Student Critics Program 

High School aged students interested in journalism, writing and/or the performing arts are encouraged to apply for the Student Critics Program.  The program that aims to foster critical thinking and writing skills among area high school students is a component of the Tommy Awards.

Participating students attend and review a selection of Broadway musicals at Overture Center.  Prior to each show, the students attend workshops receiving instruction on writing critical reviews for live performances.  These reviews may be published on Madison.com, overturecenter.com or in 77 Square. Each student will be recognized for their work at the Tommy Awards Ceremony.

Lindsay Christians is the students’ instructor.  She is a full-time fine arts reporter for 77 Square, a co-production of the Wisconsin State Journal and The Capital Times in Madison.  Guest critics and reporters are also included throughout the program.  In addition to the Overture Center productions, each student will have the opportunity to attend one additional theater, dance or music performance with Ms. Christians at another performing venue within the Madison area.   

The following students are the 2011-12 Tommy Awards Student Critics:

Jesse Bossingham                           
   Clinton High School

Sachin Dharwadker                        
   James Madison Memorial High School

Fiorella Fernandez                          
   Madison Country Day School

Kai Hedstrom                                   
   Stoughton High School

Emma Lehker                                 
   Monona Grove High School

Elena Livorni                                    
   Madison West High School

Abigail Taylor                                  
   Monona Grove High School

To participate in the 2012-13 program students must:

• Complete an online application and submit by 5PM on Monday, October 2, 2012
• Submit a 1-2 page writing sample with the application (essay, critical review etc.)
• Submit up to a 300 word summary of your interest in the program with the application 
• Be able to attend the full performance schedule & meet short deadlines for submission of reviews
• Fully participate in each workshop

For further information on the program, please contact Karra Beach at 608.258.4455 or kbeach@overturecenter.com or Tim Sauers at 608.258.4420 or tsauers@overturecenter.com

The following students were the 2010-11 Tommy Awards Student Critics:

Jesse Bossingham 
Clinton High School

Jesse Demers
Abundant Life Christian School

Fiorella Fernandez
Madison Country Day School

Bat-Zion Hose 
Edgewood High School

Julianna Jerosch
Abundant Life Christian School

Lauren Matheny
Middleton High School

Jonathan McHugh
Abundant Life Christian School

Tiffany Orr
Abundant Life Christian School

Kristina Rodel
Abundant Life Christian School

Will Sullivan
Waunakee Community High School

Abigail Taylor
Monona Grove High School

2010-11 Performance Schedule:  

Saturday, November 27, 2010  Drumline Live

Tuesday, February 22, 2011  Young Frankenstein

Tuesday, April 5, 2011  Legally Blonde

The students also attended productions by Forward Theater, Madison Opera and Madison Symphony Orchestra.