Page Turn puts out call for emerging performing-arts critics

Vancouver’s Neworld Theatre is producing and administering nationwide initiative in search of experienced arts writers who are IBPOC or face other barriers

By Janet Smith

A NEW PROJECT aims to build the skills of a diverse new generation of Canadian performing-arts critics.

Applications are now open for Page Turn, a two-year-long, paid professional development and skill-building network for emerging performing-arts writers. Submissions are due before midnight on July 24, and can be made here, where more information is also available.

The program is open to writers of any age who identify as IBPOC and have some experience and training in performing-arts criticism, feature writing, or online content creation. It’s also open to applications from others who face barriers to participation in the performing-arts writing field, including those who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+, nonbinary, Deaf, or Disabled​​.

Stir Vancouver is a partner on the project, which is overseen by Vancouver’s Neworld Theatre and Karen Fricker, a freelance theatre critic and associate professor of dramatic arts at Brock University, with support from the Canada Council for the Arts, along with Punctuate! Theatre, Intermission Magazine, and the Toronto Fringe.

Page Turn aims to equip the next wave of critics and performing-arts journalists with skills in composing and delivering story pitches; working with editors; developing working relationships; and continuing to build and hone critical and writing skills. It also intends to build community and solidarity among emerging performing-arts writers. (It is not a playwright training program.)

The program is cofacilitated by cultural critic Jose Solís and multidisciplinary theatre artist and writer Nathaniel Hanula-James, with support from project codirectors Fricker and Vancouver theatre artist Chelsea Haberlin, as well as project managers Daniela Atencia and Angelica Schwartz. Neworld Theatre is producing and administering the project, and Stir magazine is participating as one of the official publication partners.

In 2022 and 2023, Stir also took part in the Vancouver-based Critical Futures project to help mentor and develop diverse aspiring theatre critics.

Page Turn will have a cohort of 10 participants and run over 22 months, from September 2025 to July 2027.  

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