The annual National Critics Institute at the O’Neill Theatre Center in Waterford, Conn., just finished its first year under
Dan Sullivan (right) and fellows in a previous year. Chris Jones (Chicago Tribune). Known for years as a “boot camp for critics,” NCI has broadened its subject to theater writing. Word is that Jones brought fresh energy to the intensive program, proving a worthy successor to NCI founder Ernie Schier (1968-1998) and Dan Sullivan(1999-2013). Foundation ATCA supports NCI with an annual scholarship, this year $2,000.