Few things make theatre artists more nervous than knowing a review is coming out. While they can be a source of validation or a sting to the ego, how we respond can shape our growth and resilience. Here’s how actors and directors can navigate the critical gaze:

1. Ignore Them.  Many theatre artists that I know simply don’t read the reviews.  Let’s face it, if they’re good, actors tend to take those good notes and make them “even better”, often ruining what made them good in the first place.  It’s just too easy to go overboard, especially if you’re relatively new to stage acting.  If the reviews are bad, it can completely tank an actor’s confidence, making them self-conscious and too cautious, or overdo things to compensate. A balanced review doesn’t usually do too much damage, but actors and directors can take it to mean that the show is bland or flat, and that even that can lead to changes on stage.  Note to directors: unless there is something really, really problematic that will continue to be so, don’t make any changes.  If you love the show, then be proud of your work. Don’t let a critic (who often has never directed or even stepped foot on a stage before) bring you down.
2. They’re not really intended for you.  Remember that reviews are NOT artistic critique for you: they are for the future audience.  Don’t consider them notes on acting and directing, because that’s not what they are. The critic’s job is to watch the play through the eyes of an audience member, and judge it through the lens of however many productions that critic has seen.  The review can sell tickets, it can help tourism, and yes, it can affect careers.  But it should not be seen as notes for the cast and crew. It’s all about the audience; that is the critic’s expertise.
3. Separate Yourself and Focus on Your Craft. Rarely do reviews take on the people who are on the stage, vs. the actor in character.  In other words, it’s not personal, and it’s not actually you under the critic’s spotlight.  If you do read the reviews, separate yourself from the critique of the actor and focus your energy on the work itself. Pay attention to the fun that comes with telling the story.  Enjoy the character and the moments you’ve created. Dive into your craft, and let that be your strength.
4. Embrace Constructive Feedback.  Sometimes reviews can be eye-opening for actors, but mostly for directors and playwrights.  Actors are doing what the director has told them to do, after all, which covers a great deal of artistic choices. Directors might consider a critic’s notes on the style or production design, and a playwright may take in a critique on the storytelling or subplots, for instance.  The trick is to make a distinction between opinions and helpful insights. And if there are several reviews that talk about a specific moment, plot twist or set design, it would make sense to take it as an opportunity for growth
5. Keep it Professional.  Make  it a rule to never argue with a critic, especially in public.  Both of you are doing your jobs within the theatre. I’ve seen bad energy between Artistic Directors and critics, and it never ends well.  Keep your composure, and keep things professional.  Anything less will damage your reputation.  Besides, you can show them how wrong they were with your next production, right?
6. Directors: Support Your Artists. Directors can make all the difference when it comes to negative reviews.  Come to the show the night after the review so you can speak to the cast and crew before they get ready.  Down play the bad notes, put them in prospective (see above), and tell your ensemble that you are proud of them, and stand behind the show.  Keep their spirits up!
7. Directors: Organize a Post Mortem. Post mortems are a great way of reflecting and assessing after the run. Get the cast and key crew members together for a casual, open conversation.  Bring notes that you took during the run, including the reviews.  Talk about what worked and what didn’t, and how things could have been handled to fix those areas. Encourage everyone to discuss the issues, and actively listen.  Take notes.  Not only will this help you improve your craft, it will leave the entire ensemble feeling supported and eager to work together again.

In the end, critics are just a necessary part of the theatre scene.  They have their job to do, and sometimes that job can affect yours, but only if you let it.  Ignore them, dismiss them or learn from them…how you respond to reviews—good or bad—is entirely up to you.