The Wallis Partners with Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle for Arts Reporters Program

Through an exciting new partnership with the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle (LADCC), the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts offers a new education program designed for students, ages 12-18, interested in journalism and arts criticism.

The Wallis Student Arts Reporters program -- an initiative of GRoW @ The Wallis, the center's education department -- immerses participating students in performing arts reporting. Students will learn special writing skills through an introductory workshop, led by top arts and culture reporters and critics from the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle. Participants will also have the opportunity to attend and gain real life experience reporting on select performances at The Wallis.

The program kicks off on Saturday, March 19 with a mandatory workshop from 10:30am to 12pm at The Wallis. The workshop will introduce participating students to the fundamentals of performing arts journalism. Students will learn the various types of arts reporting, how to view productions with a critical eye, how to interview artists, and more. The workshop will be led by Jonas Schwartz (Theatermania.com) with fellow LADCC members Dany Margolies (ArtsinLA.com, The Daily News) and Pauline Adamek (ArtsBeatLA.com, Stage Raw).

Following the introductory workshop, participating students will be expected to review at least three performances per season across at least two genres (theater, dance and/or music). Students will be equipped with an official The Wallis Student Arts Reporterspress pass, notebook, official press kits, and up to four tickets per reporter for each performance they choose to review. Performances available for review this spring include The Lightning Thief, The Girl Who Forgot to Sing Badly, the Ezralow Dance Company, Seedfolks, select classical music concerts, and more.

"We are extremely proud of GRoW @ the Wallis and the variety of classes offered for arts learners of all ages," said Rachel Fine, The Wallis' Managing Director. "The Wallis Students Arts Reporters program is a great example of how the performing arts world extends beyond the performers on stage, and we are thrilled to support the next generation of arts reporters."

"As arts reporters and critics, the members of LADCC understand the importance and influence a good mentor can have on your career," said Jonas Schwartz, LADCC's Vice President. "We are excited to be able to work with aspiring teen journalists and to partner with The Wallis. Their unique spaces and myriad of exceptional programming lend themselves to provide the perfect backdrop for this program."

A one-time administrative fee of $50 is required, and The Wallis is pleased to offer financial aid to students in need of assistance. For more information on the program or to inquire about scholarships, contact Debra Pasquerette at debra@thewallis.org. To apply, visit thewallis.org/showinfo.php?id=158.

The Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle was founded in 1969. It is dedicated to excellence in theatrical criticism and to the encouragement and improvement of theater in Greater Los Angeles. For more information about the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle, go to ladramacriticscircle.com.

For more information about The Wallis, visit TheWallis.org.

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