Play Rubric—Elementary and Middle School

Created Feb. 7, 2024 by Clarity Innovations

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Topic	My play shows an in-depth understanding of the main topic or purpose.	My play shows an understanding of the main topic or purpose.	My play shows some understanding of the topic or purpose.	My play does not show an understanding of the topic or purpose.
Theme and Purpose	My play has a theme and purpose that make an important or interesting statement about the topic.	My play has a theme that makes a statement about the topic.	My play attempts to make a statement about the topic.	My play is a series of events that do not make a statement about a topic.
Plot	My play has a well-developed plot. My plot includes a series of major and minor events. The events are presented in a logical order, and they lead to a turning point.	My play has a plot that includes a logical series of events. The events lead to a turning point.	My play has a plot that includes some inconsistencies or illogical events. The events do not lead to a clear turning point.	My play does not seem to have a plot.
Character Development	My play has a mixture of well-developed, believable major and minor characters. The characters move the plot along and support the theme.	All my major characters are well-developed and believable.	Some of my major characters are not fully developed.	Most of my characters are not developed.
Character Relationships	The relationships among my characters are realistic, well-developed, and support the theme.	The relationships among my characters are realistic and support the theme.	The relationships among my characters are not fully developed.	The relationships among my characters are not developed.
Costumes	The costumes are original and appropriate to the characters and the period of the play.	The costumes are appropriate to the characters and the period of the play.	The costumes are complete but do not match the characters or the period of the play.	The costumes are missing, incomplete, or do not match the characters and the period of the play.
Props and Scenery	My props and scenery are well-constructed, reflect a clear time and place, and greatly add to the theme, and performance.	My props and scenery are well-constructed and add to the performance.	My props and scenery add to the performance.	My props and scenery are missing, or they do not add to the performance.
Voice Quality	Every spoken word can be clearly heard and understood by the entire audience.	All the important spoken words can be clearly heard and understood by the audience.	Some of the important spoken words are unclear or inaudible to the audience.	Most of the spoken words are unclear and inaudible to the audience.
Acting	The acting is appropriate for the characters and situations.	The acting is usually appropriate for the characters and situations.	The acting is sometimes appropriate for the characters and situations.	The acting is not appropriate for the characters or situations.
Performance Transitions	Transitions are used to effectively and smoothly connect all parts of the play.	Transitions are used between all parts of the play.	Transitions are used between most parts of the play.	Transitions are not used in the play.
Preparation	My play was practiced and well-rehearsed.	My play was practiced.	My play seemed to need more practice, and some lines were forgotten.	My play did not seem to have been practiced.