Giving Feedback to Actors

Actors are rarely asked to give feedback to each other outside of training. It’s generally considered rude or unprofessional.

But should you ever be required to give feedback, don’t play politics and tell them what they want to hear. “Darling you were wonderful” makes friends and kills credibility instantly.

But don’t be brutal. Be Honest, but never cruel. Get to the point, focus on the doing. Don’t be afraid to be personal with your opinion and on the flip of that, don’t be too personal with the criticism.

Never be afraid to look unpopular. The truth is that no actor really wants to hear your honest feedback, none of us do. But what you say speaks to your own character and if you fawn and genuflect, you may as well say nothing, just pucker up and kiss ass.

Say no more than you need to, if you think you might be waffling, you probably are. If your feedback uses things that mean something to you, don’t expect anyone else to understand. If you end up talking vaguely about life, sum up and shut up.

Don’t expect them to thank you for it either. Your best advice isn’t always easy to hear. Be gentle but be straight.

If you are still taking after two or three minutes, follow the rule again, sum up and shut up.