Staff Picks.

Live performances are inherently ephemeral, but some shows are more fleeting than others. Staff Picks aims to spotlight New York (and surrounding areas') works at smaller houses with shorter runs so that more people can experience them. This effort prioritizes the unconventional but nifty, though a range of shows, venues, and styles will be represented on this site to uplift our entire artistic environment. Offering a curated guide of theater, dance, music, performance, multimedia, and other (live!) pieces, Staff Picks helps you map out your cultural diet through mini reviews, features, and video content to uplift the scrappy and diversify the arts criticism landscape. Staff Picks is made by and for artists and audiences, nourishing the roots of our ecosystem so more new works get seen and supported. Trickle up, honey!

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STAFF PICKS SOAPBOX SUBMISSIONS

What is a Soap Box?

A Soap Box™️ is a short essay, dialogue, or response about a piece of live art. Staff Picks uplifts, through weekly posts, live works of theater, dance, music, and a combination of those mediums, taking special note of shows in unique or far-flung venues that may only enjoy a short run. Soap Boxes are chances to further highlight those works through rigorous and curious commentary. 

What Should Be in My Soap Box?

A distinct point of view. We are not looking for an essay of complimentary adjectives, though we of course want to uplift works that do not enjoy mainstream press. That said, we are more curious about what about a production is sticking with you, and why. That might mean all you discuss is a single costume, moment, or performance. Or, a theme or trend or something larger!

How Long is a Soap Box?

Given Staff Picks is entirely volunteer-run and editing is a love of labor, a Soap Box should be at most 1,000 words, but you can also go much shorter. There can also be flexibility around the word count depending on individual conversations with the Staff Picks team..

How Do I Submit a Soap Box?

Email staffpicks.fun@gmail.com with SOAP BOX: <and then the name of the show or artist you are considering> in the subject line of your message. Then, in the body of the email, share just a paragraph or two sharing the show you want to write about (or person you want to have a conversation with), when it runs (or ran), why you want to discuss it, and when you think you can turn in a draft. From there, the Staff Picks team will discern and then reply either green lighting or passing on the Soap Box pitch.

Can I Write About a Friend’s Show?

Yes, but be judicious. Many artists know each other, so not writing about friends is sometimes impossible. Nonetheless, Staff Picks prizes rigor and honesty over pull quotes and overly flowery praise.