Getting Real at the 2026 National Critics Institute
Reflections from this past summer’s institute, and on the work we saw at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center’s New Play Conference and New Musical Theatre Conference.
Stories by Daniella Ignacio
Brave Onstage, Quiet at Home
MILCK’s first musical at La Jolla Playhouse this summer can’t keep quiet, telling the story of an Asian American singer/songwriter with some unresolved trauma.
Life After Left Eye In ‘CrazySexyCool’
A new bio-musical at Arena Stage throws it back to the ’90s with the groundbreaking girl group TLC.
Marking a Big Birthday for a Nation That Contains Multitudes
A roundup of the countless projects celebrating America’s 250th birthday this summer and beyond.
Rabbits, Rats, and Ants, Oh My: The Alliance’s Underground Rep
As the Alliance opens its Goizueta Stage, a new TYA acting repertory company has proven to be a fruitful experiment in engaging youth and families.
Where ‘Young John Lewis’ Is Meeting the Young
In D.C. and Atlanta, a new musical about the late Congressman’s formative years seeks to honor his spirit of ‘good trouble’ not only with mainstage productions but with engagement events and tours as well.
What Will D.C. Theatres Do Without a Full-Time Critic at the Post?
WaPo’s last theatre critic, Naveen Kumar, and Washington, D.C.-area theatres reflect on the paper’s recent layoffs and what they mean for the arts ecosystem in one of the nation’s largest cities.
What’s Left Standing of Kennedy Center Education and TYA?
The Center’s roles as an incubator of new work for young audiences, and as a generous host for the American College Theater Festival, will be hard to fill.
Why ‘Ten Brave Seconds’ Seems Right on Time
A new musical about a gay teen’s coming-out journey premieres at Pioneer Theatre Company in Salt Lake City.
It’s ICE Out of Minnesota Day, and Twin Cities Theatres Are Part of It
Theatres across Minnesota have closed for the day during the state’s general strike against ICE’s violence.
