Introduction
In IB Theatre, your process matters just as much as your final performance. Examiners want to see how you think about theatre, not just what you create. This is why critical reflection is central to the course. Reflection allows you to analyze your creative choices, connect them to theory, and evaluate successes and challenges. Students who master reflection consistently achieve higher marks because they demonstrate growth, self-awareness, and critical engagement.
This guide will help you understand how to reflect critically on your IB Theatre process and use those reflections to strengthen your assessments.
Quick Start Checklist
- Write reflections regularly after rehearsals and research sessions.
- Use the IB assessment criteria as a guide for reflection.
- Connect practical work to theory and practitioner influence.
- Acknowledge both successes and challenges honestly.
- Suggest improvements for future work.
Why Critical Reflection Matters
The IB Theatre subject brief emphasizes that students must inquire, develop, present, and evaluate their work. Evaluation is where reflection comes in. Examiners reward students who:
- Move beyond describing what they did to analyzing why they did it.
- Connect their process to cultural context and theory.
- Show awareness of audience interpretation.
- Identify mistakes and growth areas with maturity.
Reflection proves that you are not just making theatre—you are studying it as a reflective practitioner.
How to Write Strong Reflections
1. Go Beyond Description
Instead of writing: “We rehearsed for two hours today,” write:
“During rehearsal, we experimented with Brecht’s alienation techniques. While using placards helped clarify the political message, some moments felt forced. Next time, I will refine gestures to make the message more natural for the audience.”
2. Link to Theory and Research
Show how your decisions were informed by research. For example, explain how studying Japanese Noh theatre inspired your use of stillness, or how Grotowski influenced your choice to minimize props.
3. Reflect on Audience Impact
Always consider how your creative choices affect the audience. Did they understand your symbolism? Did your staging provoke the intended emotion? This shows critical awareness.
4. Evaluate Success and Challenges
Be honest about what didn’t work. Examiners value self-awareness and problem-solving more than perfection.
5. Suggest Improvements
Reflection should always end with: What would I do differently next time? This demonstrates learning and growth.
Practical Reflection Techniques
- The “What, So What, Now What?” Method
- What happened? (description)
- So what? (analysis, significance)
- Now what? (future improvements)
- Reflection Journals
Write short, regular entries after each rehearsal or research session to track progress. - Peer and Teacher Feedback
Incorporate external feedback into your reflections to show responsiveness and collaboration.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Writing only descriptive diary-style entries.
- Ignoring connections to theory or practitioner influence.
- Avoiding discussion of mistakes or challenges.
- Leaving all reflections until the end of the project.
- Overgeneralizing without specific examples.
Tips for Success
- Be specific. Use examples from rehearsals, performances, or research.
- Use IB vocabulary. Terms like mise-en-scène, proxemics, diegetic sound, and non-linear structure strengthen your analysis.
- Reflect visually. Add sketches, diagrams, or photos to illustrate decisions.
- Balance positives and negatives. Show both achievement and growth.
RevisionDojo Call to Action
Critical reflection is the backbone of IB Theatre success. At RevisionDojo, we provide students with reflection templates, practice prompts, and structured methods for connecting theory to practice. With our guidance, your portfolio will showcase both your creativity and your analytical depth, bringing you closer to a level 7.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How often should I write reflections for IB Theatre?
Ideally after every rehearsal, research session, or performance. Short, consistent entries are more effective than rushed summaries written at the end.
2. Do examiners expect me to include failures in my reflections?
Yes. Examiners value honesty and growth. Acknowledging challenges shows maturity and a deeper understanding of the creative process.
3. Should I use first-person voice in reflections?
Yes. Reflection is personal, so writing in first person (“I experimented with…”) is appropriate and expected.
Conclusion
Critical reflection transforms your IB Theatre portfolio from a diary into an academic record of growth and creativity. By analyzing your decisions, linking them to theory, and evaluating successes and failures, you’ll demonstrate the maturity examiners expect for top marks. With RevisionDojo’s expert guidance, you can master the art of reflection and take a major step toward achieving a level 7.
