Teen Writers Wanted: Arts Journalism in the TeenTix Newsroom!

From September to June, teen writers in Seattle attend and review an array of art events; spanning from comedy to classical ballet and everything in between. They work with Teen Editors to polish, and publish their reviews for the TeenTix blog. The TeenTix Newsroom empowers teen writers to interact with art in a meaningful way, and compensates them for their contribution to the arts. Here’s everything you need to know about the TeenTix Newsroom, plus some advice from last year’s Newsroom members.

How do you know if the TeenTix Newsroom is right for you? 

Are you looking for an opportunity to immerse yourself in the Seattle art scene, share your perspectives, and build your writing skills with a community of like minded teens? If so, the Newsroom is absolutely right for you.  To become a TeenTix writer “you don’t have to be an expert on any type of art or interested in all performing/visual arts,” says Mariela Videla, a writer who joined the Newsroom in 2024. She notes that curiosity for a “specific art like dance or photography” is not only welcomed in the Newsroom, but supported with “plenty of opportunities” to dive deep into your passions. 

The Newsroom is a wonderful place to apply and grow your writing skills and is a great start to your writing journey if you’ve just begun. “If you have a perspective to share or a passion for whatever art form you are reviewing, just let that shine through!” offers Videla. So, if you are worried about your limited experience, don’t worry; “the Newsroom will become your experience.” says Sylvie Jarman, a member of the Teen Editorial Staff. The Newsroom experience means you’re working with “an amazing community of like minded teens who share this interest in the arts and gives you the opportunity to work alongside them and learn from them.” which is a perfect place for both beginner and experienced teen writers. “If that sounds like a community you want to be a part of, the newsroom is definitely right for you!” adds Jarman.

Apart from an enriching community, what can you expect to gain from joining the TeenTix Newsroom? 

During your time with TeenTix you can expect to explore parts of the art scene and grow your knowledge of the arts with every critique you write. Jarman notes that “Since joining the newsroom, I've become so much more engaged with the Seattle arts scene.” She has “familiarized myself with so many arts spaces that I previously had no idea existed just by writing reviews for the blog.” The TeenTix newsroom helps teens “gain more from seeing art. The critical skills you develop as a writer allow you to pick up on small details and intricacies that you might have previously overlooked; it gives you a much greater appreciation for everything about a work of art”.  As you make your way through professional and personal spaces, you can take the skills you learn with the program to reach your future goals. Videla has gained confidence in her reviewing skills and now has “ a new skill that will help me in the future, both in classes and in critically viewing art and media.”. 

If you are Interested in a future with the arts, TeenTix is a stepping stone for writers like Videla, who after seeing local art during her time with TeenTix has been inspired to pursue art and writing in college.

Abby Bernstein, a writer graduating from the Newsroom with two years under her belt, details another thrilling experience in the newsroom: interviewing! Bernstein explains “Each piece, performance, and conversation has been part of shaping me into the artist I am today!” With  interview opportunities from newsroom you can interact with real artist and gain new perspectives.  

Can you advance through the program? 

After a full year in the Newsroom, you are eligible to advance through the newsroom and apply for the position of Teen Editorial Staff. This group of six teens play a key role in the TeenTix newsroom by leading  newsroom meetings, curating  Arts events for writers to cover and editing Newsroom articles for publication. 

 Unsure about making the commitment? 

“TeenTix meets you where you are, so you can get the most out of the program without it getting in the way of your other commitments!” Writing “can be time consuming, but your editors are here to help with this. We are high schoolers too, so we understand that it’s sometimes difficult to make time to write in the midst of everything else we have going on.” says editor Jarman. “My advice is just to write as much as you can, enjoy the process, and you'll be surprised by how much you grow!” suggests Bernstein. 

Jarman encourages everyone to  “Go into the program with an open mind, a willingness to learn, and the knowledge that the point of the program is to help you grow as a writer”. 

Applications are due August 6th.

Lead photo: Teen Editorial Staff members at the 2024 Newsroom Orientation. Photo by Caleb Uhl.