Judgement is something all performing artists must learn to navigate. And how a performer approaches judgement and criticism can have a lot to do with their ideas about validation and their individual definition of success. 

As social creatures with the need for approval and acceptance wired into our brains, the promise of external validation looms large in the minds of many. In this episode, we consider the dangers of this innate need for the performer. We look at varying sources of validation and ways of dealing with criticism, including what a performer can do if they're just not good at taking negative feedback.  

Performing arts professionals Rachel Dunham, Matt Heyward, Luke Hunter, Zoe Knighton, and Rob Tremlett discuss their sources of validation and strategies for managing criticism. Operatic soprano and registered psychologist Greta Bradman shares her perspective on the "amorphous beast" known as the audience, and counsellor Gabriel Edwards provides advice on balancing external and internal validation, and approaching feedback from directors and creative teams as a gift.