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' Broadway on Hennepin Series 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. Critical Review is a year-long, application-based program that requires internet access to participate.
Goals
Enhance critical thinking
To develop and enhance critical thinking, self-expression, style 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 and further knowledge of live theater
Application information
Applications for the 2027-2028 school year will open in August 2027.
“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.”
Participating schools
The 2026-2027 program included students from 25 high schools throughout the Twin Cities metro area:
| CRITICAL REVIEW SCHOOLS | |
|---|---|
Breck School Chisago Lakes High School Columbia Heights High School DeLaSalle High School Edina High School Highland Park Senior High School Irondale High School Johnson Senior High School Kennedy High School Lakes International Language Academy Minnetonka High School Nova Classical Academy | Providence Academy Richfield High School Rogers High School Saint Anthony Village High School Saint Paul Academy and Summit School Saint Thomas Academy Southwest Christian High School St. Louis Park High School Stillwater Area High School Visitation School Minneapolis Washburn Wayzata High School White Bear Lake Area High School |