Association for Women Journalists

Young Critics Circle now in its second year

In May 2007, just as AWJ was asking “Where are all the female critics?” during a panel discussion led by our own Kelly Kleiman, Willa Taylor, the Director of Education and Community Programs at the Goodman Theatre, was doing the same. To encourage the next generation of critics, AWJ-Chicago with the Goodman together created Young Critics Circle.

Young Critics Circle is dedicated to preparing young women to take on the world of theatre criticism. Again this year, juniors in high school from the Chicago area are coached and mentored by AWJ members. Students are seeing all this season's productions at the Goodman, are writing critiques for each and attend workshops twice a month on Saturdays.

At the end of this season, the girls will record their favorite critiques at National Public Radio's studios. Here's some recording from last season.

Zahra Lalani critiques The Trip to Bountiful
Michelle Page critiques The Trip To Bountiful
Maddy Boesche critiques The Trip to Bountiful
Diane Hovantzi critiques The Trip to Bountiful
Astrid Hernandez critiques The Trip to Bountiful

Mary Eva Losacco critiques The Cook
Ali Jablonski critiques The Cook

Lauren Coker critiques Talking Pictures
Caitlin Myron critiques Talking Pictures

Kiela McNair critiques A Christmas Carol

Ellie McElvain critiques The Ballad of Emmett Till

Other critiques can be read on the YCC blog. AWJ's blog has Martha Steketee's and other's comments about the experience.

AWJ-Chicago mentors and presenters included Sylvia Ewing, Jan Lisa Huttner, Kelly Kleiman, Dawn Raftery, Martha Steketee, Kerry Reid, Antira Rowe Schulte and Cheryl Corley.

To learn more about the program and the next season, contact Cheryl Corley.