Institute for Theatre Journalism and Advocacy
The Institute for Theatre Journalism and Advocacy (ITJA) was established to assist in elevating the level of arts criticism and journalism and to provide writers the opportunity to grow at the same pace as the artists whose work they review, celebrate, and interpret.
Pursuing a career in arts journalism doesn't necessarily mean becoming a theater critic, attending stage shows every night and submitting reviews on deadline the following morning. Thanks to the growing world of digital media, the opportunities available for arts journalists these days are limitless: writing magazine-style profiles of up-and-coming talent, chatting with Broadway legends on podcast shows, filming backstage walkthroughs on TikTok, analyzing works through compelling essays, holding power players accountable with investigative reports, and so much more. And as many theater artists also work in the film, TV and music industries, so do its journalists.
Regardless of their specialties and platforms, today's top arts journalists work hard to serve theater audiences, creatives and the future of the theater itself. They help share the stories of the storytellers through interviews, research and other reporting techniques, and help to capture an ephemeral, performance-based art form. Though they aren't onstage eight times a week, they're a valuable part of the industry we love.
In 2022, the eight regions will join forces to present centralized ITJA programming which will include workshops, master classes, and discussions curated by all of KCACTF’s ITJA coordinators, and National ITJA Director, Ashley Lee of the Los Angeles Times. Regional festivals may still host workshops in theater criticism and writing, but the selection process for this program and the subsequent national scholarship to attend the National Critics Institute at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center will take place through the centralized program.
Students interested in the world of arts reporting, writing and criticism are encouraged to register for this program. Whether you hope to become a professional arts journalist or just love writing about theater and want to learn more about it, ITJA is a fantastic festival opportunity, and 2022 offers us the opportunity to connect with fellow theater artists and writers from across the country.
Pursuing a career in arts journalism doesn't necessarily mean becoming a theater critic, attending stage shows every night and submitting reviews on deadline the following morning. Thanks to the growing world of digital media, the opportunities available for arts journalists these days are limitless: writing magazine-style profiles of up-and-coming talent, chatting with Broadway legends on podcast shows, filming backstage walkthroughs on TikTok, analyzing works through compelling essays, holding power players accountable with investigative reports, and so much more. And as many theater artists also work in the film, TV and music industries, so do its journalists.
Regardless of their specialties and platforms, today's top arts journalists work hard to serve theater audiences, creatives and the future of the theater itself. They help share the stories of the storytellers through interviews, research and other reporting techniques, and help to capture an ephemeral, performance-based art form. Though they aren't onstage eight times a week, they're a valuable part of the industry we love.
In 2022, the eight regions will join forces to present centralized ITJA programming which will include workshops, master classes, and discussions curated by all of KCACTF’s ITJA coordinators, and National ITJA Director, Ashley Lee of the Los Angeles Times. Regional festivals may still host workshops in theater criticism and writing, but the selection process for this program and the subsequent national scholarship to attend the National Critics Institute at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center will take place through the centralized program.
Students interested in the world of arts reporting, writing and criticism are encouraged to register for this program. Whether you hope to become a professional arts journalist or just love writing about theater and want to learn more about it, ITJA is a fantastic festival opportunity, and 2022 offers us the opportunity to connect with fellow theater artists and writers from across the country.
What to Expect
ITJA 2022 will include nine hours of gatherings on Zoom—not counting time spent watching virtual productions or writing assignments—over three weeks.
Two hours each Saturday will include master classes and workshops with professional theatre journalists. The third hour is a “homeroom” that will be scheduled and hosted by regional ITJA coordinators during the week. This time will be spent in discussion and examining assignments.
One fellow from each region will be determined, based on the successful completion of three assignments and attendance and participation in the professional development programming, both the synchronous national programming, and at the regional “homerooms.” Assignments may include pieces such as a traditional review, Q & A interview, or an essay on a timely topic that is important to the writer.
All students will receive feedback on their work from faculty and professional theatre journalists, in the third week. One student from each region will be selected to attend the National Festival for ITJA.
Week One
Programming – Saturday, February 12 from 1:00 to 3:00PM Central
Regional Homeroom – TBD
Week Two
Programming – Saturday, February 19 from 1:00 to 3:00PM Central
Regional Homeroom – TBD
Week Three
Programming – Saturday, February 26 from 1:00 to 3:00PM Central
Regional Response Session – TBD
Two hours each Saturday will include master classes and workshops with professional theatre journalists. The third hour is a “homeroom” that will be scheduled and hosted by regional ITJA coordinators during the week. This time will be spent in discussion and examining assignments.
One fellow from each region will be determined, based on the successful completion of three assignments and attendance and participation in the professional development programming, both the synchronous national programming, and at the regional “homerooms.” Assignments may include pieces such as a traditional review, Q & A interview, or an essay on a timely topic that is important to the writer.
All students will receive feedback on their work from faculty and professional theatre journalists, in the third week. One student from each region will be selected to attend the National Festival for ITJA.
Week One
Programming – Saturday, February 12 from 1:00 to 3:00PM Central
Regional Homeroom – TBD
Week Two
Programming – Saturday, February 19 from 1:00 to 3:00PM Central
Regional Homeroom – TBD
Week Three
Programming – Saturday, February 26 from 1:00 to 3:00PM Central
Regional Response Session – TBD
Attendance
Attendance at the sessions will be taken into consideration during the selection process, though participants may arrange for an “excused absence” with their region’s ITJA coordinator (in advance, if at all possible) and watch the recording of the session.
Eligibility
The Institute for Theater Journalism and Advocacy seeks students in ALL disciplines who want to explore how they can best advocate for theatre and the performing arts using written, oral, and other communication skills as their media. The most important things to bring are a passion for good theater and an active, inquiring mind.
Students will need a laptop computer or tablet and a WiFi connection. The connection will be necessary to watch the productions and participate in scheduled sessions. You will also submit and receive drafts electronically, and you will need a laptop or tablet to do this. If you encounter any difficulty in securing access to a computer and WiFi internet, please contact your regional ITJA coordinator so that we can assist you.
To be eligible, students must be:
Students will need a laptop computer or tablet and a WiFi connection. The connection will be necessary to watch the productions and participate in scheduled sessions. You will also submit and receive drafts electronically, and you will need a laptop or tablet to do this. If you encounter any difficulty in securing access to a computer and WiFi internet, please contact your regional ITJA coordinator so that we can assist you.
To be eligible, students must be:
- Attending an institution that has entered either an associate or participating production during the year in which the nomination occurs; and
- A bona fide student at the time of the regional festival.
Event Entry
Event Entry will open on Monday, November 15. You will only be asked to sign up; no need to prepare a resume, cover letter, or writing sample. You do not need to be nominated by a faculty member to participate.
There is no registration fee to participate in ITJA. Additionally, when you sign up for ITJA, you will automatically be registered for your regional festival for participation in other regional programming, at no additional cost.
There is no registration fee to participate in ITJA. Additionally, when you sign up for ITJA, you will automatically be registered for your regional festival for participation in other regional programming, at no additional cost.
