Goodman Theatre welcomes 33 high school juniors from 22 Chicagoland schools to its ‘Free’ “Cindy Bandle Young Critics” Program

(Chicago, IL) Goodman Theatre welcomes members of 22 area high schools for the “Cindy Bandle Young Critics” (CBYC) program in the 2013/2014 Season. Now in its seventh year, CBYC—a free program for 11^th grade girls produced in partnership with the Association for Women Journalists (AWJ) Chicago and named for the Goodman’s longtime press director—increases awareness of and participation in arts journalism. The 33 young critics attend bi-monthly meetings at the Goodman, where AWJ mentors help them to develop their critical voice and learn the mechanics of writing, professional journalism and issues pertinent to women and criticism. CBYC participants review and write feature stories about the productions in the Goodman’s season, as well as interview artists and staff. Alumni of CBYC have a 100% college matriculation rate, and many continue their work with theater and journalism, whether joining the Goodman’s Youth Arts Council, becoming a theater intern or majoring in theater or journalism.

“It’s an exciting time as CBYC enters its seventh season,” said Cheryl Corley, lead mentor and past President of the AWJ-Chicago. “Our goal throughout has been to help these young women sharpen both their writing and critical thinking skills as they learn about theater and journalism. We craft workshops that cover a diverse range of topics—and it’s all done with a sense of fun!”

Of this year’s 33 participants from Chicago and the neighboring Oak Forest, Algonquin, Cicero, Hillside, Wilmette, Mundelein, Hinsdale, Grayslake and Maywood areas, 19 attend public school (eight of which are Chicago Public Schools), 13 attend private schools and one is home schooled. Participating high schools include Chicago High School for the Arts, Chicago Waldorf School, De La Salle Institute, Hinsdale Central High School, Holy Trinity High School, Infinity Math, Science and Technology High School, Instituto Health Sciences Career Academy, Johnson College Prep, Lincoln Park High School, Loyola Academy, Marian Central Catholic High School, Mundelein High School, New Trier High School, Northside College Preparatory High School, Perspectives Charter School Rodney D. Joslin Campus, Providence St. Mel School, Proviso West High School, Tinley Park High School, University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, Walter Payton College Prep and Whitney M. Young Magnet High School.

Mentors from the Association for Women Journalists include Cheryl Corley (lead mentor), National Public Radio; Nancy Day, Columbia College Chicago; Carla K. Johnson, Associated Press; Nneka McGuire, Krames StayWell; Elizabeth Neukirch, The Silverman Group, Inc.; Dawn Raftery, hibu; Kerry Reid, freelance journalist; Susy Schultz, The Daily Journal; Catey Sullivan, Chicago magazine;  and Joanne von Alroth, Reuters.

Cindy Bandle, whose tenure at the Goodman spanned two decades, served as the theater’s press director until her death in 2005. During her time at the Goodman, the theater became one of the most important and respected not-for-profit resident theaters in the country. Bandle was the public face of the theater for multiple triumphant Goodman productions, including transfers to New York and abroad, the 1992 Tony Award for outstanding regional theater, the Goodman’s 75th anniversary season, the campaign for the new Goodman and four Ebenezer Scrooges. She passed away in 2005, after a battle with breast cancer.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation is the Foundation Supporter of the Cindy Bandle Young Critics Program.