Notes

Feedback given by a director, teacher, or fellow performer to improvisers after a scene, show, or rehearsal, addressing the choices made and offering guidance for improvement. In most improv training programs, notes sessions follow immediately after a run or performance, while the work is still fresh. A director or coach typically leads the discussion, highlighting what succeeded, identifying patterns that emerged, and suggesting adjustments for future scenes. Effective notes focus on observable behavior rather than subjective judgment, often referencing specific moments to ground the feedback. Common topics include listening, commitment to choices, game of the scene, group mind, and support work. Notes can be delivered one-on-one or to an ensemble as a whole, and the format varies widely across traditions; some programs encourage open discussion, while others follow a more structured director-led model. Performers receiving notes are generally expected to listen without defending their choices, treating the feedback as an opportunity for growth rather than criticism. In long-form ensembles, regular notes sessions are considered essential to developing a shared vocabulary and cohesive group aesthetic over time. The practice reflects improv's broader emphasis on continuous refinement and collaborative learning.