IB Theatre EE Grader

1. Many students find it challenging to unpack their Theatre Extended Essay grade and assessment feedback.
2. This is a comprehensive grading tool that breaks down the IB Theatre EE rubric into clear, actionable language, so you understand exactly where your theatrical investigation stands across all five assessment criteria.
3. The embedded grader makes self-evaluation more precise and efficient than manual rubric checking, eliminating guesswork about your performance.

Quick Start Checklist

1. Before using the grader, ensure you understand these essential elements:
   1. Research Question - Sharply focused, theatrically rich question that invites investigation of performance, dramatic literature, or theatrical practice
   2. Theatrical Focus - Clear engagement with theatre studies concepts, performance analysis, or dramatic theory appropriate to the discipline
   3. Methodology - Systematic approach using theatrical research methods (performance analysis, script study, practitioner research, comparative studies)
   4. Primary Source Integration - Balanced use of scripts, performance recordings, interviews, and relevant secondary scholarship
   5. Critical Analysis - Evidence of independent thinking, evaluation of theatrical choices, and synthesis of performance insights
   6. Theatre Terminology - Sophisticated use of discipline-specific vocabulary and analytical frameworks
   7. Word Count Verification - Between 3,500-4,000 words (excluding bibliography and appendices)
   8. Practical Context - Connection between theoretical analysis and actual theatrical practice or production

Rubric Breakdown

1. The IB Theatre EE is assessed using five criteria totaling 34 marks.
2. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of each criterion, what it assesses, and how to excel in each area.

Criterion A: Focus and Method (6 marks)

1. This criterion evaluates how effectively you formulate and address your research question using appropriate theatrical research methods.
2. It tests your ability to maintain focus and apply systematic approaches to theatrical investigation.

Criterion B: Knowledge and Understanding (6 marks)

1. This assesses your grasp of theatrical concepts, dramatic theories, and performance contexts relevant to your investigation.
2. It evaluates depth of theatre knowledge and understanding of the broader academic conversation in theatre studies.

Criterion C: Critical Thinking (12 marks)

1. This is the highest-weighted criterion, evaluating your ability to develop independent arguments, analyze theatrical evidence, and synthesize performance insights.
2. It tests analytical depth, evaluation of perspectives, and quality of reasoning in theatre research.

Criterion D: Presentation (4 marks)

1. This evaluates the structure, organization, and academic presentation of your essay.
2. It tests your ability to communicate theatrical research clearly through effective formatting and organization.

Criterion E: Engagement (6 marks)

1. This assesses your reflection on the research process and evidence of intellectual development in theatre research.
2. It evaluates personal engagement with the investigation and learning outcomes.

How to Interpret Your Grade from the Tool

The following table outlines the grade boundaries for the Theatre EE:

1. The embedded grader calculates your total score out of 28 marks across all criteria except E, your reflections.
2. Here's how to interpret your results:
   1. 24-28 marks (Grade A territory): Exceptional work with sophisticated theatrical analysis. Minor refinements needed for perfection.
   2. 19-23 marks (Grade B range): Strong investigation with good critical thinking. Focus on deepening analysis and strengthening theoretical integration.
   3. 14-18 marks (Grade C level): Competent work meeting basic requirements. Strengthen critical thinking and ensure comprehensive knowledge demonstration.
   4. 9-13 marks (Grade D range): Adequate foundation but needs significant improvement. Review focus, method, and analytical depth.
   5. Below 9 marks : Major revision required across most criteria. Restructure approach and strengthen theatrical research fundamentals.

Subject-Specific Tips

1. Research Question Formation:
   1. Focus on specific theatrical elements (directing choices, design decisions, performance techniques) rather than broad thematic topics.
   2. Ensure your question allows for performance analysis and textual investigation rather than purely historical research.
2. Primary Source Analysis:
   1. Use script analysis to examine dialogue, stage directions, and dramatic structure in detail.
   2. Analyze performance recordings or live productions to evaluate directorial and acting choices.
3. Theoretical Framework:
   1. Ground your investigation in established theatre theories (Stanislavski, Brecht, Artaud) or performance studies models.
   2. Apply dramatic analysis techniques when examining plays, characters, and theatrical elements.
4. Performance Context:
   1. Connect theatrical choices to historical, social, or cultural contexts that influence interpretation.
   2. Examine audience reception and critical responses to understand broader theatrical impact.
5. Practical Application:
   1. Consider how your research findings could influence actual productions or performance practice.
   2. Reflect on directing, acting, or design implications of your analytical insights.
6. Visual Evidence:
   1. Include production photos, design sketches, or performance stills to support your analysis.
   2. Use staging diagrams or blocking notation where relevant to illustrate spatial relationships.

FAQs

1. How long should my EE be?
   1. Between 3,500-4,000 words exactly - this excludes bibliography and appendices but includes all analysis and discussion.
2. Can I analyze a play I've never seen performed?
   1. Possible, but stronger analysis comes from performance experience - use recordings, reviews, or attend productions when feasible.
3. Should I include production photos or design images?
   1. Yes, when directly relevant to your analysis - ensure proper attribution and explain how images support your argument.
4. Can I interview theatre practitioners for primary research?
   1. Absolutely - interviews with directors, actors, or designers can provide valuable insights, but ensure proper citation and context.
5. How many plays/productions should I analyze?
   1. Quality over quantity - deep analysis of 1-2 works often yields better results than superficial coverage of many.
6. Can I compare different productions of the same play?
   1. Excellent approach - comparative production analysis can reveal rich insights about interpretative choices and directorial vision.
7. What theoretical frameworks work best?
   1. Choose theories that directly illuminate your research question - performance theory for acting studies, semiotics for design analysis.
8. Should I include my own performance experience?
   1. Only if academically relevant - personal experience can enhance analysis but shouldn't replace scholarly investigation.
9. Can I study non-Western theatrical forms?
   1. Yes, but ensure cultural sensitivity and appropriate theoretical frameworks for the specific tradition you're examining.
10. What makes a research question theatrically focused?
    1. Specificity about performance elements (acting, directing, design, space) and clear connection to theatrical practice and theory.

Use the Free Theatre EE Grader Now

1. Stop wondering about your grade potential.
2. The comprehensive grading tool evaluates your EE against all five official criteria, providing immediate feedback on strengths and targeted improvement areas.
3. Input your essay details and receive a preliminary grade calculation that helps you focus revision efforts where they'll have maximum impact.
4. Theatre-specific analysis helps you master the performance methodology and critical thinking that distinguish exceptional from average Extended Essays.