Giving Notes

[Kenn Adams]

I was talking to some other improv directors, most of us being the type who perform in our own shows, and we were discussing the most effective way to give notes. It was an interesting conversation, so I'd be interested in what the community has to say about it.

So, how do people give notes on your shows? Directly following, at a later rehearsal, etc. What about during intermission? And, who gives the notes? Just the director, does everybody chime in, etc.

Thanks!

[Ryan]

In the classes I have taken the director usually just flat out told us what we needed to work on. In that respect, we got to know where our fellow actors excelled and where they needed work, thus really strengthening the group as a whole.

The group I'm in usually just rehearses and we tend to fall into our different strengths. We don't have a director, so we rely on one another to help out pointing out our weaknesses and helping to improve them.

As to when, I'd say we try to get all of our 'notes' out in rehearsal, that way we're loose and more relaxed during a performance. It make it much less stressful, even if it is just constructive criticism, to not have to worry about repairs while preparing for the second act.

[Monahan]

Generally, I think it's a terrible idea to give notes during an intermission or even between shows (if, say, you have multiple shows on a given night), unless it's something absolutely vital -- like "hey, steve, maybe it's a good idea to keep your johnson in your pants and just mime everything, alright hoss?"

And really, only the director should give notes... and that director should NOT be playing. In those instances where you don't have a director, or the director is playing with you, I think you need to approach notes as a collective process, where everyone's input is equally valid and equal time is given to each person, as well as the positive.

I think the notes are most effective immediately after a show, when thoughts and memories are freshest. But they should probably be referenced in the next rehearsal, especially if the rehearsal is affected by the previous show, in terms of focus and what the group is working on.

[Kenn Adams]

unless it's something absolutely vital -- like "hey, steve, maybe it's a good idea to keep your johnson in your pants and just mime everything, alright hoss?"

This made me laugh for twenty minutes. Thank you.

[bagnall]

"hey, steve, maybe it's a good idea to keep your johnson in your pants and just mime everything, alright hoss?"


i miss you sean. i haven't been able to keep my johnson in my pants since you skipped town.

as for notes, i think the best idea is to have an outside eye (director or trusted person that is not in the show). and then that person can open it up to everyone's feedback, but they direct the conversation and serve as the filter.
you can obviously have community notes within the group, and i think its nice to point out your own "stuff to work on" before dishing it out to others.

[JohnnyMcNugget]

I think that notes definitely should be coming after the show is over, that includes all the groups -- don't just go and interrupt the next group so you can do notes and go home. Depending on what your group is focusing on, some quick notes reminding about the things you worked on in rehearsals before the warm up can help. If you do need to have a note at intermission, it's hopefully positive ones to help boost energy, or it's taking one person aside and speakign with them privately about something.