Topic Six
General Information
TOPIC SIX - Giving Informed Feedback
Class Work
As you continue on the rehearsal process in the acting lab we are going to get into the process of watching each others scenes and offering feedback. Normally in the world of acting, actors never give each other notes. That is just the way it is, plain and simple. In fact during the rehearsal of show the ONLY person an actor should listen to is the director, not their friends, parents, or other theater professionals- just the director.
In a laboratory class where students are learning from watching and from the notes and adjustments being given by the instructor, I like to challenge the actors in class to start thinking about how a scene could be adjusted for the better. I want you to begin to understand the world of directing and teaching. Please be aware that you may not have this freedom in other classes and you should not assume that other teachers will accept it.
Some notes are easily identifiable such as lack of projection, incorrect blocking. These are easy to share because they are technical issues.
Other notes are more along the lines of an actor’s choices and ability. This is a very personal process and therefore requires more diligence when regarding the artists thinking. In our class we will state our “notes” as observations. Therefore, here are some ground rules:
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All observations (notes) should go through the teacher.
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Offer positive, constructive observations.
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When giving an observation, state it as, “I observed that your character did seem to be motivated to be so angry.”
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If someone has given an observation that you noticed, don’t repeat it.
Writing Assignment
In your journal please write your thoughts about the following:
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Why is important to be respectful in the process of giving observations?
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Observations are subjective. How should a person receive observations even if they don't agree with them?
It is expected that you will share a link with your journal entry for me to review by Friday start of class. If the link is not provided you will not receive credit.
Project Work:
Continued scene work using assigned scene using new found information. Go deeper into the technique of creating a back story, blocking the piece, and scoring a scene.
Assessment:
You will receive verbal, in the moment assessment from the instructor and peers. In addition to filling out a Peer/Self Assessment.
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