How would I pursue a career as a Broadway Critic?

Question

Such as; what feild or degree should a major in? what skills should i posess?

p.s. I LOVE Broadway and just want to work in that atmosphere

Answer 1

I would recommend majoring in theatre. To be a sucessful critic of live theatre you should have a strong, strong knowledge of the theatre itself - a thorough background in theatre history, a wide base of knowledge of dramatic literature throughout the ages, and solid experience working in all aspects of the theatrical process. A basic theatre arts degree will give you all of that, as you'll be required to take some performance classes, work as a crew member to learn the technical aspects, take a variety of drama lit classes and attend the school's productions.

It would be very helpful if in addition to your theatre studies you included a basic journalism class (if you can) and even more helpful if you focused on trying to obtain that very position you seek on campus - that is, the campus newspaper's drama critic. volunteer for the paper, the radio station, etc . Start your own blog and write up your own critiques of theatre you attend (on campus or off.)

From the love that you have of theatre and the dynamic atmosphere, I think you'd enjoy and be inspired by surrounding yourself with theatre majors. Plus, if you are a theatre major and NOT an actor, you stand out and are memorable. (there are lots of people who major in theatre and do stage managing or costume stuff, but most of them are doing it because they aren't getting the parts they want as an actor. The few that pursue tech or dramaturgy with sincerity are much sought after for their expertise and dedication.)

Answer 2

Some good responses here. Technically, it doesn't really matter what you major in -- experience is the more important point. So definitely try to get yourself writing theater reviews for your school paper. See as much theater as possible, read lots of plays, and read lots of reviews too so that you can learn the style. You have to be a good writer, so if you're lacking there, you'll probably want to major in Journalism. If you're already a good writer, then you may want to consider Theatre, Performance Studies, Drama Criticism, or something like that.

Answer 3

Major in Journalism. Those jobs are often obtained through a "network" of industry people that one cultivates through life.

If you don't know people, start communicating with and developing friends in that circle. It's "who you know" not what you know that gets jobs.