Eugene O'Neill Theater Center
Tuition-based residential program (includes housing, tickets, meals reviewed); scholarships/fellowship support historically available; no stipend
The National Critics Institute (NCI) at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center is a two-week residential workshop (July 1-12, 2026) for arts writers and critics, held concurrently with the O'Neill's National Playwrights and National Music Theater Conferences in Waterford, Connecticut. Directed by Chicago Tribune critic Chris Jones with associate director Naveen Kumar, the program offers workshops in reviewing theatre, film, performance, and food, storytelling and profile writing, and social media and digital practice, taught by a faculty of leading national critics, along with show and restaurant visits and networking with theatre professionals on campus. It serves writers of all experience levels with an emphasis on mid-career critics; applications (form, two writing samples, and a recommendation letter) are accepted via Airtable, and the 2026 window closed March 3.
Writers of all experience levels, especially mid-career critics; a small number of aspiring critics admitted; requires two writing samples and a recommendation letter
Verified on O'Neill site; 2026 applications closed. Directed by Chris Jones (Chicago Tribune), associate director Naveen Kumar. Funded by Knight Foundation and Shubert Foundation. Runs concurrently with National Playwrights Conference.
One of the O'Neill's oldest programs, the National Critics Institute is the nation’s premier intensive for arts writers and critics to strengthen their skills in an increasingly competitive and fast-paced industry.
The Eugene O’Neill Theater Center has opened applications for writers and critics for its annual National Critics Institute program.
The Eugene O’Neill Theater Center will welcome 16 talented arts and culture writers and critics from across the country to campus for the annual National Critics Institute.
The Eugene O'Neill Theater Center has announced that it will begin accepting applications for a limited number of open John S.
O'Neill Center Honors Mark Charney as He Steps Down as NCI's Associate Director
The Eugene O'Neill Theater Center is now accepting applications for the 2017 National Critics Institute.
.jpg?format=auto&width=365)
