Theatre Criticism

• Theatre critics are disappearing, and amateur criticism is taking over - “Can Audiences Rescue Theater Criticism?” - http://artsfuse.org/172757/theater-commentary-can-audiences-rescue-theater-criticism/   This article addresses the declining importance of theatre critics alongside the rise of newer generations and social media. While it was once argued that theatre critics were crucial for the progression and improvement of contemporary theatre, the author of this article believes that the new, progressive generation of theatre audiences hold content to a high level that doesn't call for the need of theater criticism. 

• Criticism should be constructive, not evaluative – “The Contemporary Role of the Critic” - http://americantheatrecritics.org/position-papers/2011/4/29/the-contemporary-role-of-the-critic.html
  This article summarizes and includes parts of a discussion had by theater practitioners about the role of the contemporary critic. It also discusses positive and negative qualities in a theater critic, and how theater criticism can be improved.

• Difficulties of critics writing about theatre outside their own subjectivity – “Queer Eye for Theatre Critics: 4 Writing Tips” - https://www.americantheatre.org/2018/09/05/queer-eye-for-theatre-critics-4-writing-tips/ 
  This article from American Theatre discusses some of the problems with critics outside of the LGBTQ+ community writing about productions dealing with LGBTQ+ issues. This article also provides simple ways to avoid writing problematic reviews.

• Lack of diversity in theatre critics - "Theater's Other Diversity Problem: Me" https://www.azcentral.com/story/entertainment/arts/2018/08/23/theaters-other-diversity-problem-critics/1041660002/
  The author, a cisgender straight white man, begins by discussing theatre criticism in Phoenix, where he works, but extends the conversation to the whole country. He notes that the lack of diversity in criticism is part of the larger problem of a diminishing field (at least in traditional sources) and suggests that mentorship of diverse voices is key to maintaining the field.