Storytelling and acting are all about interpretation and connection to the character. One person’s vision may differ from the next, so how do you know if your opinion is right to critique their acting?
Well, actors wants you, the audience, engaged and to have an emotional reaction to their character. and story You are the expert on your own emotions so you can be the judge of whether that happened.
Whether you are a director, fellow actor, agent, or friend; you can provide your honest opinion on how you felt during the performance. You don’t need to be a film or theater expert to be an audience member. Critiquing thoughtfully and respectfully can nurture the actor to grow!
A bad director tells an actor what to do and how to feel, a good director guides an actor to dig deeper for their vision.
What is constructive criticism?
Constructive criticism provides thoughtful feedback focused on specific ways to improve. It acknowledges strengths while offering suggestions to address weaknesses. The goal is to positively push a person’s skills forward. Constructive criticism is clear, detailed, and mindful of the recipient’s feelings. It creates an open dialogue by asking questions and focusing on reviewing the work, not the person.
The effective guide on how to critique an actor
With constructive criticism as the goal, critiquing an actor becomes less daunting and more of a collaboration. The most effective critique supports the actor through mindful, productive feedback, which in turn makes you feel good. The majority of actors are taught to handle criticism as it is an effective way of understanding their emotional impact on an audience.
1. Have prior knowledge of the genre and acting type they are aiming for
Before critiquing an actor’s performance, it is important to have familiarity with the genre and acting style they are aiming for. For example, critique an actor in a Shakespearean play differently than one in a modern comedy. Analyze the delivery and choices through the lens of that genre when you watch.
For realism, evaluate emotional authenticity. For absurdist comedy, assess comedic timing and commitment to the unusual circumstances. An out-of-context critique can be unproductive. Research the genre’s conventions and acting tendencies first. Knowledge of the intended style provides a baseline for giving feedback within the appropriate creative framework.
2. Make sure they are ready for feedback
Critiquing an actor needs to be a collaborative process, so ensure the performer is prepared and open to constructive criticism before providing feedback. Ask permission to share thoughts and offer critique post-performance when emotions have settled.
Gauge receptiveness by posing clarifying questions first instead of jumping to criticism. If the actor seems defensive or unwilling to engage, revisit the conversation later or focus only on supportive observations. Pushing unwanted critique can be unproductive and hurt confidence. Make the dialogue a safe space focused on mutual growth. With care and respect, critique can help an actor evolve their craft.
3. Polish your interpersonal skills
Effective critique requires adapting your interpersonal approach to each actor’s needs. A straightforward performer may prefer direct suggestions for improvement, while a sensitive artist needs a more nurturing style. Observe an actor’s personality and process to determine how to best frame feedback. Meet a pragmatic actor on a practical level, focusing on tangible acting choices. For a heart-driven performer, appeal to emotions when critiquing to motivate them.
While empathy, care and constructive framing remain key, adjust your communication style to speak the actor’s language. There is no one-size-fits-all method. Get to know the individual’s sensitivities and sensibilities. Critique in a way that resonates with who they are.
4. Use helpful terminology
When giving notes, avoid unhelpful, vague feedback like “be more energetic” or “channel Tom Hanks.” This leaves an actor confused on how to adjust.
Instead, give clear, tangible notes using acting terminology. For example, “quicken the pace to heighten the comedic timing” or “make the subtext here more melancholic.” Direct notes on objectives, beats, tactics, and technical elements allow actors to implement suggestions. Name specific acting choices rather than comparing to other actors. The more precise and actionable the language, the greater the chance an actor can apply notes and grow.
Unhelpful examples: “Be more intense.” “Channel Robin Williams.” “Do that line happier.”
5. Notice what they are doing right
When thinking about how to critique an actor, focus on balancing constructive criticism with pointing out strengths. Start feedback by highlighting moments that resonated and explaining why they worked well. Did the actor make an interesting choice for the character? Did a comedic bit land seamlessly? Was there an emotionally compelling scene? Identify which acting techniques paid off.
Reinforce and encourage an actor’s instincts and creative choices that already show promise. This establishes a positive framework for growth rather than just dwelling on flaws. An actor needs to know what is already effective in order to build on it. Affirmation motivates improvement.
6. Consider their character choices and intent
An actor is trained to analyze a script in order to create their character. When giving notes, explore the motivation behind the actor’s choices rather than imposing your own vision. Ask questions to understand their interpretation and goals for the character. Connect your review the actor’s desired emotional impact and relationships.
If a choice falls flat, investigate why through empathetic discussion rather than just demanding a different approach. The actor’s individual perspective on the character informs their work. Feedback works best when focused on helping the performer achieve their intended arc and impact, not forcing adjustments simply to match your interpretation. Critique is most productive when respecting the actor’s creative process and deep connection to the role.
7. Dig deeper with them
Effective critique requires moving past surface-level feedback. Rather than simply instructing “be more upbeat in this scene,”. Spark thought and emotion by probing the philosophy, yearning, loss, passion, or heartbreak channeling the character’s joy.
Ask the actor vulnerable questions to unearth motivation and make them feel more deeply. Explore scenarios, memories, and hypotheticals related to the role. While this may temporarily diverge from the script, it can unlock the empathy and inner truth that will organically elevate a performance. Simple line notes may bandage the symptom, but deeper connection and understanding treats the root.
8. Note their chemistry with other actors
A significant part of acting involves listening and genuinely responding to scene partners. When giving notes, observe how the actor interacts with and plays off other characters. If the dynamics or emotional reactivity falls flat, pose questions to the actor about motivations and tacit responses to understand why. Ask what their character hears when another actor speaks to get their perspective.
Much of acting happens in reaction. Pinpoint moments when the inner response or outward behavior toward other characters wasn’t fully realized. Critiquing chemistry requires assessing the interplay and emotional space between each actor’s role and performance.
9. Assess their movement and voice
An actor’s physicality and vocal work are crucial tools for bringing a character to life. When giving notes, pay close attention to how the actor uses their body and voice. Provide feedback on elements like posture, gestures, facial expressions, stride, and stillness. Comment on vocal dynamics, articulation, cadence, pitch, and tone.
Critiquing these tangible technical aspects gives concrete suggestions for improvement. For example, advise quickening the pace of speech to convey anxiety or adjusting posture to inhabit a confident persona. Avoid vague comments like “move around more.” Identify specific physicality and vocal qualities that can be adjusted to help strengthen their portrayal.
10. Notice your emotional reaction to the actor’s performance
As an observer, your emotions and engagement as an audience member are key. When critiquing an actor’s performance, tune into your felt experience. Did a dramatic moment resonate emotionally? Was a joke’s delivery awkwardly paced which diminished the humor? Pay attention to any moments that took you out of the performance and why.
Leaning into your own reactions can help identify what is working or needs adjustment to truly captivate the audience. However, be careful not to overproject your expectations. Feedback works best when focused on enhancing the actor’s creative vision, not shaping a performance solely to elicit your desired emotions.
That’s a Wrap on Critique!
Giving actors feedback is tricky but important. Good critique helps them keep growing as artists. First, learn about the acting style. Get to know what the actor needs. Give specific notes that help the actor improve. Focus on building up, not tearing down. Critiquing works best when you team up with the actor. Listen to their vision. Show you care. Help them bring truthful stories to life.
See it as going on a journey together. With kindness and understanding, your thoughts can inspire the actor’s creativity. That’s the magic of great critique!