Association for Women Journalists

Young Critics Circle is now in its third 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, director of education and community programs at Goodman Theatre, was doing the same. To encourage the next generation of critics, AWJ-Chicago and The Goodman created Young Critics Circle, also known as the Cindy Bandle Young Critics program in honor of the theater's late press director.

Young Critics is dedicated to preparing young women to take on the world of theater criticism. Now in its fourth year, high school juniors from the Chicago area are coached and mentored by AWJ members. Students see all the season's productions at The Goodman, write critiques for each and attend workshops twice a month on Saturdays.

At the end of the season, the girls record their favorite critiques at National Public Radio's studios. Here's some recordings from the first 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 others' comments about the experience.

AWJ-Chicago's 2010 mentors and presenters include Amy Bernstein, Claire Bushey, Elena Ferrarin, Karen Hawkins, Michelle Holmes, Carla K. Johnson, Melba Lara, Caryn Rousseau, Susy Schultz, Joanne Van Alroth, Kelly Kleiman, Dawn Raftery, Kerry Reid, Anitra Rowe Schulte and Cheryl Corley.

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

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This page is edited by Karen Kring