The Helbing Mentorship Program

For LGBTQIA+ Arts Writers

By: Aaron Krause - Oct 11, 2021

 

LGBTQIA+ arts writers will work with leading theater critics to improve their craft and publish their work under a mentorship program run by a professional theater critics organization.

The year-long program, which the American Theatre Critics Association (ATCA) will run, will begin in September 2022. It will include a $5,000 grant.

The program’s title is The Helbing Mentorship Program. The namesake is the late Terry Helbing. He was a theater critic, editor, and co-founder of the Meridian Gay Theatre Production Company. A statement from ATCA reads: “The program has been designed to develop and amplify the voices of young LGBTQIA+ arts writers through scholarship, mentorship, and professional development. In this way, we aim to make arts journalism a more progressive and inclusive profession.”

Also, ATCA “hopes to encourage the recipient to work in multiple media – writing, audio, and video – to reflect the full spectrum of arts coverage in the contemporary market.”

Mentors from ATCA will work directly with participants on their projects.

ATCA will begin accepting applications and nominations for the program in early 2022. For more information about the program, and applications, go to https://americantheatrecritics.org/helbing-mentorship-program. You can also contact the Helbing Committee at helbing@americantheatrecritics.org.