Christine Dolen: A Legacy of Theater Criticism and Advocacy
We’ve followed Christine Dolen’s work for decades, observing her evolution from a tenacious Miami Herald critic to a revered voice at Artburst Miami. Her career, spanning over four decades, redefined theater journalism in South Florida, blending sharp analysis with unwavering support for regional arts.
Career Trajectory: From the Herald to Artburst
- 1979–2015: The Miami Herald Era Dolen began her tenure at the Miami Herald in 1979, becoming the paper’s first dedicated theater critic. She championed local productions while covering Broadway tours, earning a reputation for fairness and depth. Her 1997 role on the Pulitzer Prize drama jury underscored her national influence.
- 2015–2024: Artburst Miami & Beyond After retiring from the Herald, Dolen joined Artburst Miami, focusing on immersive and experimental theater. Her reviews, such as “Conjuring the King”, highlighted emerging formats, cementing her status as a forward-thinking critic.
Key Articles and Impact
- Review: Juggerknot Theatre Company’s “Conjuring the King” Dolen’s analysis of this site-specific Elvis-inspired production emphasized its innovative use of Miami’s Little River neighborhood. She dissected how the play blended audience interaction with historical nostalgia, calling it “a masterclass in immersive storytelling.” Her review drove ticket sales to capacity, showcasing her influence.
- Miami New Drama’s “Museum Plays” at the Rubell Museum This piece explored short plays staged alongside contemporary art, highlighting collaborations between visual artists and playwrights. Dolen praised the production’s “audacious blurring of mediums,” sparking discussions about interdisciplinary art in Miami.
- Miami New Drama’s ‘Dangerous Days’ Play Tells Story of 1980 Race Riots Dolen’s coverage of this Edna Buchanan adaptation delved into its historical context and relevance to modern social justice movements. She interviewed director Michel Hausmann, providing insights into the challenges of dramatizing real-life trauma.
Beat Analysis & Pitching Recommendations
1. Pitch Regional Theater Innovations
Dolen prioritized homegrown talent, as seen in her coverage of Juggerknot’s hyper-local productions. Highlighting community-driven narratives or unconventional venues (e.g., warehouses, museums) aligns with her advocacy for Miami’s theater ecosystem.
2. Focus on Playwright Development
Her interviews with playwrights like Nilo Cruz revealed her interest in creative processes. Pitches about residency programs or new works by underrepresented writers will resonate, especially with ties to South Florida’s cultural diversity.
3. Avoid Commercial Theater Press Releases
While she reviewed Broadway tours, her passion lay in grassroots initiatives. Generic announcements about touring musicals or celebrity casting lack the depth she sought.
Awards and Achievements
- Pulitzer Prize Drama Juror (1997) Dolen’s selection recognized her critical acumen, placing her among the nation’s most trusted theater voices. Jurors shape Pulitzer outcomes, reflecting her peers’ respect.
- John S. Knight Fellowship at Stanford This prestigious program, which she completed in the 1980s, honed her investigative skills. Fellows often transition into leadership roles, underscoring her career’s trajectory.
