Understanding Practitioners' Work

• Begin by defining practitioners. These are people who actively engage in a particular profession and have a clear understanding of their craft, such as actors, directors, set designers, writers etc. Their 'work' refers to the products or services they create within their field.
• Appreciate the diversity of practitioners in production arts. This includes a variety of roles in theatre, film, and television, encompassing everything from writing to technical roles.
• Develop a sound understanding of the skills, subjects, and techniques various practitioners specialise in.

Identifying key aspects

• Look for the intention behind the work of practitioners. What messages or themes were they trying to convey?
• Identify the style of the practitioner's work. This could relate to acting methods, directing choices, designs etc.
• Pay attention to the context in which the work was produced. This could include the period, geographical location, societal or political issues etc.

Critical Analysis

• Analyze the effectiveness of practitioners' work. What aspects are successful or unsuccessful, and why?
• Discuss the emotions evoked. Back up your analysis with specific examples from the work.
• Consider how the work link with wider themes or issues in society.

Comparisons and Influences

• Identify how practitioners' work has influenced others in the industry.
• Look for similarities and differences between works by various practitioners. Remember, direct comparison may not be feasible due to differences in style, context, or intention.
• Discuss innovation and creativity within the practitioner's work. Has the practitioner introduced new styles, techniques or ideas in the production arts?

Personal Response

• Reflect on your own reaction to the practitioner's work and why you think you responded in this way.
• Consider how the work might influence your own practice. What elements from the practitioner's work would you borrow, adapt, or avoid?
• Think about what you learned from the work. Were there any unexpected moments that made you rethink your ideas about production arts?