The ARTC guidelines for critiquing have been found to be effective through the years. The format is as follows:
- At the end of the presentation, the writer, director, or actor is asked by the moderator what aspect of the presentation they would like to have critiqued. The presenter is then asked to simply listen to the comments and take notes without responding.
- Participation is reserved for members only. While non-members are invited to attend the workshop, they will not be called on for comments.
- Members who would like to offer feedback are to raise a hand and wait to be called on by the moderator. In the interest of eliminating distracting, non-productive behavior during the critique, cross-discussion and private conversations between members are discouraged. Therefore all comments by members are to be made to the moderator or presenter and not to each other.
- Comments are to be made as succinctly as possible. When critiquing, bear in mind that for the presenter it is equally important to know what works, as well as what does not work. In finding the strengths of a work as well as the weaknesses, we give our ARTC colleagues something to build on. Avoid repetition of others comments, and commenting on the comments. Everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion, which he or she should be able to give without having to defend it.
- The moderator wraps up the comments and gives a summation critique. At that point, no further comments from the floor will be accepted by the moderator. If a member has something to add he or she can do so privately with the presenter.
- Members should remain in their seats until the critique is over. Some workshops run longer than others. As a professional courtesy, members are requested to stay and support the late presenters (as those artists have supported them earlier).