Writing and Performance Group Feedback Thoughts

What’s it about?
To explore what a written and/or performed piece communicates in a constructive, critical way

Giving feedback
Respond fully, honestly and compassionately What observations and criticism will help them realize their vision? Think about specific moments in the piece as well as overall impressions. Try to address the writer/performer’s questions Consider what questions are helpful to ask the writer/performer Responding to writing vs. performance, similar issues &amp; different modes of critique

Receiving Feedback
Generate questions before sharing material -What, specifically and generally, do you want to learn about your piece? -What do you want to learn about the audience’s experience of your work? -Do you want to ask questions before or after you share your work? Or at all? Listen Check reflexive urges to explain and defend the piece* If you don’t understand a comment, repeat what you heard &amp; ask for clarification No self-flagellating nonsense (i.e. “this is a really stupid, boring story I’m about to tell”)

*If there is info. outside of the piece itself you want/need to share, consider how it contributes to the overall process/understanding of the work etc. Can be completely valid and necessary impulse. However, back-and-forth debates in workshops sometimes detract from the helpfulness of the process.