Giving Notes That Actually Help
Notes sessions can be the most valuable or most damaging part of rehearsal. Skilled note-giving improves performance. Poor note-giving crushes spirits and wastes time.
The Purpose of Notes
Notes exist to:
- Improve the production
- Help performers develop
- Communicate what's working
- Address what needs attention
- Maintain standards
Notes should not:
- Demonstrate the director's cleverness
- Shame or embarrass performers
- Deal with personal frustrations
- Be exhaustive rather than useful
- Replace actual rehearsal work
Types of Notes
Technical Notes
- Blocking corrections
- Timing issues
- Line accuracy
- Choreography adjustments
- Musical corrections
Performance Notes
- Character interpretation
- Energy and projection
- Emotional connection
- Storytelling clarity
- Ensemble work
Developmental Notes
- Building towards something
- Encouraging growth
- Preparing for future challenges
- Acknowledging progress
Principles of Effective Note-Giving
Be Specific
Not: "That scene needs work" Instead: "The transition at line 45 needs to be sharper—try halving the pause"
Be Actionable
Not: "Be more emotional" Instead: "Think about what Sarah has just lost—let us see that in how you pick up the letter"
Be Balanced
- Acknowledge what's working
- Address what needs improvement
- Don't overwhelm with negatives
- Celebrate progress
Be Private When Needed
- Sensitive notes given individually
- Complex character notes better discussed
- Personal issues always private
- Use judgment about what's appropriate publicly
The Note Structure
Effective: "I loved the energy in the opening. In the second verse, try lifting the final phrase—it's getting lost under the orchestra."
Pattern:
- What's working
- What needs attention
- How to address it
Timing of Notes
Immediately after a run:
- General impressions
- Urgent fixes
- Morale building
Formal notes session:
- Detailed, scene-by-scene
- More comprehensive
- Time to discuss
During the run:
- Quick, specific
- Easily actioned
- Kept brief
Notes for Different Performers
Experienced performers:
- Can handle direct, technical notes
- Appreciate specific detail
- Want efficiency
- Can take public notes more easily
Beginners:
- Need more encouragement alongside correction
- May need explanation of why
- More sensitive to public criticism
- Need smaller, achievable asks
Nervous performers:
- Build confidence first
- Note what's working consistently
- Corrections gently
- Follow up privately
Children:
- Age-appropriate language
- Lots of positivity
- Simple, clear asks
- Celebratory tone
Common Note-Giving Mistakes
Too many notes at once: People can only remember 3-5 things. Prioritise.
Too vague: "Better" means nothing. Be specific about what and how.
Negative only: Even in challenging times, find something positive. Everyone needs encouragement.
Public humiliation: Never. Ever. This destroys trust and damages people.
Comparing performers: "Why can't you be more like [other performer]" is always wrong.
Using notes for personal frustration: Notes sessions aren't therapy. Deal with your frustrations elsewhere.
Receiving Notes as a Creative
When someone challenges your note:
- Listen to their perspective
- Consider whether they have a point
- Make a decision
- Move forward
- Don't take it personally
When you're unsure if your note worked:
- Check in follow-up rehearsals
- Adjust approach if needed
- Be willing to try something different
- Remember the goal is improvement
Notes in Production Week
Keep notes:
- Short (everyone is tired)
- Essential (this is what must change)
- Encouraging (this is nearly there)
- Forward-looking (for the next show)
Avoid:
- Overwhelming already-stressed performers
- Major changes at the last minute
- Devastating confidence before opening
- Notes that can't be actioned in time
The Goal
Effective notes leave performers:
- Clearer about what's needed
- Confident they can achieve it
- Motivated to improve
- Valued as part of the team
- Better than they were before
That's note-giving worth doing.