This past week, I had the opportunity to read a new work written by an acquaintance. Specifically, he was interested in a realistic response to what he had written, and wanted as much constructive criticism, comments, and other feed back on the work as I was willing to offer. I hope he was REALLY looking for that - because I gave him what he asked for. Truthfully, I enjoyed the piece - but that said, I did write and respond to what I read to the tune of about two pages of comments.

What this really drew into contrast for myself, was the limit of critique and feedback I get as a "professional designer." In fact, I realized I get more response to projects and activities that have little to nothing to do with my primary job - which is producing and designing sound.

As a student, feedback came from multiple sources - teachers, classmates, ACTF respondents. When working as a professional in an academic setting, any project or play after the curtain came down on closing night, got a post mortem, where the strengths, weaknesses, and general process of the show was discussed. As a professional, I find that especially after working with a largely repeat artistic team, feedback comes from primarily the positive - when something works really well or is "right."

There are exceptions...

At an patron event for a recent production, I had a long discussion with a patron about what she didn't like about what I do specific to some productions as well as generally. It was eye opening - and although I wasn't expecting to hear comments about ME at the event, her words and experience gave me a lot to think about and reflect on as a designer as well as a general theatre practitioner.

I have actively sought response, and in a few cases gotten some genuine feedback from coworkers - and in the case of one production had long discussions about not only my work but the arc and overall vision of a play.

But those ARE exceptions.

On one level, feedback has to come from me. If something is awful, I need to process WHY it's awful, and what I can do to never do that flavor of awful again.

But on another level, so much of what I do artistically is in limbo. Yes, I like it. My director likes it - at least enough to not ask for something else or tell me it sucks. But what about someone else?? My friends and acquaintances may tell me what they like, but most of the time they're not going to tell me what they don't.

I'm not sure how I would feel about critical response to a design - and being in a smaller media market, although design elements are mentioned in local reviews, they rarely go into any detail.

Again, being in a smaller market, with no other close professional theatre, means my pool of response is pretty small.

But just like my acquaintance - I'd like to know what other professional folks thought of various shows I've done- the one place feedback is a good thing.

So what response, feedback, and critique has been valuable to YOU, dear reader? Who did it come from? And how necessary is response for you personally?

~ Until next time cats and kittens,

Cheers!

Richelle