“…there are times when a critic truly risks something, and that is in the discovery and defence of the new. The world is often unkind to new talent, new creations. The new needs friends.” Ratatouille, 2007
Like every other part of the theatrical world, from the faces onstage, to those backstage, the higher-up industry heads and the audience themselves, criticism is a place for diversity to be promoted, championed and actively pursued.
Arcola Participation champions all kinds of representation and inclusion, all coming together in our seven-week festival of Community and Emerging artists, Creative/Disruption. Yet we can still do more to champion diversity in other roles, on-stage and off, in the theatrical landscape.
Like almost every other role in the arts, journalism is a competitive business. With the rise of online blogs/magazines/review sites/apps providing an overwhelming sea of opportunities, and the decline of print journalism making print credits even more competitive, starting out as a critic can seem like a mammoth task.
With that in mind, Arcola Participation is inviting emerging critics, bloggers and theatre writers to come to any of the performances in our season, review the shows and write/speak about their experiences. We believe in providing opportunities (or creating them if they don’t exist), and would like to help those starting their careers to find a platform for their voice.
We also believe in the power of community-led theatre and that these productions are just as deserving of criticism and exposure as their professional counterparts. This initiative aims to promote community and participatory arts to critics and writers, as well as a wider audience.
If you’re an emerging theatre critic or journalist who would like to be involved, please email participation@arcolatheatre.com
Details:
Arcola Participation are offering emerging reviewers one complimentary ticket to a Creative/Disruption Community Group production of their choice, on the understanding that the production will be reviewed. Reviews can take the form of a written article of at least 400 words, or a video or audio recording of at least 5 minutes in length. Tickets are subject to availability and to the approval of Arcola Participation.
Twitter: @Arcolapart
Contact: 020 7503 1645