The Eugene O’Neill Theater Center is seeking arts writers and critics for its annual National Critics Institute program, an intensive professional development opportunity offered each summer. Applications will be accepted until Monday, December 18, 2023, at 11:59pm PST. One of the O'Neill's oldest programs, the National Critics Institute helps participants strengthen their skills in an increasingly competitive and fast-paced industry. Led by Director Chris Jones of the Chicago Tribune and Associate Director Naveen Kumar, contributor for publications including The New York Times and Variety, the program offers a broad course of study for writers with varying levels of experience. From July 2–14, 2024, accepted applicants will participate in workshops led by a faculty composed of leading arts and cultural writers; recent members have included Tejal Rao, Sarah Kaufman, Peter Marks, Wesley Morris, and Sam Sifton. They also are provided opportunities to speak with artists working at the O’Neill. Over the two weeks, participants will write about performances viewed both on and off the O’Neill’s campus, restaurants, and more, and will receive in-depth writing critiques and individualized feedback on their work. Recent National Critics Institute alumni include prominent cultural writers: Soraya Nadia McDonald (NCI ‘18), Ashley Lee (NCI ‘18), Diep Tran (NCI ‘15), Jose Solis (NCI ‘16), Suzy Evans (NCI ‘14), Wei-Huan Chen (NCI ‘16), Christine Cauterruci (NCI ‘15), Jay Vanasco (NCI ‘16) and Erin Keane (NCI ‘14), among many others. "This is my tenth year at the head of the National Critics Institute, and associate director Naveen Kumar and I are thrilled to begin the recruitment process for the Class of 2024,” Jones said. “The National Critics Institute is immensely proud of its alumni who are at the center of arts journalism in America and who are the best advertisement possible for what has long been a deeply fulfilling summer experience." The O'Neill strives to fully support all attendees at the 2024 National Critics Institute, for which there is no charge for accommodation, meals, tickets, internal travel during the institute, and workshops. Participants are responsible for their own travel to and from campus at the start and end of the program. Admissions decisions are expected to be made by February 15, 2024. Applications can be submitted at https://bit.ly/nciapp24. More information about the National Critics Institute is available at www.theoneill.org/nci. Eugene O’Neill Theater Center now accepting applications for 2024 National Critics Institute
