The Job of a Fringe Reviewer: Connecting Audiences and Artists

S1E25 of What the Fringe?!

In the world of theater, the relationship between performers and reviewers can feel complicated. For some artists, the thought of a reviewer in the audience brings excitement and dread in equal measure. But at its best, the work of a reviewer is not about passing judgment from a distance, but about helping connect audiences to the art being made in their community.

Jill Schafer of Cherry and Spoon

Amplifying Twin Cities Theater Through "Cherry and Spoon"

For Minneapolis-based theater reviewer Jill Schafer, that connection is at the heart of her work. Through her blog, Cherry and Spoon, she writes from an audience perspective, offering thoughtful reflections on the shows she sees. What began in 2010 as a personal journal to record her own theatergoing experiences has grown into a respected voice in the Twin Cities theater scene. Over time, Jill’s blog has evolved into a top resource in the Twin Cities for audiences seeking recommendations and as a platform that helps theater companies, especially smaller ones, get the attention they might not receive from mainstream media.

“Our goal is to connect theatergoers with theater makers and really encourage audience engagement,” Jill shared with WTF. “We want people to know what’s out there because sometimes they don’t realize how much theater there is.”

Transforming Theater Critique and Community Engagement

Jill’s process is shaped by her unique position as a blogger rather than a traditional critic. She begins with an introduction, offers a plot summary, and reflects on the acting and design, but always aims to weave in something personal, how a moment resonated with her, what it made her think about, or why it stayed with her. She does not strive for detached objectivity. Instead, she values the space to be authentic, to share when she was moved, and to encourage readers to see a show themselves.

That personal approach extends to her role in the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers group, which she helped form. What started as a loose connection between a handful of bloggers has grown into a collaborative network that shares reviews, organizes talkbacks, and highlights theater across the metro area. These efforts are especially meaningful in a time when traditional arts coverage in print media has declined. The group’s goal is to bring more voices into the conversation and help audiences discover the range of performances available to them.

Reviewing Fringe

Jill’s enthusiasm extends to the Minnesota Fringe Festival, where she often sees dozens of shows each year. Fringe, she notes, is like a sampler platter, with one-hour performances ranging from comedy to dance to experimental theater, often from companies and artists she would not encounter in other settings. For many artists, Fringe is a proving ground, offering a supportive structure for those new to producing their own work. Jill appreciates that the festival fosters community between both artists and audiences.

In the United States, where theatre, in general, struggles to receive reviews, fringe festivals struggle even more. The Twin Cities Theater Bloggers are a gift to the Minnesota Fringe Festival and its artists. The dedicated reviewers see and review as many shows as humanly possible, racing from venue to venue to catch the next show.

Supporting Theater Through Bridge-Building

Jill's work is guided by a simple but powerful philosophy: she is there to support theater, not tear it down. She does not view herself as a gatekeeper but as a bridge. By sharing her honest, personal take on performances, she hopes to inspire more people to buy tickets, fill seats, and sustain the vibrant theater community she loves.

For Jill, the job of a reviewer is not about declaring what is “good” or “bad” from an authoritative perch. It is about bearing witness, sharing an experience, and inviting others to take part. In doing so, she helps ensure that live theater remains a vital part of her city’s cultural life.

Hear more from Jill Schafer on our discussion with her on What the Fringe?!

This blog post was inspired by S1 E25 of What the Fringe?! podcast, and was written utilizing AI technology, in conjunction with human oversight and editing.