The National Critics Institute is a two-week workshop designed for arts writers and critics looking to strengthen their skills in an increasingly competitive and fast-paced industry.

The program includes writing workshops in the crafts of reviewing theater, film, performance, and food; workshops in storytelling and analysis; workshops in writing more exciting profiles in the field of arts and entertainment; insights into the critical process with a world-class faculty composed of America’s leading arts critics; explorations of the relationship of critics with social media; study of best practices when it comes blogging and other online sites; off-site trips; and many opportunities to network with other critics and other creative professionals. Together, NCI fellows will be in residence at the O’Neill’s beautiful seaside campus, spend a few days in the Berkshires, watch shows, review restaurants, and visit the beach.

The July 1 – 12, 2026 bootcamp runs concurrently with the National Playwrights Conference and the National Music Theater Conference, providing fodder for critical exploration.