How does one watch theater with a critical eye?

Question:Likewise, how does one analyze actors with a critical eye?

I went to a play once with a theater major, and, to my surprise, she was so unhappy because the lead actress used her hands too much and it completely distracted her. Is that a "rule"--don't speak with your hands?

I would like to hear from people with training or expertise in the field. Thanks.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Likewise, how does one analyze actors with a critical eye?

I went to a play once with a theater major, and, to my surprise, she was so unhappy because the lead actress used her hands too much and it completely distracted her. Is that a "rule"--don't speak with your hands?

I would like to hear from people with training or expertise in the field. Thanks.

There's not really a standard criteria or anything...
When you're trained in the theatre, there are things that you just can't help but notice. i.e. with your friend noticing the actor who used their hands too much.
You are allowed to speak with hand gestures, for what its worth, just not to the point to where it distracts from what you're saying.

Be glad that you don't have a "critical eye." This means you can just enjoy a play. Something that theatre people don't always have the luxury of doing because we notice (even if we're not trying to look for) annoyances, etc.

Quality is subjective. That is not a rule. Look at great speakers such as Obama, he uses gesture to compliment his words. The best of actors align their physicality with the character text. As a director i consistently have to remind myself, "what does a blank slate see?" How do we constantly create for people that will see the show once while the director may see it hundreds of times before previews.

your friend may not like the directors style moreso than the actors gestures.

First, think about the character the performer is portraying. Then you can point out the out of character movements, and all other things. Think of it almost as if you're trying to cast them are if you were doing it.