Institute for Theatre Journalism and Advocacy (ITJA)

The Institute for Theatre Journalism and Advocacy (ITJA) was established to assist in elevating the level of arts criticism and journalism and to provide writers the opportunity to grow at the same pace as the artists whose work they review, celebrate, and interpret.
Pursuing a career in arts journalism doesn't necessarily mean becoming a theater critic, attending stage shows every night and submitting reviews on deadline the following morning. Thanks to the growing world of digital media, the opportunities available for arts journalists these days are limitless: writing magazine-style profiles of up-and-coming talent, chatting with Broadway legends on podcast shows, filming backstage walkthroughs on TikTok, analyzing works through compelling essays, holding power players accountable with investigative reports, and so much more. And as many theater artists also work in the film, TV and music industries, so do its journalists.
Regardless of their specialties and platforms, today's top arts journalists work hard to serve theater audiences, creatives and the future of the theater itself. They help share the stories of the storytellers through interviews, research and other reporting techniques, and help to capture an ephemeral, performance-based art form. Though they aren't onstage eight times a week, they're a valuable part of the industry we love.

Eligibility

The Institute for Theater Journalism and Advocacy seeks students in ALL disciplines who want to explore how they can best advocate for theatre and the performing arts using written, oral, and other communication skills as their media. The most important things to bring are a passion for good theater and an active, inquiring mind.

Students will need a laptop computer or tablet and a WiFi connection. The connection will be necessary to watch the productions and participate in scheduled sessions. You will also submit and receive drafts electronically, and you will need a laptop or tablet to do this. If you encounter any difficulty in securing access to a computer and WiFi internet, please contact your regional ITJA coordinator so that we can assist you.

To be eligible, students must be:

• Attending an institution that has entered either an associate or participating production during the year in which the nomination occurs.

• A bona fide student at the time of the regional festival.
  

Deadlines

Deadline to Register: February 16, 2025

You will only be asked to sign up; no need to prepare a resume, cover letter, or writing sample. You do not need to be nominated by a faculty member to participate.

There is no registration fee to participate in ITJA. Additionally, when you sign up for ITJA, you will automatically be registered for your regional festival for participation in other regional programming, at no additional cost.