Institute for Theatre Journalism & Advocacy
ITJA challenges writers to embrace the technology and social media areas that are rapidly changing the field by writing blogs, previews, and reviews, as well as responding orally in the form of interviews, vlogs, and podcasts. Students interested in writing, criticism, or literary management are encouraged to register for this program. Whether you hope to become a professional arts journalist or just love talking and writing about theater, ITJA is a fantastic Festival opportunity.
Critics, Dramaturgs and Thinkers: Add Your Voice to the Future of Theatre
No prior media or writing experience necessary! Just an interest in critical thinking and discussing how we talk about theater.
What is ITJA?
If you enjoy watching interviews with Broadway stars, follow theater reviews on TikTok, or are curious about BTS content creation for plays and musicals, ITJA is for you! We’re here to talk about how we talk about theater: podcasts, blogs, reviews, and videos are all ways we learn more about this art form, so how do we use each medium in compelling and responsible ways?
Who should join ITJA?
Students interested in marketing, PR, arts writing, criticism, and literary management are encouraged to register for this program or contact the regional Chair for information about The Institute for Theatre Journalism and Advocacy (ITJA) in their region. Whether you hope to become a professional arts journalist or just love talking and writing about theater, ITJA is a fantastic Festival opportunity.
What will we do in ITJA?
Students in ITJA will participate in a multi-session mini course in arts journalism and communications, with a special emphasis on advocacy. Students will receive feedback on various forms of arts journalism—theatre reviews, interviews with stars, editorial responses—from professionals from the worlds of theatre writing and academics.
ITJA will comprise three 90-minute workshop sessions, plus the opening/orientation meeting. You are welcome to drop into any of these, no need to be present for all.
Students will be offered mini-assignments to complete that are tied to festival activities and that offer ways to practice interview, reviewing, and reporting skills. At the end of the workshops, one student from the region may be selected to have their work developed as part of the ACTF National Recognitions. There, student critics write reviews while studying with a variety of professional critics and mentors, and they may be eligible to receive a scholarship to the O’Neill Institute for Theater Criticism.