Neworld Theatre's new Critical Futures program invites applications by July 30
Program aims to develop more diverse voices in theatre reviews
STIR VANCOUVER IS throwing its support behind New World Theatre’s new Critical Futures program, a chance for a cohort of 4 BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour) who are interested in arts criticism to receive paid journalistic writing training and exposure.
The program, set to run from October 2022 to June 2023, has put out a call for applications, due July 30.
The training will combine classroom learning and opportunities to review a number of performances over a condensed period of time, with mentorship throughout. The aspiring critics will hone their professional voice and skills in areas such as the ecology of Canadian theatre, the history of media criticism in Canada, cultural frameworks for interpreting art, and writing reviews and previews.
The pilot program is produced and managed by Neworld Theatre in partnership with the Arts Club Theatre Company, Electric Company Theatre, the Greater Vancouver Professional Theatre Alliance, Rumble Theatre, and Stir Vancouver. The program was developed in recognition of the shift from traditional print reviews to digital platforms, and the way theatre criticism is dramatically changing, with a call for journalists to better reflect Canada’s diversity.
The Vancouver or Vancouver-area candidates should be passionate about the arts and interested in analyzing the future of arts criticism. Strong writing ability and a background in the arts, either as a creator or an avid audience member, are a plus.
You can find more details about suitable candidates, the program schedule, and the entire application process here. Note that there will be an Informational Townhall on July 25 at 5 pm.
Program mentors include veteran theatre artist Stephen Drover, who is currently in charge of New Works and Professional Engagement at the Arts Club; Algonquin Anishinaabe dramaturg Lindsay Lachance, director of the Animikiig Creators Unit at Native Earth Performing Arts; Ashley Lee, a staff reporter at the Los Angeles Times; multidisciplinary artist Jiv Parasram, artistic director of Rumble Theatre; and Janet Smith, cofounder and editorial director at Stir. Angelica Schwartz and Shanae Sodhi are facilitators of Critical Futures.
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