What is the Teen Reviewers and Critics program?
The Teen Reviewers and Critics (TRaC) Program is High 5's free art criticism program. Have you ever dreamt of being a critic in The Village Voice, The Source, The New York Times or Rolling Stone? Then TRaC is perfect for you! TRaC offers high school sophomores, juniors and seniors the opportunity to learn about the arts while working on their writing skills. Classes combine seminars, writing workshops, outings to arts events and visits from professional artists and critics. TRaC instructors are also professional writers, artists and critics. There are no grades in TRaC. All you need to bring is an open mind and a desire to write.
When does TRaC start?
Spring sessions begin in mid-March; Fall sessions begin in mid-October. Summer sessions begin in July.
SPRING TRaC 2008
- Spring TRaC runs from March 10th to May 16th
- Workshops meet weekly in mid-town locations (TBA) from 4:30-6:30 p.m. *See class schedule for days in right column. (TBA)
- In addition, Teen Critics will attend 6 weekly shows, performances or exhibits on weekdays and weekends.
- TRaC is free of charge -- you just need to apply!
- Each TRaC session is limited to 15 participants
Fall TRaC application deadline: Friday, September 26th
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Apply early!
How often -- and where -- do the Teen Reviewers meet?
The Fall/Spring TRaC classes meet eight times, once a week from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. In addition, once every other week TRaC students go on an evening or weekend outing to an arts event at venues located throughout NYC (a total of six shows!). There are even opportunities to see many more for motivated Teen Critics. Workshop meetings are held in midtown and downtown Manhattan locations.
How many students are in a TRaC class?
We keep the class size small so everyone can be involved and get individual attention from the instructor. Approximately 70 participants are accepted into the five TRaC programs, with 13 - 15 enrolled in each section.
Where do the students come from?
Students come to TRaC from all five boroughs in NYC, from New Jersey, Long Island and Westchester County. They come from public schools, private schools, home schools, technical schools, vocational schools and alternative schools.
How does a student qualify?
TRaC participants need only be high school sophomores, juniors or seniors with a passion for writing and the arts. To apply, students must submit a writing sample, a statement of interest, contact info for a recommending teacher and a signed program agreement (signed by you and a parent). All potential candidates will meet for a short interview with the TRaC Director. (Applications from high school seniors and TRaC alumni are given priority.)
What if I'm not a sophomore yet?
If you are a high school freshman, you may certainly apply, but understand that priority is given to older students. Strong freshman applicants have been accepted in the past. Our Summer TRaC program is open to rising sophomores. If you're not quite in high school yet, join our Freelancers program and start writing independently for High 5! We'll publish your reviews and you'll be a shoe-in to TRaC when you become eligible.
What happens to the reviews?
Selected TRaC and Freelancer reviews are posted on our website to offer other High 5 users insights and suggestions about some of our offerings. Some reviews from TRaC courses are also posted permanently in the TRaC Reviews section.
With homework and other extracurricular activities, does TRaC take up too much time?
Weekly workshop meetings last two hours. There aren't assignments every week, and over the course of the eight-week session, TRaC students attend only five or six performances. Students who want to give more time to TRaC have the option to write extra reviews.
What are examples of the kinds of events TRaC offers?
Students have attended and reviewed performances from BAM to Broadway, Carnegie Hall to Symphony Space, Danspace Project to City Center, and exhibits from The Earth Room to The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The TRaC team has also had technical tours of New York Theatre Workshop, Vivian Beaumont Theatre, Dance Theater Workshop, as well as pre- and post-performance interview opportunities with artists.
Who are some of the guest speakers?
New York Times theatre critic Ben Brantley, clarinetist Don Byron, dancer/ choreographer Cynthia Oliver, New York Times art critic Grace Glueck, Time Out dance editor Gia Kourlas, artist/Brooklyn Rail editor Phong Bui, documentary filmmaker Kelly Anderson, and Newsday theatre critic Linda Winer, among others, have spoken to the TRaC team. See the complete list here
Which TRaC is right for me?
There's a class for everyone!
If you don't have a lot of experience with the arts, MultiTRaC offers an introduction to dance, theatre, music and visual arts. This course is a great starting place if you want to work on your critical writing fundamentals.
Dance TRaC (hosted by Dance Theater Workshop), Visual Arts TRaC (hosted by the MAD Museum), Music TRaC (hosted by Carnegie Hall's Weill Institute), and Theater TRaC (hosted by The Public Theater) offer students with strong writing skills and some experience the opportunity to deepen their understanding of each discipline.
Does TRaC cost anything?
TRaC is COMPLETELY FREE OF CHARGE!
What's the difference between joining TRaC and being a High 5 Freelancer?
TRaC is a structured after school program: Instructors set the curriculum, assignments, events and guest roster. High5's Freelancer Corps works independently: You choose and review your own events, and submit reviews to High 5 for posting on our website. Many freelancers end up taking TRaC courses. If you're interested in become a High 5 Freelancer, email Eric, High 5's Director of Education at eost@high5tix.org and let him know what you'd like to review. He'll send you two free tickets. It's that easy!
Where can I get an application form?
Click Here to download our application in Adobe PDF format.
Call or email Eric Ostat 212-750-0555 ext. 208
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