The Problem with Traditional Critique

Educators and mentors critique actors while thinking they are pushing them toward their authentic work or unique voice. But in practice, this inevitably pressures actors toward adjusting their work to be, do or create what the teacher “thinks works” or “thinks others will like or hire.” This tends to lead an actor to lose or abandon their actual creativity and individual perspective to “fit in” with the teacher’s idea or the current status-quo system.

Allowing an acting teacher to judge your work can gradually erode your unique individual style. When an actor’s performance ideas and choices are consistently adjusted to satisfy a teacher or coach’s taste and biases, the actor risks becoming a mere reflection of the teacher’s or coach’s (not their own) artistic viewpoint. This process is repeated in these kinds of classes again and again. And with each note or critique, the actor slowly begins compromising their own originality and artistic integrity. In the long term, criticism does little to benefit an actor. While gleaning new perspectives or creative ideas from other artists and collaborative partners is an important part of this art form (more on this later), being given “notes” or “feedback” from a teacher will lead to actors conforming to these external viewpoints or pressure, thus diluting their own unique artistic expression.

Challenging the Norm: Do Actors Need Criticism?

A common belief in the acting world is that criticism is essential for improvement. The notion is that feedback helps you identify and correct your “mistakes”. However, in practice, this has proven to make actors search constantly for perceived flaws rather than strengthen their creativity.

This critique/feedback process tends to convince the actor they are riddled with possible hidden problems within their creative ideas that they should constantly be seeking to find. And gives them a pattern of looking at and judging their work, thus being pushed further and further away from being truly alive and free in their work.

Over time, in these old authority-based classes, the actor’s confidence and skill weakens. Or they start to hold themselves back, push harder or otherwise alter their work in search of praise or reassurance. They rehearse and perform to receive “good” or “positive” feedback. This, of course, leads to actors getting in their heads with a (sometimes desperate) need to please. These facts are observable by anyone who has attended universities or traditional acting or scene study classes (and very obvious to anyone who has worked in casting!).

This new radical approach challenges that belief.

The truth is that growth in acting doesn’t stem from external judgments, pressure, or critical feedback. True improvement develops from making the work in real time, engaging in active exploration, and discovering your own artistic clarity from within the process itself.  

Collaboration Is Not Critique

It’s important to distinguish critique from collaboration. Theater, television, and film are collaborative art forms.

Actors work alongside directors, writers, fellow actors, costume designers, makeup artists, etc. Collaboration involves mutual respect and the blending of creative energies. This is vastly different from the authoritarian approach seen in traditional scene study classes – despite false statements that they are doing it “like on set”.

A teacher giving opinions, general acting advice, and “notes”; or using the rest of a class to reinforce their authority and how “right” they are; or having an actor sit on the edge of the stage being badgered, flattered, or steered to take the “notes” from the teacher – this is not collaboration. Collaboration is the shared creation by two or more artists that has everyone’s name on it and is shown to real audiences where we all sink or swim together. It is not someone on the outside pushing the work around to satisfy themselves or dominate others with no real skin in the game.

We train actors to collaborate by having them work directly with many different directors and many fellow actors. They share creative ideas, new perspectives and share in the work and outcome together. It’s not one teacher or coach questioning, imposing or suggesting their version of every piece.

When properly understood and facilitated, collaboration strengthens creative freedom without relying on evaluative judgment.

Our training emphasizes disciplined practice and direct application which leads to artisitc growth and self-expression. Actors learn by working – exploring your craft, freeing your instincts, and building clarity in a supportive environment that values your individuality. By liberating themselves from the confines of external judgment, actors can discover a deeper, more authentic approach to their work.

Start Acting on Your Own Terms

Consider a new way of looking at scene study and acting techniques. Reject the limiting nature of traditional critiques and step into a realm where your artistic voice can flourish. We’re doing it every day here at the studio.

At The Acting Center, we are dedicated to helping you unlock your full potential as a unique and compelling actor.

Reach out if you’d like to find out more or how you can try it for yourself. We’re here to help.