Helen Shaw Named New York Times Chief Theatre Critic

Helen Shaw Named New York Times Chief Theatre Critic

The outlet has been using various writers in lieu of one primary lead voice since predecessor Jesse Green was reassigned earlier this year.

There is a new New York Times chief theatre critic: Helen Shaw. The outlet has been publishing reviews by a number of writers in the months since predecessor Jesse Green was reassigned earlier this year. That list of fill-ins notably did not include Shaw, who joins the Times after a stint as theatre critic and staff writer for The New Yorker, and a tenure as chief theatre critic at New York Magazine prior.

“Long before I came to New York in 2002, I developed a lot of strong opinions about shows I hadn’t encountered yet, largely thanks to reviews in The Times: In Kansas, I could read Mel Gussow on Edward Albee; in Massachusetts, I could read Frank Rich on Stephen Sondheim,” says Shaw in a statement. “I also developed a serious passion in the ’90s, in college, for the cut and thrust of Walter Kerr, reading him on shows that had been closed, at that point, for almost 20 years. Those reviews were my education and invited me into the long conversation about the theatre. My hope at The Times is to continue that conversation, with as many people as possible.”

“I’ve long admired Helen’s beautifully written prose, in which she smartly engages with mainstream productions, experimental theater and artists to watch,” added Theater Editor Nicole Herrington, who will oversee Shaw. “Her criticism not only reflects her deep expertise, but also her wit and curiosity.”

The Times’ announcement of the appointment does not share what to expect from the nature of upcoming reviews. In a previously posted job listing for the position, the Times wrote that it was looking for someone who can “write reviews, write critic’s notebooks, appraisals and other features,” can utilize “alternate story formats and multimedia,” and “[join] in on podcasts and [deliver] criticism on camera.”

Green had headed the paper’s theatre criticism since 2017, previously reviewing shows for New York Magazine. The appointment is a heady one for the Broadway industry, which often looks to Times reviews as a significant influencer on ticket sales. The outlet had historically had two full-time theatre critics. Following the departure of Ben Brantley in 2020, the outlet kept only Green full-time, with additional reviews being penned by freelancers.