Let’s turn the page: Announcing a nationwide program for emerging performing arts critics

Do you like writing about the performing arts but wish you had more skills and contacts to help you advance in the field? Would you like to continue to build your writing and critical thinking skills? Are you IBPOC or from another equity-seeking background? 

There’s a new program for you.

Neworld Theatre in Vancouver and Intermission editorial advisor Karen Fricker are pleased to announce Page Turn: a two-year professionalization and skills-building network for emerging performing arts critics in Canada. Intermission is a partner on this project, along with Punctuate! Theatre, Stir Magazine, and the Toronto Fringe. The project is funded by the Canada Council for the Arts. 

Page Turn aims to equip writers of any age with some experience and training in performing arts criticism, feature writing, and/or online content creation with further professional skills; and also intends to build community and solidarity among emerging performing arts writers.  

The project, which will involve a cohort of 10 writers, is intended to complement entry-level criticism training projects such as Neworld’s Critical Futures, Intermission/the Stratford Festival’s IBPOC Critics Lab, and Toronto Fringe’s New Young Reviewers. 

“We’ve realized that while these programs have been useful in getting writers started,” said Fricker, “many still need more support and mentorship as they advance in the field. How to match a story idea to a publication, for example, how to develop relationships with editors, and how to nurture your specific voice — these are next-level skills that the program will focus on.” 

“If Critical Futures and the IBPOC Critics Lab were Criticism 101, this program is the 201,” said Neworld’s artistic director Chelsea Haberlin. 

Page Turn is open to writers who identify as IBPOC, and is also open to applications from others who face barriers to participation in the performing arts-writing field, including those who identify as 2SLGBTQ+, Non-binary, d/Deaf, Mad, Disabled, or who face other barriers to participation​​. 

Participants will be compensated for time spent participating in project meetings and other activities, and will be paid for articles written as part of the program.   

The program is co-facilitated by cultural critic Jose Solís and multidisciplinary theatre artist and Intermission staff writer Nathaniel Hanula-James, with support from project co-directors Fricker and Haberlin, as well as project managers Daniela Atencia and Angelica Schwartz. Neworld Theatre is producing and administering the project. 

Please see the call for participation for further details. The application portal is open now through July 24, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. PDT.

WRITTEN BY

Liam Donovan

Liam is Intermission’s senior editor. His writing has appeared in publications like Maisonneuve, This, and NEXT. He loves the original Super Mario game very much.

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