Critic (Book/Theater)

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Work Tasks

• Write reviews of books, movies, music, or art
• Read books or go to movies, concerts, plays, or art exhibits
• Give opinions based on how well they liked or disliked an event
• Write about how the actors and directors did, how good the script was, how good the show was, how the stage looked, etc.
• Work for publishing houses, newspapers, magazines, and TV and radio stations
• Work with books, magazines, newspapers, art exhibits, research materials, stage and record studios, TV, film, and videos

Salary, Size & Growth

• $57,500 average per year ($27.75 per hour)
• A medium occupation (41,000 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow moderately (1.5% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: A 4-year degree in communications, journalism, or English, and knowledge of literature and theater
• Skills/Courses: Critics should read a wide variety of novels and plays, and be familiar with current events in the art world, on stage, in movies, and art exhibits.