Critics review and analyze artistic and literary works and live performances. They communicate their opinions through radio and television broadcasts, magazine and newspaper articles, websites and books.

Duties

Critics review all facets of the arts and entertainment field: plays, films, books, operas, art exhibits, dance productions, musical recordings, concerts and nightclub acts. In general, they

• attend performances/exhibits or preview books/recordings,
• summarize the theme or story,
• critique the quality of the performance or artistic work based on their judgment, experience and knowledge,
• conduct interviews with performers, artists and writers, and
• educate the public by providing insights and background knowledge about the arts.

Critics may write or broadcast regular arts and entertainment features which include interviews with artists, in-depth analyses or information about upcoming events or new artistic works.

Most critics specialize in one area of the arts such as music, film or theatre. Some specialize even further in a particular aspect of a field. For example, a large newspaper may have a jazz music critic, a rock music critic and a classical music critic. However, critics working for smaller employers may be responsible for reviewing a wide range of performances and artistic works.

To keep up to date on trends in the arts and entertainment field, critics must spend a considerable amount of time reading, building contacts in their industry and keeping in touch with these people.

Working Conditions

Critics work evenings, weekends and holidays to cover performances, exhibits and events. Having to cope with tight deadlines and disgruntled readers can be stressful.

Skills, Interests, Values

Critics need the following characteristics:

• a strong interest in their field of specialty,
• analytical and perceptive skills,
• strong research and organizational skills,
• flexibility in appreciating new techniques and styles in the arts,
• objectivity and fairness in reviewing productions at different levels (professional/amateur),
• the ability to write clearly, concisely, objectively and in a strong personal voice,
• the ability to handle criticism from others and the confidence required to stand behind their opinions, and
• the ability to write creative, entertaining pieces under the pressure of deadlines.

Successful critics generally enjoy finding innovative ways to express their views, stimulating public interest and discussion, and being recognized for their specialized knowledge, creativity and experience.

Education Requirements

Although it is not necessary to have formal training to become a critic, most employers prefer to hire experienced print reporters or broadcasters (who often have post-secondary education related to journalism). Critics are also expected to have strong backgrounds in their area of specialization (e.g. music, art, drama). Being able to review several different fields is an advantage, especially for freelance critics and those just getting started.

To research which US schools have graduate programs in the arts go to:
http://www.petersons.com/gradchannel/code/search.asp

Employment and Advancement

Critics may work for

• newspapers,
• magazines,
• alternative weeklies,
• radio stations,
• television stations, and
• Internet services.

There are relatively few jobs in the field of arts criticism and competition for employment is keen. Major metropolitan newspapers and large circulation magazines often hire a small number of critics as staff writers. They may also hire freelance critics to provide reviews and commentaries on specialized areas of the arts. Smaller newspapers and magazines usually employ critics as freelance writers. Staff writers may be expected to cover a wide range of arts events.

Radio and television stations that have film, theatre and music reviews as part of their regular weekly programming may use staff reviewers or freelance critics for these weekly features. Freelance critics sell their articles and interviews to various print and broadcast media, and are paid for each article printed or aired.

It is difficult to get started as a critic/reviewer. Experience might come from writing for campus and community newspapers or doing film or theatre reviews for local cable television stations. Aspiring critics should attend as many arts and entertainment functions as possible, and keep up to date in their field of interest.

Some critics start out as general reporters or staff writers and eventually move into a reviewer's position when one comes open. Established critics can move to larger newspapers, work in radio or television, or syndicate articles to a chain of newspapers or broadcast stations.

Critics are part of the larger "Journalists" occupational group. In Alberta, employment in this group is concentrated (over 75%) in the following industry sectors:

• Printing and Publishing,
• Communications, and
• Personal, Household and Other Services.

Employment prospects in this occupational group will be influenced by a wide variety of factors, including

• the number of people in the occupation,
• the occupational growth rate, and
• trends and events in related industry sectors (see above).

Salary

To research salary ranges in the arts go to www.jobstar.org