Kelundra Smith on Critiquing Theater and Creating It

Description: Arts journalist, critic, and playwright Kelundra Smith joins Could Be Pretty Cool to talk about what it takes to build authority as a critic when anyone can post a review, why she holds two very different views on AI, and how she handles reviews of her own work. She also shares the questions she’d ask any young person thinking about a career in the arts.

Key Topics: Becoming a cultural critic in the age of social media Why expertise still matters online AI in journalism and playwriting Intellectual property and the training of AI models Moving from reviewing plays to writing them Handling criticism as both critic and creator Risk, reward, and defining success in a creative career Advice for young people considering the arts Featured Guest: Kelundra Smith: Arts journalist, cultural critic, and playwright; author of The Wash and Other Paths to God; member of the American Theatre Critics Association Notable Quotes: “There’s no replacement for expertise, so you still have to be a student of culture.” (Kelundra Smith) “I don’t believe that you have to starve or suffer to be creative.” (Kelundra Smith) Connect with Our Guest: Website: Instagram: @anotherpieceofk LinkedIn, Bluesky, and X: Kelundra Smith Catch Kelundra’s Work on Stage: Other Paths to God: Horizon Theatre, Atlanta, through November 8, 2026 Other Paths to God: Definition Theatre, Chicago, November 5 to 15, 2026 (co-produced by Coalescence Theatre and Perceptions Theatre) The Wash: Boston, through November 22, 2026 The Wash: Houston, January 21 to February 22, 2027 Other Paths to God: Sacramento, April 2027 Visit for full production dates. Follow Could Be Pretty Cool: @couldbeprettycool | | couldbeprettycoolnews.substack.com Keywords: Kelundra Smith, theater criticism, arts journalism, playwriting, The Wash, Other Paths to God, AI and writing, intellectual property, creative careers, Atlanta theater, Black playwrights, cultural criticism Learn more about your ad choices.

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