Author: ATCA

Critic Ben Brantley caps 24-year career at New York Times

The American Theatre Critics Association congratulates New York Times theater critic Ben Brantley on his extraordinary 24-year run as chief theater critic of that newspaper, the longest tenure since Brooks Atkinson. Brantley, whose last day is October 15, has a singular and exhaustive knowledge of...

Digital conference planner reflects on agenda and process

Frank Rizzo Five ATCA members have been meeting on Zoom to plan the November 13-15 “The Next Normal” digital event since August.  Conference Committee co-chair Frank Rizzo answers some questions for Martha Wade Steketee (ex-officio member of the committee for this conference) about the process they’ve run so far...

ATCA “The Next Normal” conference planning continues

2020 is our year of many transitions inspired by a global pandemic, by theater companies and corporations examining how they do business, and members of many professions — including theater criticism — looking at how they work, support, and invite a range of voices to...

Critic Spotlight: October 2020

Soraya Nadia Mcdonald Brooklyn, New York Culture critic, The Undefeated Soraya Nadia McDonald This has been an incredible year for you professionally, capped off with a Pulitzer finalist citation in May. As we approach the end of 2020, have you been able to sit down and reflect on what...

ATCA convenings go virtual with “The Next Normal”

What good is sitting alone in your room when, through the magic of Zoom, you can join fellow arts journalists from around the country for a low-cost weekend of challenging ideas, insight, and, yes, fun at ATCA’s first virtual conference — Friday November 13, 2020...

Critic Spotlight: September 2020

Cristina Pla-Guzman Miami-area critic, drama teacher, actress, director Outlets: American Theatre, Broadway World (BWW Review) Cristina Pla-Guzman What drew you to criticism? I have been acting for 20-something years and I’ve been teaching high school-aged students for almost as long. I have an absolute passion for everything theater. I had never thought...

Stephanie Alison Walker wins 2019 Francesca Primus Prize

Stephanie Alison Walker FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Sept. 1, 2020 — ATCA has named Stephanie Alison Walker recipient of the 2019 Francesca Primus Prize, which recognizes an emerging woman playwright. Administered by ATCA since 2002, the prize is named in honor of Francesca Primus, a playwright, dramaturg, theater critic, and ATCA...

Pandemic causes one-year hiatus in Regional Theatre Tony Award

The American Theater Wing and the Broadway League have just announced they will give (delayed) Tony Awards for Broadway’s abbreviated season, online this fall. They have decided not to include the Special Tony Award for Regional Theatre, but will return to giving the award next...

Critic Spotlight: August 2020

Janice L. Franklin Professor of Humanities and Music at Mountain View College in Dallas, Texas Outlets: Theater Jones Janice L. Franklin You have unique training for a critic. What drew you to theater criticism? I fell in love with theater and have almost 40 years of experience. Most of...

ATCA names three finalists for 2019 Francesca Primus Prize: Jennifer Barclay, Ifa Bayeza, and Stephanie Alison Walker

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, July 8, 2020 Jennifer Barclay The American Theatre Critics Association has selected three finalists for the 2019 Francesca Primus Prize, which recognizes an emerging woman playwright. The prize, administered through ATCA, is named in honor of Francesca Primus, a playwright, dramaturg, theater critic, and ATCA member who...