Frederick M. Winship, 90

FREDERICK M. WINSHIP (1924-2015)
UPI REPORTER, EDITOR AND CRITIC

Fred Winship, long time theater reviewer for UPI, died peacefully at 90 in his apartment on E. 57th Street in NYC on September 3, 2015. No cause of death was given; it was probably a sudden heart attack. He was writing a review of a play he had just seen when he died.

He was born on September 24th 1924 in Franklin Ohio, son of Wilbur William Winship and Edna Moery Winship.  He was the son of a paper manufacturing executive and member of a family active in journalism in Massachusetts, West Virginia, Indiana, and Ohio since the 1790s. He received a bachelor's degree in 1945 from DePauw University, where he was president of the founding chapter of Sigma Delta Chi, the national journalism fraternity.  He graduated in 1946 from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism and started his career on UPI's New York news desk.  He was a reporter, editor and critic for the wireservice for nearly 70 years.

He was known as one of UPI's most versatile writers, having covered, as he once said, "everything but sports." H. L. Stevenson, a longtime managing editor of UPI, called Winship "our triple threat man."  One of his first assignments was as correspondent at the new United Nations in its temporary headquarters in Lake Success, N. Y., and later at is permanent headquarters in Manhattan. There he covered one of the major stories of the day, the lengthy debate on the establishment of the State of Israel.

Winship later covered politics, the courts, social events, and cultural affairs in New York. A personal interest in the arts led him to expand UPI's coverage in this area and took him to many cities in the United States and abroad to cover museum exhibitions and to critique operatic, symphonic, and dance performances and theatrical events.

In 1958 he was named an Ogden Reid Journalism Fellow and spent a year studying the second five-year economic development program in India, where he already had traveled extensively on tours of the Far East. Other assignments took him to Europe, Africa. South America, and Australia, so that he had filed stories from six of the seven continents.

He wrote some of the earliest reports on the controversial planned city of Brasilia, now Brazil's capital; the discovery of Cheop's Solar Ship at the foot of the pharaoh's pyramid in Egypt; and the opening of the Soviet Union and China to tourism. He reported extensively on the glamorous marriage of American socialite Hope Cooke to the future king of Sikkim.

His interviews ranged from Sir Winston Churchill, President Harry S. Truman, hydrogen bomb developer Edward Teller, and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis to the pope of Cao Daiism - a politically powerful religious sect in pre-war Viet Nam, the Dalai Lama and Norgay Tenzing, co-conqueror of Mt. Everest.

He considered an interview with crusty architect Frank Lloyd Wright on the occasion of the completion of the Wright-designed Guggenheim Museum in New York as one of his most interesting encounters. Another was his exclusive interview with notorious murderer Nathan Leopold after his release from prison about his work as a scientific guinea pig in Puerto Rico.

He also was credited with inventing the word "smaze" to describe a combination of smoke and haze. He used it in reporting on a strange atmospheric condition caused by forest fires in 1950 and it was picked up by the U.S. Weather Service and later by the Oxford English Dictionary and Webster's.

Winship was named UPI's assistant managing editor in charge of the new service's worldwide news feature and enterprise report in 1975.  In 1983 he was named senior editor for arts and theater and became UPI's Broadway drama critic, reviewing literally thousands of productions. Since 2000 he held the title Critic-at-Large for the Arts and Theater.

Winship was active in cultural and community affairs, and served as chairman of the Easter Seal Society of Greater New York, initiating its annual fund-raising telethon. For many years he was president of Letters Abroad, an affiliate of the U.S. Information Service's People-to-People Program. He was also chairman of The Oratorio Society of New York, the city's oldest choral group, president of the New York Conference of Patriotic Societies, and a member of the boards of the New York State Easter Seal Society, Museum of the City of New York, and Friends of the American Theater Wing.  He was a member of The Society of the Cincinnati and he was listed in The Social Register.  Since 1957, Winship was listed in Who's Who in America.

In 1967 he was married to Joanne Tree Thompson, a former screen, stage, and television actress who turned journalist, reporting on fashion and life style for UPI, AP and the New York Post. She died in 1997.

At his request he was cremated and his ashes are to be interred in his family plot at Woodhill Cemetery in Franklin, Ohio next to his beloved wife Joanne.

Survivors include: nieces Anna Hudson of NYC; Elizabeth Tannenbaum of Brattleboro,Vt; Randi Jane Lambert of  Punta Gorda, FL; Marguerite Ulrich of Alexandra, OH; and nephew William R. Knutson of Franklin, OH and 5 great nieces and four nephews.

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For further information contact his niece, Anna Hudson, 615-975-1583, nanthudson@gmail.com.

American dance criticism: RIP?

