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National Theatre Wales, in partnership with Academi, is launching an exciting new initiative that aims to boost arts criticism in Wales, and give budding theatre critics a unique opportunity to have their say on the company’s opening season.

The New Critics Programme will offer development opportunities and training for a selected group of applicants. Participants will be mentored, one-on-one, by an experienced arts critic, attend seminars and workshops led by experts in the field, and flex their critical muscles following at least eight of the first year shows.

The roles are unpaid, however New Critics will receive a fee to cover the basic costs of attending shows. Applicants must live in Wales. The deadline for applications is noon on Friday 22January 2010.

Peter Finch, Academi Chief Executive, said:  “This new partnership between Academi and the National Theatre puts the ability of our writers right at the creative forefront.”  Catherine Paskell, Creative Associateat National Theatre Wales, said: “The New Critics Programme is a unique chance to nurture a new generation of critics in Wales, allowing these new voices an excellent opportunity to develop and showcase their critical writing skills.”

Anyone with a passion for the arts, who’d like to find out more about this opportunity and receive anapplication pack, is asked to email newcritics@nationaltheatrewales.org

ENDS

National Theatre Wales creates invigorating theatre in the Englishlanguage, rooted in Wales, with an international reach. Academi isthe Welsh National Literature Promotion Agency and Society forAuthors.

For more information on National Theatre Wales’ shows visit: www.nationaltheatrewales.org

Academi is the Welsh National Literature Promotion Agency and Society for Authors

For more information on Academi visit: www.academi.org

For more information about the New Critics Programme, contact Catherine Paskell, Creative Associate, at catherinepaskell@nationaltheatrewales.org or call 029 2035 3075/ 07545 915 185.