Teen Critic
Designed for high school students interested in journalism and/or critical writing, the Teen Critic Program at Shakespeare Theatre Company teaches students how to view theatrical productions with a critical eye and how to write an informed comprehensive theatre review.
Teen Critics will be invited to the Press Night for each production (two complimentary tickets per production), receive a press packet, preferred press seating and will have the opportunity to meet with professional theatre critics from local newspapers and members of Shakespeare Theatre Company staff to learn about how to write an effective theatre review.
Previous professional critics who have worked with the Teen Critics include:
Peter Marks, The Washington Post
Tim Treanor, DC Theatre Scene
Barbara Mackay, Washington Examiner
Chris Klimek, Washington City Paper
Trey Graham, NPR and Washington City Paper
Sophie Gilbert, Washingtonian Magazine
Neda Semnani, Roll Call
After seeing each show, Teen Critics will write a review and submit it to the Shakespeare Theatre Company Education Department. STC education staff will work with the Teen Critic to make revisions and then the review will be published in a school newspaper and/or on the STC website.
2013-2014 Season:
Measure for Measure - Wednesday, October 2nd
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum - Wednesday, December 11th
The Importance of Being Earnest - Wednesday, February 5th
Henry IV part 1 - Wednesday, April 23rd
Henry IV part 2 - Friday, April 25th
Private Lives - Sunday, June 8th
Writing Workshops:
Saturday, November 16th from 2 – 4 p.m.
Saturday, March 15th from 2 – 4 p.m.
To apply to be a Teen Critic click here. Each Teen Critic will need to have a teacher from their school sponsor them in order to participate in the program. The application, a writing sample and a letter of reference written by the sponsor should be mailed to:
Marcy Spiro
c/o Shakespeare Theatre Company
516 8th Street, SE
Washington, DC 20003
Application materials are due Friday, May 24th.
Once all of your application materials are received, a phone interview will be scheduled.