Storytelling: Understood the stakes, contributed to the urgency of the story; helped to clarify relationships and the central conflict

Movement/Choreography

All movement including any dance, musical staging, and/or fight choreography.

Adeptness/execution: The choreography/staging was cleanly executed.
Storytelling: Choreography/movement furthered the story.
Creativity: Choreography/staging brought new dynamics or new means of expression to the characters.
Appropriateness: Choreography was appropriate for the setting and for the abilities of the performers.

Musical Direction

All elements connected to singing and musical accompaniment

Execution: Singers and accompaniment worked together; ensemble numbers were clean and crisp; soloists and leads were well prepared and supported.
Storytelling: Brought out the show’s story, setting, drama, and emotional context through the music
Individual artistry: Gave room for students to express their individual artistry in support of the character
Enjoyability: Created an audibly pleasing experience

Production

The big picture

Storytelling: Central to the production; themes/message of the show transmitted effectively to the audience
Concept: Was the concept for the production carried out through sets, lights, sound, costumes, and staging?
Pacing: Production is organized, fluid, and cohesive with an appropriate tempo
Creativity: Production exhibits originality and creativity
Technical & design aspects: Production elements supported the characters and story, technically and creatively, including execution of cues.
Entertaining: Was it fun or interesting to watch? Did it move you?

Comments

• Phrase your comments as though the teacher is in front of you.
• Speak to them with the same care and respect you would a fellow educator.
• Coach, do not direct.
• Be kind.