New York Times Appoints Helen Shaw as Chief Theater Critic

Helen Shaw has been named the new chief theater critic at The New York Times. She joins the publication after serving as a theater critic and staff writer at The New Yorker and previously holding the role of chief theater critic at New York Magazine.

Shaws appointment follows a reorganization announced by the Times in July, in which television critic Margaret Lyons, music critic Jon Pareles, theater critic Jesse Green, and classical music critic Zach Woolfe transitioned to new roles, sparking discussions about the future of criticism at the newspaper.

Jesse Green, who had been the papers chief theater critic since 2020 and co-chief since 2017, has been serving as a culture correspondent since September.

The position of chief theater critic is highly influential in the theater community, with Times reviews often playing a decisive role in the success of Broadway productions.

Shaw has contributed theater coverage to Time Out New York, 4Columns, Artforum, and The Village Voice. Her work has been recognized with the 2025 Grace Dudley Prize for Arts Writing and she was a co-recipient of the 2017-18 George Jean Nathan Award for Dramatic Criticism.

Reflecting on her new role, Shaw said, Even before moving to New York in 2002, I formed strong opinions about plays I hadnt yet seen, guided by The Times reviews. Reading Mel Gussow on Edward Albee in Kansas or Frank Rich on Stephen Sondheim in Massachusetts shaped my understanding of theater. In college during the 90s, Walter Kerrs reviews of shows long closed were an essential part of my theater education. I hope to continue that conversation at The Times with as broad an audience as possible.

Shaw lives in Brooklyn and teaches at New York University and Yale University. She is scheduled to begin her tenure in mid-January.

Helen Shaw Appointed as New Chief Theater Critic at The New York Times

Helen Shaw's appointment as the new chief theater critic at The New York Times marks a significant change in the publication’s theater coverage. Shaw joins the Times from The New Yorker, where she previously held the role of theater critic and staff writer. She also has experience as the chief theater critic at New York Magazine. This move comes as part of a larger restructuring at The New York Times, which has seen several prominent critics shift roles within the paper, including Jesse Green, the former chief theater critic.

Shaw's background in theater criticism is impressive, with her work appearing in publications such as Time Out New York, 4Columns, Artforum, and The Village Voice. Her contributions have earned her notable awards, including the Grace Dudley Prize for Arts Writing and a shared George Jean Nathan Award for Dramatic Criticism. Her writing has consistently engaged both seasoned theatergoers and general audiences, making her a trusted voice in the industry.

As the new chief theater critic, Shaw inherits a role with a powerful influence on the theater community. The Times' reviews often play a crucial role in the success of Broadway productions, and Shaw’s deep knowledge and passion for theater, as well as her dedication to expanding the conversation, will likely shape the future of criticism at the paper.

Shaw expressed her excitement about continuing the rich legacy of theater criticism at The New York Times. In reflecting on her own education in theater, she pointed to the reviews of legendary critics like Mel Gussow and Frank Rich as formative influences. Her approach to theater criticism will undoubtedly continue this tradition while engaging a broad audience.

With her wealth of experience and commitment to the craft, Shaw is well-positioned to lead The New York Times' theater coverage into the future. She will officially begin her tenure in mid-January, and her appointment promises to bring fresh perspectives to the paper's theater section.

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• New York Times Hires Helen Shaw as Chief Theater Critic