The Death of the American Dance Critic
Why are there so few mainstream outlets covering the art form?
by Madison Mainwaring, The Atlantic, August 6, 2015

******

My comment:

If mainstream dance criticism is dead, the appropriate question is: What's next? Not all dance blogs are ballet-centric or inaccessible in language. Mainwaring could have explored a little further and discovered US dance writing in venues like The Brooklyn Rail and my own blog, InfiniteBody, that continues sensitive observation, documentation, analysis and sharing of meaningful experiences with dance. Dance writing in mainstream media has withered, yes, for all of the reasons that Mainwaring details, but dance writers are still out here, using our knowledge and skills in service to an art we greatly respect and love. We would appreciate your acknowledgement and support.

Memorial celebration for dance journalist Valerie Gladstone, March 15

New York Times now has zero Black culture writers

Following Layoffs, NYT Culture Section Devoid Of Black Reporters
by Jackson O'Connor, The Huffington Post, December 19, 2014

New York Times shows veteran music critic the door

A terrible mistake at the New York Times
by Norman Lebrecht, The New York Times, December 18, 2014

Remembering Ana's beautiful life

A Wrenching Grief Assuaged With Beauty
Jimmy Greene’s 'Beautiful Life' Is a Eulogy to a Daughter
by Nate Chinen, The New York Times, November 26, 2014

Richard Eder, 82

Richard Eder, Arts Critic and Foreign Correspondent, Dies at 82
by Bruce Weber, The New York Times, November 21, 2014

Arthur Gelb, 90

Arthur Gelb, Critic and Editor Who Shaped The Times, Dies at 90
by Sam Roberts, The New York Times, May 20, 2014

Great opportunity for cultural journalists interested in circus

En Piste invites ten cultural journalists from Canada and the northeastern United States to participate in a residency program in Montreal, during the festival Montréal Complètement Cirque, July 3-6, 2014.

During the 4-day program, participants will contribute in a series of moderated thematic discussions, attend lectures by key circus experts, see three to five shows and meet with artists taking part in the festival.

At the end of the residency, participants will each be required to deliver one article (2,000 words) in English or French. These articles will be published on En Piste’s website and on all other pertinent media: social networks, newswire, blogs, etc. Journalists will also be invited to publish the articles in their respective media.

En Piste will cover costs related to the residency: plane or train tickets, local transportation, accommodation, meals, tickets for shows. There are no participation fees.

Get complete information and an application form here.

Arts journalism take another hit: Annenberg/Getty program ends

USC Annenberg/Getty Arts Journalism Program ends
by David Ng, Los Angeles Times, March 4, 2014

Update on midtown NYC attack on Randy Gener

Midtown Attack Investigated as Hate Crime
by J. David Goodman, The New York Times, January 27, 2014

Reports say arts journalist Randy Gener attacked, recovering from surgery

Theater Journalist Randy Gener Recovering From Brain Surgery After Assault
by Broadwayworld.com, January 24, 2014

Holland Cotter on money and power in the art industry

Lost in the Gallery-Industrial Complex
Holland Cotter Looks at Money in Art
by Holland Cotter, The New York Times, January 17, 2014

Get to know "Black Dance Magazine"

What's new on the horizon? How about a print and online magazine dedicated to the work of dancers of color?

Get to know the up-and-coming Black Dance Magazine, published in partnership with the International Association of Blacks in Dance.

Norma Porter Anthony of Black Dance Magazine

Publisher/Editor Norma Porter Anthony writes:

In 2003, I began pursuing a degree in Journalism. I left the dance world, and began writing on everything from local and national education issues to business to community news.

Almost 15 years later, media coverage of the dance industry still fails to address the fact that there are viable, professional dancers of color, companies and teachers doing amazing things in the field.

I realize now that if there was a publication dedicated to “chasing the rhythms of dancers of every hue,” I probably would not have made the decision to abandon dance and pursue a “more stable” career. If I knew that there were opportunities for dancers of color, with different body types, maybe I would have made a different choice.

To subscribe or read articles online (current cover story: Hope Boykin of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater), click here.

Arts journalists, critics invited to "Speaking Circus": contemporary circus in perspective

You’re fluent in theater and dance. You speak Beckett, Pinter, Graham and Ailey. But what about circus? Is the only circus-ease in your vocabulary “clown” and “three-ring”?

Circus Now 

invites you to

SPEAKING CIRCUS

An exploration of ways to think about the contemporary circus.

Inspired by Unpack the Arts (the European Residency Programme for Cultural Journalists), Speaking Circus will follow a contemporary circus performance with discussions and presentations about contemporary circus history, disciplines and influences.  The primary focus of this event is a half-day long seminar. You are encouraged to view the performance the previous evening, as it will be referenced in some of the panels.

PRESENTERS

Joe Melillo (Executive Producer at BAM), Duncan Wall (author of The Ordinary Acrobat), Karen Fricker (theater critic and professor at Brock University), Mary Rose Lloyd (Director of Artistic Programming at The New Victory Theater), Monique Martin (Director of Family Programming at City Parks Foundation), Lotta Vaulo (Managing Director of Circus Info Finland), members of the Race Horse Company and Suzi Winson (founder of Circus Warehouse).

