Alexandra Bonifield is a nationally recognized freelance arts journalist (O’Neill Theatre Critics Institute and National Endowment for the Arts/Annenberg Fellow) and respected Dallas/Fort Worth theater critic, stage director and arts advocate. Her reviews, features and short stories have been published both nationally and in regional publications, online and in print. Since 2008, she has served as editor of criticalrant.com, her regional blog featuring in-depth articles, advocacy and reviews that cover the North Texas/Central Oklahoma region. Her dedicated work as a publicist, media specialist, program director and creative teacher helped expand the reach and impact of visual and performing arts and arts education during her years in northern California. Glad to expand creative expression in Texas or help with testing prep......
TEACHING
• Over 30 years creating, managing and teaching drama, theatre and creative expression programs and workshops for non-profits, public and charter schools and camps, ranging from grade school students through adults.
• Over 20 years experience teaching and coaching equestrian students as a nationally licensed riding instructor, in private, group and camp settings.
• 1995-2000 Created, directed and taught nationally-recognized arts and equestrian leadership camp for girls (age 9-15) in California
• 2001-2004 Tutored Latin, Sacramento CA region,
• Freelance tutor with Varsity Tutors: creative writing, English lit, reading, grammar, editing projects
Distance rates will vary, based on mileage. Negotiable, depending on situation. $7 fee for tutoring locations within 10 miles from home base.
Rates will vary if multiple students engaged.
I am open to making this work well for everyone.
RESUME
JOURNALISM
Editor – criticalrant.com: Stage performance feature/review blog site
Special Contributor – Dallas Morning News, American Theatre Magazine, Shakespeare Magazine, OnStageblog.com
Freelance features – Water Tower Theatre, Oklahoma City Repertory Theatre, Fun House Theatre, L.I.P. Service Productions
2010 Guest Lecturer – Demystifying Theatre Criticism – University of North Texas
2011 2014 Contributor – Theater Jones online
2008 2012 Contributor -- theatre reviews, features -- Arts+Culture DFW Magazine
2007 2008 Contributor -- theatre reviews, features -- THE Magazine – Dallas, TX
2006 2009 Contributor -- theatre critic – Black/White Read, Inc. on-line
2005 2006 Contributor – lifestyle writer - Star Community Newspapers – Plano, TX
1997 2004 Major features contributor – N. CA Guide to the Arts Magazine
1997 2004 On-air personality/ interviewer: - KNCO and KVMR radio, Nevada County
KNCO, weekly Arts Update for Talk/news radio am
2000 2004 Major features contributor -- ARTMatters Quarterly Arts Advocacy Journal –
Nevada County, CA
2000 2004 Marketing & Outreach Director, Media Specialist -- Nevada County
Arts Council (Non-profit), Nevada County, CA
2000-2005 Sierra Nevada Institute – Publicity/ Marketing/ Event Coordinator
2001-2003 "Listen2Jazz" Concerts and N. CA. Jazz Summer Camp – Developer
1998 2000 Marketing Director/ Press Agent -- Foothill Theatre Co. – Nevada County, CA
2000 Harvey Chess Grant Writers Certification – Sacramento, CA
TEACHING
• Over 30 years creating, managing and teaching drama, theatre and creative expression programs and workshops for non-profits, public and charter schools and camps, ranging from grade school students through adults.
• Over 20 years experience teaching and coaching equestrian students as a nationally licensed riding instructor, in private, group and camp settings.
• 1995-2000 Created, directed and taught nationally-recognized arts and equestrian leadership camp for girls (age 9-15) in California
• 2001-2004 Tutored Latin, Sacramento CA region,
• Freelance tutor with Varsity Tutors: creative writing, English lit, reading, grammar, editing projects
MANAGEMENT
• Coordinated, initiated or implemented arts and education program development, created budgets, timelines, scheduled and ran meetings/re-cap evaluations, and represented organizations at public events and meetings
• Developed internal programs: budgets, timelines, job descriptions and recruitment procedures, supervised interns
• Directed office staff and recruited/supervised volunteers at fundraising, cultural, political and performance events
PUBLIC RELATIONS/MARKETING
• Developed regional marketing plans and campaigns for arts, political and environmental organizations
• Wrote and submitted press releases, feature and profile articles
• Developed/coordinated a regional non-profit advertising cooperative and maintained a regional media list
DEVELOPMENT/ EVENT PRODUCTION
• Produced benefits/fine art receptions/concerts/cultural events/educational workshops and political/environmental events.
• Wrote and edited non-profit grant applications for CA state grant funding cycles and compiled a working list of potential regional foundations
• Research, write and edit grant applications for nonprofit arts organizations on a freelance basis in DFW region
EDUCATION
• The Hockaday School, (Dallas TX)
• Rice University – Honor Scholarship (Houston TX)
• The University of Texas at Dallas – BA, Theatre Arts
• MediaBistro.com Social Media Marketing Boot camp
PERSONAL ADVANCEMENT
• 2015 O’Neill Theatre Critics Institute Fellow, Waterford, CT
• 2012 Spring For Music Great Arts Blogger Challenge, semi-finalist,
• 2010 Guest lecturer in theatre criticism, University of North Texas,
2011 Fellowship, National Conference on Media Reform, Boston MA
• 2009 Voting member, Dallas/Fort Worth Theater Critics Forum
• 2008 National Endowment for the Arts Fellow, USC/ Annenberg Institute in Theatre Criticism
• 2009 Mayborn Nonfiction Journalism Conference awarded author—work published in University of North Texas Press’ “10 SPURS: Best of the Best” short stories,
• 1991 Young Careerist-Business & Professional Women’s Organization, N. CA
• 1996 Women In Sports Foundation: Nationally recognized for creating/directing young women’s leadership, arts and sports education program, “Got a Horse-Crazy Daughter?”
• 1988 American Riding Instructor Association: Nationally Certified Instructor; national winner, essay on equestrian education philosophy
Bonifield Resume, Page 3
ACCOLADES
“Alexandra Bonifield is one of the most energetic, committed and insightful critics in the region. She tirelessly covers theaters, both large and small, throughout our community, championing new voices and productions that would otherwise go unnoticed. She is supportive of new voices and new approaches to creating theater while also honestly sharing her own detailed critical analysis of the play itself and how the artists live up to the challenges of bringing that play to life. For all of us in DFW who not only love great theater, but also love a meaningful dialogue about great theater, Alexandra provides an essential service. Her voice is important contribution to the lively theatrical community that is thriving in DFW.”
Kevin Moriarty, Artistic Director, Dallas Theater Center, Dallas TX
"A strong voice is an essential element of the theater. When Alexandra Bonifield speaks about the stage, her voice is not only clear, it is passionate, informed, articulate and a powerful advocate for our great American professional Regional Theater."
Donald Jordan, Artistic Director, Oklahoma City Repertory Theatre, Oklahoma City OK
Alexandra is a natural guide and mentor.
There have been many times in my life where I have been stuck, needed motivation or assistance with major projects. Alexandra gladly took up the reigns to help me through by lightening my load or showing me what steps to take.
She is wise, helpful, and compassionate.
I could not recommend anyone more highly.
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