Theater Critic @ The New York Times

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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 an in-office position, based in New York City, and includes regular attendance in the office four days each week. There may be some flexibility to work remotely 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

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Theater Critic

The New York Times

Compensation Overview

About the Role

Responsibilities:

Basic Qualifications:

Preferred Qualifications:

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