Education Program
Critical Review
Developing critical thinking skills through arts journalism.
Grade: High School
Critical Review is a rigorous writing program that aims to develop critical thinking skills through arts journalism. Students attend and review productions through Hennepin Arts' Bank of America Broadway on Hennepin season and participate in workshops led by experts in the fields of musical theater, writing and journalism.
Student reviews are edited for content and style, discussed with program leaders, and posted through an online portal. Internet access is a requirement to participate. This program is offered free of cost to participants thanks to the generous underwriting of Fred and Ann Moore.
Goals
Enhance critical thinking
To develop and enhance critical thinking, self-expression and analytical writing skills
Forum outside the classroom
To provide a unique and engaging forum for students learning outside of the classroom
Develop an appreciation
To provide high school students the opportunity to develop an appreciation for live theater
“I LOVE Critical Review so much! Going to see all of those plays was so amazing. I really appreciate what the program has done for me.”
“Fiddler on the Roof is one of the best performances I have seen this year, tied with Wicked and Spring Awakening. There is no one better than Chaim Topol to tell the classic story of family hardship and change.”
“I have loved Rent ever since I saw the movie. Being able to see the stage version with two of the original cast members was beyond amazing. It was so much fun and definitely an experience I’ll always remember.”
Critical Review Program Elements
Participants see up to eight live theater performances, often touring Broadway productions, at the Orpheum, State or Pantages theatres and write reviews
Opportunity to review press materials provided to the professional media
Workshops with professionals in the theater and journalism fields
Tour of one of our historic theaters
Student reviews posted on the Hennepin Arts website and Spotlight's Critical Review site
Participating schools
The 2024-2025 program included students from 30 high schools throughout the Twin Cities metro area:
| CRITICAL REVIEW SCHOOLS | |
|---|---|
Chanhassen High School Chaska High School Chisago Lakes High School Eagan High School Eden Prairie High School Edina High School Fair School for Arts Homeschool Johnson Senior High school Lakes International Language Academy Minnetonka High School Orono High Shcool Perpich Center for Arts Education PiM Arts High School Prior Lake High School Rogers High School | Roosevelt High School Rosemount High School Roseville Area High School Saint Paul Academy and Summit School Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists St Michael-Albertville High School St. Louis Park High School St. Michael - Albertville High School St. Paul Academy Stillwater Area High School Totino-Grace High School White Bear Lake Area High School Winona Senior High Woodbury High School |