UTAJ Reviewer Etiquette

Much ink has been spilled about the unpleasantness of critics and reviewers. Playwrights have written plays that lambast critic characters on or off stage. Venues have barred certain critics from their spaces, and some in Utah have barred UTAJ entirely, or sought to prohibit specific reviewers. Our goal is to not perpetuate bad stereotypes.

The highest level artists understand that critics and journalists are a crucial part of a healthy arts environment. We keep a steady stream of information about theatre performances to compel public interest. We gain public trust when we share reviews that speak candidly about the value of a production for a patron. We support arts and arts advocacy by shining lights onto the spaces where arts are being best produced. And, ultimately, we are invited guests into these spaces. As such, we expect UTAJ reviewers to be held to high standards of professionalism.

Performance Attendance Etiquette

• Dress professionally: Business casual is usually best.
• Courtesy to staff: For better or worse, many venues know who we are. Treat everyone in the space that you interact with dignity and courtesy.
• Be discreet: UTAJ members are encouraged to speak with theatre staff and other audience members about the website, their pending review, and positive aspects of the experience. However, they should not become the center of attention for the audience or draw attention to their status as a reviewer in front of a large group of people as this can impact performers.
• Avoid sharing opinions inside the venue: Reviewers should not discuss their opinions about the show while in the theatre, especially negative criticism. Even if such criticism will appear in the review, it is rude to share it in the venue.
• Stay for the entire show: Leaving early is unprofessional and undermines the integrity of the review.
• Tickets: With some rare exceptions (such as Fringe reviews that only give one ticket), the standard is two tickets for a reviewer, and reviewers should not ask for more. They are welcome, however, to purchase others for friends and family as long as it does not create a disruption for the review.
• Follow photography guidelines: Reviewers should follow restrictions on photography and ask at the box office about press photos for the review.
• Arrive early and remain attentive: Reviewers should arrive at least 10–15 minutes before curtain, silence phones, and avoid distractions during the performance.
• Be aware of the conflict of interest policy: Reviewers should remember that UTAJ has a conflict of interest policy and act accordingly.

Online Etiquette

On the UTAJ site, through social media platforms and across other online venues, UTAJ members are to be polite and cordial to readers and other UTAJ members. Personal attacks are always forbidden in our writing. Members should be aware that UTAJ reviewers and readers encompasses a variety of personal, political, artistic, and religious views; these should be treated with respect. Members are free to disagree with each other about theatre, but they should refrain from being disagreeable.

If readers lodge complaints or disputes, reviewers should refer complaints to the UTAJ President rather than engaging directly.

Representation

UTAJ reviewers or guest bloggers are only permitted to present themselves as official representatives of UTAJ at the plays they are assigned to review. If a reviewer or guest blogger wishes to attend an event, they should get approval from a scheduler or the UTAJ President before attending as an official representative of UTAJ.

This rule applies specifically to situations such as annual galas, press events, or seeking to see a play in the capacity of a reviewer outside of an assigned production. Of course, members are welcome to purchase their own tickets and attend events as regular patrons, but they should not represent themselves as UTAJ reviewers unless officially assigned.

Professional Conduct

UTAJ members should be aware that their behavior towards other members of the theatre community should always be professional—even when not officially acting on behalf of UTAJ. Some UTAJ members have reported that theatre community members treat them as reviewers even outside official duties (such as at auditions, rehearsals, or while attending a show as a regular patron). Because of this, unprofessional or inappropriate behavior in any capacity at any time may warrant consequences up to and including removal of posted content and suspension of reviewer privileges or assignments.