Community Agreements

Show-Score is a diverse community of people who love theatre and want it to flourish. Collectively, we see lots of theatre. When we review a show, we help others find the right show for them.

Every community can benefit from a set of shared agreements. These are ours:

I will not score a show I haven’t seen in full. If I haven’t seen a show or left a show before it finished, I will not score it. By the same token, I will not review a dress rehearsal. I understand that it’s unfair for fellow theatre fans to read a review based on partial or no experience.

I will write unbiased & honest reviews. If I'm involved in the production or connected to someone working on the show, I will not review it. I understand that it’s unfair for my community to read reviews that aren’t objective.

I will help my fellow theatre fans. When I score a show, I will detail the elements of the show I did or didn't enjoy (i.e. the script, the set, the music, the performances etc). I understand that saying “Go!”, “Don’t Go!” or “Nothing to say!” doesn't provide enough context. I will say what I thought, why, and who might enjoy the show, even if I didn't.

I will be constructive. I will write with a spirit of generosity, even if a show is not to my taste. I will write about what worked for me and what didn't.

I will be respectful. Personal attacks and bullying are never acceptable. While engaging with story, plot, production elements, and performances inform our experience, making disparaging remarks about an individual or using profane language is not helpful.

Helpful Tips!

Be free to express yourself openly and honestly.
Write with sensitivity, empathy and understanding.
Comment on the acting rather than the actor unless there is a newsworthy reason to do so.
Ensure your comments are balanced, fair and designed to be productive.
Avoid referring to immutable characteristics such as age, race, gender and appearance unless such characteristics directly affect the production's meaning.
Keep in mind that these reviews are not about objectivity, they are about your response to a work of art. These reviews reflect your experience as much as the show you are reviewing.

These tips don't limit debate. They encourage it. Theatre is meant to provoke a response. So get started! Score a show you've seen and help others decide if it's the right show for them.