How to give feedback after scenes and shows — the teacher's and director's core skill. Distinct from side-coaching (which happens during play): notes happen after, in a reflective space.
The foundation: behavioral, specific, not judgmental. "I noticed when you turned away from your partner, the energy dropped" — not "that was a bad choice." Describe the situation, the specific behavior, and its impact. Use "I" statements. The note should contain information the performer can act on, not evaluation they have to defend against.
Frameworks that work:
Hoopla (Steve Roe): Talk as much about what went well as what's missing. Give honest feedback on one thing at a time. If you point out what's missing, immediately give them a chance to do it again, then celebrate when they have it. "A negative note sat on for a week without action can turn into a permanent message of 'I can't do this.'"
Jimmy Carrane's approach: Make it a conversation, not a lecture. Ask "Would you like feedback?" before giving it. Start with something positive. Focus on patterns, not specific moves. Keep the group taking responsibility for spotting their own patterns.
Will Hines' observation: The ideal notes session goes through scenes gently untangling miscommunications, providing a simple takeaway for each. Should take 10-15 minutes — more than that may not help as much as getting on your feet. Students mostly remember compact mantras rather than detailed explanations. If it's a note they're not ready for, they won't remember it.
Patti Stiles: Notes are "information, not validation." "You may agree or disagree, which is fine, just listen." Notes focus on skill, technique, stagecraft, and individual needs.
The danger of too many notes: People can only absorb one or two things to work on. If you're spending more than 10 minutes in notes after a show, you're trying to do too much. Only one person should give feedback at a time — five people picking apart a scene overwhelms the performer.
Post-show vs. rehearsal: Will Hines recommends keeping post-show notes to praise and celebration only. Save comprehensive feedback for rehearsal, where performers can immediately apply it. Post-show notes that are critical can poison the performer's relationship with performing.
Receiving notes connects to Be Thankful: Treat feedback as data, not personal attack. The same cognitive reappraisal that lets you receive a surprising offer on stage — "thank you for this information" — lets you receive a note without ego activation.