WHEN AND WHERE

Presentations, discussion and lunch

Wednesday, August 21, 10am-3pm

New 42nd Street® Studios building
229 West 42nd Street, LuEsther T. Mertz Board Room, 9th Floor, Manhattan
(map/directions)

***

Performances by Race Horse Company, AcroArts, FAQ, Bindlestiff Family Cirkus andHybrid Movement Company

Tuesday, August 20, 7pm

Wednesday, August 21, 7pm

Marcus Garvey Park
Madison Ave, East 120th Street to East 124 Street, Manhattan
(map/directions)

***

WHAT IS CONTEMPORARY CIRCUS?

Contemporary Circus refers to any performance that uses traditional circus skills to emotionally, intellectually and viscerally engage audiences. It is extremely popular in Europe, Canada and Australia - and now the U.S. is catching up. We haven’t seen this much enthusiasm and innovation in American circuses since the Ringling Brothers started traveling by train. A massive scene is happening right under America’s feet and Circus Now wants to give you the scoop.

Unpacking contemporary circus in Europe: A call for writers

Unpack the Arts is a European project that provides residencies for cultural journalists in the context of twelve major festivals programming contemporary circus. The goal of the project is to facilitate the circulation of knowledge and experience, to develop the critical discourses of its participants, and to further the role of the media within the circus arts and contemporary society. Cultural journalists, critics and chief editors from any form of media can apply for the project. 

For comprehensive information, click here.

Application deadline: August 23

Associate Press to drop coverage of dance, opera and Off-Broadway

To Be, Or Not To Be (Covered By The AP)
by Howard Sherman, NPR, June 20, 2013

Writing on Dance workshops at New York Live Arts announced

Eva Yaa Asantewaa
(photo by Deborah Feller)

New York Live Arts has just released the official announcement of my annual Writing on Dance workshop series (April 17-June 5).

This spring's focus will be on quality, long-form profiles of artists in dance and live performance. Our work will aim to foster greater awareness and understanding of the arts of dance and live performance through the prism of the individual performer, grounding our writing in the central instrument of these arts--the human body/mind/spirit. 

The deadline for applications is March 4, 5pm EST, and early registration is advised. 

All the information you'll need is available here!

Seeking more interns for Collective for Dance Writing and New Media

Collective for Dance Writing and New Media

We're growing, 

and we invite you to grow along with us!

New Intern Positions Available

Intern for the new advocacy organization, Collective for Dance Writing and New Media as part of our talented Leadership Circle.

We’re looking for a few more smart, creative, community-minded interns to help us build this dynamic initiative in the dance and dance-writer communities. (See our Vision and Mission Statements).

ADMINISTRATIVE PROJECTS

Interns will work in support of a variety of essential projects in the following areas:

    Communications: community outreach, publicity, website management, e-newsletter editing and production, social media management, blog editing, podcast hosting/production, speakers bureau management

    Events: collaboration with community organizations, planning, coordination, facilitation and support

    Finance: financial administration and development

    Membership Services: outreach/recruitment, benefits, members-only trainings and other members-only events

We’ll be happy to arrange a weekly schedule and selection of tasks (plus assistance at occasional events) that will be comfortable and useful for you. You need not have a background in journalism or dance writing to qualify for this internship, but this opportunity will be ideal for candidates with interest in dance or other arts.

TIME COMMITMENT AND BENEFITS

In exchange for a six-month commitment, you will receive a one-year membership in CollectiveDWNM entitling you to free or discounted admission to all of our events and workshops, including members-only events and trainings, and our members-only bi-weekly newsletter (coming soon).

APPLICATION PROCESS AND REQUIREMENTS


To apply for a CollectiveDWNM internship, please send an email to:

Eva Yaa Asantewaa at collectiveDWNM@gmail.com with SUBJECT: Internship Application.

In the body of the email, please include your:

●    Name
●    Street address
●    Phone number(s)
●    Email address
●    Areas of competence and/or interest (including any tech/new media skills)
●    Days/hours available
●    Optional: links to samples of your writing online, if available

Please attach a pdf of your resume or include a detailed bio in the body of your email.

[Special Note: Our Executive Committee and Leadership Circle will be meeting on Thursday, October 11, 2pm to 4pm, at Gibney Dance Center, 890 Broadway, 5th Floor, Studio 1. If you're available, grab your application, come meet us and we'll consider your application on the spot!]

If you have any questions, please write to us at collectiveDWNM@gmail.com.

Thanks very much for your interest. We look forward to hearing from you!

Eva Yaa Asantewaa
Founder
Member, Executive Committee
Collective for Dance Writing and New Media
PO Box 210 Cooper Station
New York, NY 10276
collectiveDWNM@gmail.com

Sherri Kronfeld: Should theater makers critique theater?

Many thanks to my colleague in Philadelphia, Lisa Kraus of thINKingDANCE, for recommending this piece. 

Where is our Tiki Barber? Theater Makers As Theater Critics
by Sherri Kronfeld, HowlRound, July 22, 2012