Cover Toronto Fringe for Mooney on Theatre

Mooney on Theatre is looking for folks to review shows at the Toronto Fringe Festival, which runs from July 4 – 15, 2018.

In many ways, Fringe Festivals embody what Mooney on Theatre holds dear: making theatre more accessible. The Fringe features inexpensive shows attended by a wide range of people, many of whom are not theatregoers the rest of the year.

With this in mind, we put an intense amount of effort into providing as much coverage of the Toronto Fringe Festival as we can. To get an idea of what that coverage looks like, check out the Fringe Festival category on this site.

Among other things, this coverage includes reviewing each show in a relatively substantive way by the end of the first weekend. This task takes a lot of writers. Each year, to make it happen, we bring on additional contributors. Maybe this year that will be you.

Who we are looking for

We’re looking for people who:

• Are great writers
• Enjoy consuming media critically
• Have opinions and are good at expressing them with respect for both readers and creators
• Are available to see approximately 5 Fringe shows from July 4 – 6, 2018 (it may sound daunting, but with most shows only running one hour, and several shows available per days it’s very doable)
• Can reliably turn their writing around on tight deadlines (reviews are due the night of the performance)
• Have access to a computer and internet connection to self-publish
• Have knowledge of WordPress or a similar blogging platform (an asset but not entirely necessary — it’s not that complicated to figure out as long as you know how to use something like Word)

They can be, but do not have to be:

• Previously published
• A theatre expert

Our grandiose goal at Mooney on Theatre is to demystify theatre and make it accessible to a broader audience. For us, that includes providing an inclusive platform for a diversity of voices representing people from all walks of life.

We encourage people of colour; people of all genders and across the LGBTQ2 spectrum; people of various ages, income levels and abilities to apply.

Mooney on Theatre focuses on ‘experiential’ reviews of shows. Since our hope is to engage diverse audiences, including those who may be completely new to theatre, we believe in the value of writers who are new to theatre as well. We believe that all audience members have valid experiences when watching a performance.

We are far more interested in your ability to express your thoughts clearly and ability to write well. Of course, if you are a theatre expert, we want to hear from you too. Ultimately, we want our contributors to represent a broad range of backgrounds and experience levels.

So, if you want to be involved in a great festival through a fun publication and see stuff for free, all while building up your writing portfolio, here’s your chance. If you have the qualifications listed above, then take some time to familiarize yourself with Mooney on Theatre. If you feel like you might be a good fit, then see below for how to apply.

The Fringe Contributor Recruitment Process

The application process consists of two rounds and includes a timed test. Successful applicants will be required to complete a training session before the festival.

The position will start in mid-June since there will be training involved and an editorial process to adjust to. New contributors will be sent to see non-Fringe shows in the city and go through the process of writing within Mooney on Theatre’s editorial guidelines, submitting on WordPress, and working with an editor before their piece is published. We like all new writers to have been through this review writing and editing process a couple of times before they are thrown into the crucible that is Fringe.

How to apply

If you are interested in the position, please forward your resume and a writing sample (a short review of the last movie or play you saw works as a good option) to resumes@mooneyontheatre.com by Sunday, May 27, 2018, at 8:00PM EDT.

We look forward to hearing from you, as soon as possible.

Please note, all positions at Mooney on Theatre are volunteer-based, there is no compensation available beyond complementary admission to shows.

Photo credits: Toronto Fringe Festival