Introduction
In the IB Theatre Solo Theatre Piece (HL only), your performance is important, but so is your ability to reflect critically on the process. Examiners want to see how you researched your chosen theorist, applied their principles, and learned through experimentation. Critical reflection separates strong projects from excellent ones—it shows you can analyze choices, evaluate outcomes, and grow as a theatre-maker.
This guide explains how to reflect critically in your Solo Theatre Piece so you can demonstrate depth, intentionality, and personal development.
Quick Start Checklist
- Write reflections regularly during rehearsal.
- Balance description with analysis and evaluation.
- Connect discoveries to your chosen theorist’s principles.
- Reflect on challenges as well as successes.
- Show how the process developed your theatre-making skills.
Why Critical Reflection Matters
The Solo Theatre Piece counts for 35% of the HL grade, and reflection proves that you:
- Engaged deeply with your theorist’s ideas.
- Understood the challenges of applying theory in practice.
- Grew as a performer and thinker through the process.
- Connected research, experimentation, and performance.
Without critical reflection, your work risks appearing superficial.
How to Reflect Critically
1. Go Beyond Description
Instead of writing:
- “I used Brecht’s placards in my performance.”
Reflect critically: - “Using Brecht’s placards emphasized social commentary but risked distracting from character focus. This challenged me to balance message with performance clarity.”
