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.
Apply now!
Applications are now open for Critical Review 2024-2025! Students in this rigorous writing program participate in workshops with industry professionals and attend the Broadway season. Students review the shows and select reviews are featured on the Hennepin Arts website. This is a great opportunity to think critically about the art of theater and develop your skills as a writer! Any high school student in Minnesota is welcome to apply.
Applications are open until September 27!
APPLYGoals
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 2023-2024 program included students from over 25 high schools throughout the Twin Cities metro area:
| CRITICAL REVIEW SCHOOLS | |
|---|---|
Chaska High School Chisago Lakes High School Edina High School Great River School Irondale High School Legacy Christian Academy Maple Grove Senior High School Minnehaha Academy High School Minnetonka High School Mounds View High School Orono High School Osseo High School Perpich Center for Arts Education | Prior Lake High School Richfield High SchoolRogers High School Rosemount High School Saint Louis Park High School South St. Paul Secondary Southwest High School St. Michael-Albertville High School Tartan High School Totino-Grace High School Visitation School Winona Senior High School |