Critics review and analyze artistic and literary works and live performances. They may communicate their opinions via radio, television, newspapers, magazines, websites or books.

Critics review all facets of the arts and entertainment field: plays, films, books, operas, art exhibits, dance productions, musical recordings, concerts and nightclub acts. In general, they:

• attend performances or exhibits or preview books or recordings
• summarize the theme or story
• critique the quality of the performance or artistic work based on their judgement, experience and knowledge
• conduct interviews with performers, artists and writers
• educate the public by providing insights and background knowledge about the arts.

Critics may write or broadcast regular arts and entertainment features which include interviews with artists, in-depth analyses or information about upcoming events or new artistic works.

Most critics specialize in one area of the arts such as music, film or theatre. Some specialize even further in a particular aspect of a field. For example, a large newspaper may have a jazz music critic, a rock music critic and a classical music critic. However, critics working for smaller employers may be responsible for reviewing a wide range of performances and artistic works.

To keep up to date on trends in the arts and entertainment field, critics must spend a considerable amount of time reading, building contacts in their industry and keeping in touch with these people.

Critics work evenings, weekends and holidays to cover performances, exhibits and events. Having to cope with tight deadlines and disgruntled readers can be stressful.

Although it is not necessary to have formal training to become a critic, most employers prefer to hire experienced print reporters or broadcasters (who often have post-secondary education related to journalism). Critics also are expected to have strong backgrounds in their area of specialization (e.g. music, literature, art, drama). Being able to review several different fields is an advantage, especially for freelance critics and those just getting started.

Post-secondary institutions located throughout the province offer suitable degree programs in communications studies, broadcasting, music, art and drama. Entrance requirements vary but generally include a high school diploma with a minimum average (60 to 80 per cent depending on the program) in English Language Arts 30-1 and four other appropriate Grade 12 subjects (e.g. social studies, math, a second language or science courses). Specific course requirements vary from one program to another (e.g. Social 30 is required for some communications/broadcasting programs).

Many post-secondary institutions also offer university transfer programs which allow students to apply up to two years of study toward Bachelor's degree programs at other institutions. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that the courses they choose to take will be accepted for credit at the institution to which they wish to transfer.

For current information about programs, admission requirements and mature student admission policies, please check post-secondary calendars or websites.

Critics may work for:

• newspapers
• magazines
• alternative weeklies
• radio stations
• television stations
• Internet services.

There are relatively few jobs in the field of arts criticism and competition for employment is keen. Major metropolitan newspapers and large circulation magazines hire a small number of critics as staff writers. They also may hire freelance critics to provide reviews and commentaries on specialized areas of the arts. Smaller newspapers and magazines usually employ freelance critics. Staff writers may be expected to cover a wide range of arts events.

Radio and television stations that have film, theatre and music reviews as part of their regular weekly programming may use staff reviewers or freelance critics for these weekly features. Freelance critics sell their articles and interviews to various print and broadcast media, and are paid for each article printed or aired.

It is difficult to get started as a critic or reviewer. Experience might come from writing for campus and community newspapers or doing film or theatre reviews for local cable television stations. Aspiring critics should attend as many arts and entertainment functions as possible and keep up to date in their field of interest.

Some critics start out as general reporters or staff writers and eventually move into a reviewer's position when one comes open. Established critics can move to larger newspapers, work in radio or television or syndicate articles to a chain of newspapers or broadcast stations.

Critics are part of the larger National Occupational Classification 5123: Journalists. In Alberta, 92 per cent of people employed in this classification work in the Information, Culture and Recreation industry.

The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the Information, Culture and Recreation industry)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)
• size of the occupation.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next ten years.

In 2005, Albertans in the Journalists occupational group working part-time or full-time earned from $18,900 to $59,300 a year. The average salary was $43,100 a year (2005 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey). More recent data is not available.

EDinfo website: www.alis.alberta.ca/edinfo

Canadian Theatre Critics Association (CTCA) website: www.canadiantheatrecritics.ca