Introduction
In the IB Theatre Solo Theatre Piece (HL only), performance is only half the assessment. The accompanying report is just as important because it demonstrates how you researched, applied, and reflected on your chosen theorist’s ideas. Many students lose marks by treating the report as a simple summary of rehearsals instead of a critical, reflective analysis. Writing a strong report ensures that examiners see the depth of your process and the intentionality behind your creative choices.
This guide will show you how to write a strong report for the IB Theatre Solo Piece that meets IB criteria and supports your performance.
Quick Start Checklist
- Introduce your chosen theorist and justify your selection.
- Explain the key principles you focused on.
- Show how you applied theory in practice.
- Reflect on successes, challenges, and discoveries.
- Structure your report clearly and concisely.
Why the Report Matters
The Solo Piece counts for 35% of the HL grade, and the report provides evidence that you:
- Researched your chosen theorist thoroughly.
- Applied their ideas intentionally in performance.
- Reflected critically on the rehearsal process.
- Connected theory to practice in a meaningful way.
Without a strong report, examiners may not recognize the full depth of your work.
How to Structure the Report
1. Introduction
- State your chosen theorist and explain why you selected them.
- Define the focus of your performance (theme, idea, or intention).
2. Research and Theoretical Context
- Summarize key principles of the theorist’s work.
- Explain the cultural and historical background that shaped their ideas.
3. Application in Practice
- Describe how you tested the theorist’s methods in rehearsal.
- Provide specific examples of conventions used in your performance.
4. Reflection and Evaluation
- Analyze successes and challenges in applying the theory.
- Reflect on what you discovered about yourself as a performer.
- Consider how the audience might interpret your application of theory.
5. Conclusion
- Summarize how your performance embodied the theorist’s principles.
- Reflect briefly on how this assessment developed you as a theatre-maker.
Tips for Writing a Strong Report
- Be specific. Use clear examples of techniques applied.
- Stay concise. Stick to word count requirements and avoid repetition.
- Reflect honestly. Examiners value analysis of challenges as much as successes.
- Connect to performance. Don’t just describe rehearsals—show how choices appeared on stage.
- Edit carefully. Ensure your report is polished, structured, and free of errors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Writing a descriptive rehearsal log instead of an analytical report.
- Ignoring the theorist’s cultural or historical context.
- Including too many conventions without depth of analysis.
- Failing to explain the link between theory and performance.
- Submitting without proofreading for clarity and structure.
RevisionDojo Call to Action
Your Solo Piece report is where you prove the depth of your research and reflection. At RevisionDojo, we guide students in structuring reports, connecting theory to practice, and refining critical reflection. With our expert support, you’ll write a report that is examiner-ready and supports your goal of achieving a level 7.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long should the report for the Solo Piece be?
Follow IB’s word count requirements carefully. Staying within the limit ensures clarity and focus.
2. Should I include visuals in my report?
If IB guidelines allow, simple sketches or diagrams can strengthen your analysis. Always ensure they support, not replace, written reflection.
3. How do I balance description and analysis in the report?
Use the “what, why, and how” method: What did I do? Why did I do it? How did it apply the theorist’s principles and affect performance?
Conclusion
The report for the IB Theatre Solo Theatre Piece is your opportunity to showcase research, application, and reflection. By structuring it clearly, focusing on key principles, and analyzing critically, you’ll give examiners the insight they need to award top marks. With RevisionDojo’s expert guidance, you’ll learn how to write a strong report that complements your Solo Piece and supports your journey to a level 7.
