South Jersey Theatre Critics was founded in May 2023 with a simple but important goal: to shine a spotlight on the incredible theatre being produced throughout our region.

 

For more than a year before launching the organization, founder Kristine Bonaventura spoke with performers, directors, designers, and theatre enthusiasts throughout South Jersey and repeatedly heard the same thing: our area has a vibrant and talented theatre community, but very little review coverage. While a handful of reviewers occasionally covered productions, there was no organization dedicated to consistently recognizing the full scope of work being created on our local stages.

 

Community theatre in South Jersey and the Greater Philadelphia region regularly produces work that rivals professional productions in quality, creativity, and dedication. Yet many of these artists and organizations receive little recognition beyond their immediate audiences. South Jersey Theatre Critics was created to help fill that gap.

 

Our mission is to provide thoughtful, honest, and constructive reviews of community theatre while helping audiences discover the outstanding productions being presented throughout our region. We believe local artists deserve recognition for their work, and audiences deserve resources that help them connect with the thriving theatre community in their own backyard.

 

In the years following the COVID-19 pandemic, many theatres experienced significant declines in attendance and community engagement. We believe quality arts coverage can help reconnect audiences with local theatre while celebrating the talented individuals who continue to dedicate their time, energy, and creativity to the performing arts.

 

Unlike many review outlets, our coverage extends beyond the performers on stage. Our reviewers evaluate every aspect of a production, including acting, singing, direction, choreography, music direction, scenic design, lighting, sound, costumes, fight choreography, intimacy direction, and other technical and artistic elements. We believe every person involved in a production contributes to its success and deserves recognition for their work.

 

While we are committed to honest criticism, we also believe criticism should be constructive. Our reviews are written with respect for the artists and volunteers who dedicate countless hours to creating theatre. Any critiques offered are intended to be thoughtful, actionable, and beneficial to the continued growth of both the artists and organizations we cover.

 

One of our goals is to help document and celebrate the artistic achievements taking place throughout our region's theatre community. While our reviews are written for audiences, they also serve as a lasting record of the work being produced by local theatres and artists.

 

Community theatres often rely on public support, sponsorships, fundraising, and grant opportunities to continue their work. By providing thoughtful, independent coverage of productions, we hope to contribute to the visibility and recognition these organizations deserve. Whether a theatre is seeking new patrons, building community partnerships, or demonstrating artistic impact through grant applications and fundraising efforts, we believe quality arts coverage can play an important role in supporting the long-term success of local theatre.

 

Today, South Jersey Theatre Critics consists of 23 active volunteer reviewers representing a wide variety of theatrical backgrounds, including performers, directors, designers, theatre graduates, technicians, and passionate audience members. Since our founding, 29 reviewers have contributed their time and expertise to the organization. Every member of South Jersey Theatre Critics is a volunteer united by a shared passion for supporting community theatre.

 

South Jersey Theatre Critics by the Numbers

• Founded in May 2023

• 220+ Productions Reviewed

• 23 Active Volunteer Reviewers

• 29 Total Reviewers Since Founding

• 28 Theatre Organizations Covered

 

Although our primary focus is community theatre throughout South Jersey and the Greater Philadelphia region, our coverage area continues to grow as more theatres seek review opportunities. We remain committed to celebrating the artists, volunteers, and organizations that make our region's theatre community so vibrant and unique.

 

South Jersey Theatre Critics welcomes and supports theatre artists and audiences from all backgrounds. We believe theatre is for everyone and are proud to help foster a positive, inclusive, and thriving performing arts community.

 

Thank you for supporting local theatre.