Drama and Acting

Image by lucykimbell via Flickr

In my stage school, 99% of the time we allow time for evaluation and feedback from the students and teachers. However, sometimes, this isn’t possible and so this is a way for the group to asses their own performance or improvisation.

The group needs a piece of paper and a pen and they need to think about the 5 main things that may have gone wrong in that performance or even past performances. They should make a list of all of these points and then if you have time, go back and make the changes in the said performance. If not then this list should be kept for future reference.

Some key things that can go wrong:

Speaking too quietly or mumbling
Lack of concentration/focus resulting in giggles
Too much wandering around without focus
Speaking parts weren’t shared out equally
Fell out of character
People had their back to the audience without reason
Performance was too short or too long
Group arguments
Plot was too easy/childish/complex

Obviously this is not an exhausted list and you and your students should add to it.

Once the groups have come up with their 5 main points they should talk or write about how these problems can be concurred. Also encourage your students to write down the positive points from their performance as well and to praise one another.

Extension: Please don’t forget how valuable audience and peer feeback is to both your students and also to yourself. If you’re feeling brave you could maybe ask your students to evaluate you and your staff!