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Theater Critic

New York, NY

The mission of The New York Times is to seek the truth and help people understand the world. That means independent journalism is at the heart of all we do as a company. It’s why we have a world-renowned newsroom that sends journalists to report on the ground from nearly 160 countries. It’s why we focus deeply on how our readers will experience our journalism, from print to audio to a world-class digital and app destination. And it’s why our business strategy centers on making journalism so good that it’s worth paying for. 

About the Role

The New York Times Culture desk aims to be the preeminent destination for theater coverage. Through our reporting, criticism and service journalism, we publish illuminating and memorable pieces that offer trusted guidance to help people live fuller, more considered lives. 

The Times is seeking a multifaceted critic with deep knowledge and expertise, a discerning eye and a lively writing style who can enrich readers' understanding and appreciation of theater. You should be able to write reviews, newsy essays and appraisals of notable people that speak to a national and global audience. We are looking for someone who can make the world of theater accessible to general audiences while also producing criticism that engages and delights experts and aficionados. You will help readers learn about the most important shows on Broadway, Off Broadway and across the country. And you will deepen their understanding of the leading playwrights, performers, composers, lyricists and directors who bring it to life.

You should be a dynamic, digital-first writer who understands the national and global audience for theater criticism. You should be eager to embrace new story forms with strong visual, audio and video components. In addition to engaging with readers, you should be ready to employ different platforms, and enjoy collaborating with a large team of writers and editors across all disciplines and in other areas of the department and newsroom.

This is a hybrid position, based in New York City and includes regular attendance in the office each week per your departmental guidance.

Responsibilities:

  • Regularly write reviews on deadline.
  • Write critic's notebooks, appraisals and other features, some based on the news and requiring a quick turnaround.
  • Routinely use alternate story formats and multimedia as part of your work and criticism. 
  • Participate in audio and video storytelling, such as joining in podcasts and delivering criticism on camera.
  • Write service-oriented pieces that draw on your critical insights. 
  • Travel to regional and international theater hubs as part of coverage.
  • During awards season, take part in conversations and other live coverage efforts as needed. 
  • Demonstrate support and understanding of our value of journalistic independence and a strong commitment to our mission to seek the truth and help people understand the world.
  • You will report to the Theater Editor. 

Basic Qualifications:

  • 5+ years of journalism experience, including experience working as a theater critic on deadline.
  • Knowledge of contemporary theater, global traditions and theater history. 
  • Demonstrated ability to cover everything from Broadway to regional theater to shows and performances streaming online. 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • A passion for the mission and values of The Times.
  • A lively writing style.

This position is represented by the NewsGuild of NY.

REQ-018686

The annual base pay range for this role is between:

$124,979.94 - $170,000 USD

 

The New York Times Company is committed to being the world’s best source of independent, reliable and quality journalism. To do so, we embrace a diverse workforce that has a broad range of backgrounds and experiences across our ranks, at all levels of the organization. We encourage people from all  backgrounds to apply.

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