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- Format confusion
Good Morning,
Nobody in the format business seems to know what people want, which hasn’t stopped some from betting big. Disney’s plan for Generation Alpha runs through vertical microdramas — shortform clips engineered for a phone held upright (Variety). Netflix, which spent years insisting games were the natural extension of its storytelling, is closing gaming studios (Los Angeles Times).
The demand side keeps answering a different question. Four of Tana French’s novels made the Times’ 50 best thrillers of the century, more than any other writer (Irish Times). A bookstore in Oxford sells romantasy and nothing else, and is doing fine (NPR). A bookstore-slash-skate-shop next to Ballerina Farm can’t keep 1973 fly-fishing guides in stock (The Paris Review).
Even today’s literacy fix isn’t technological: read out loud, together, with full-throated yawps (The New York Times). And Apple may start paying publishers when Siri’s AI uses their work — pay-as-you-go attribution, which is more than most AI companies have put on the table (Nieman Lab).
New Bedford has a new Melville statue, and his sculptor would like you to know he was a smokeshow (Boston Globe).
All of our stories below.
- Not Only Is The Rumpus Alive, But It’s Launching A Spanish-Language Literary Magazine
From the editors: “Rather than translating existing work from The Rumpus, El Alboroto will commission and publish original Spanish-language writing spanning cultural criticism, personal essays, interviews, fiction, poetry and comics.” – LitHub
- Ian Frazier Wrote A Humorous Piece About Wile E. Coyote In The New Yorker In 1990
And now, after an improbable path whose twists and turns even the Roadrunner would have a hard time navigating, it’s a feature film. – The New York Times
- Netflix Was Getting Into Gaming For A Bit There, But Now It’s Closing Gaming Studios All Over The Place
“Games on Netflix have had mixed results,” but the plan is to focus on kids and sports, or so it seems. So much for narrative synergy. – Los Angeles Times (MSN)
- Good News For News Publishers? From AI?
Well, from Apple, in any case: “The pay-as-you-go plan would see publishers paid only when Siri AI uses their content,” which is similar to the Apple News+ model for print (er, digital). – Nieman Lab
- Even In Oxford, Romantasy Books Are Taking Off
And NPR gets right down to it with the owner: What is “Monster smut,” and why is it so popular right now? – NPR
- How To Solve The So-Called Literacy Crisis, With Fun And Joy
In groups, sometimes with full-throated yawps, it’s time to take back public, communal reading. – The New York Times
- Apparently, Herman Melville Was A Total Smokeshow
At least that’s what his sculptor says. “She made him seem like the kind of guy who, in my opinion, could stare into your soul and then kiss you until you forget your own name.” – Boston Globe
- Cicero Commissioned An Ancient Roman Shorthand Writing System That We Still Use
“You can still type a symbol originally invented for Cicero nearly 21 centuries ago — at least if you configure your keyboard properly.” – Open Culture
- Disney’s Plan For Generation Alpha And Beyond
The big thing is “Disney’s push into the booming vertical media space — aka microdramas and other shortform clips designed to be viewed on mobile phones .” – Variety
- Is It Possible To Have A Great Series Finale?
Here are eight that did it right — landed that unwieldy plane, circled back, etc. — did whatever they needed to do to wrap things up well. – The Atlantic
- Our Brains In Pop Music Concerts
A Nick Jonas concert “reminded me of an obscure phrase coined by a 19th-century sociologist – Émile Durkheim’s ‘collective effervescence.’ … Individuals who are normally preoccupied with their personal concerns get swept up into a kind of electric, communal intensity.” – The Guardian (UK)
- Mary Heilmann, Who Poked Fun At Her Minimalist Colleagues With ‘Wobbly’ Lines, Has Died At 86
Heilmann, emblematic of women artists of her generation, “was in her 60s when she belatedly achieved wide acclaim for her ebulliently colored, loose-limbed, often lopsided abstract paintings.” – The New York Times
- What It’s Like To Be The Bookstore/Skate Shop Right By A Huge Influencer’s Acreage
“Turns out the people can’t get enough fly-fishing guides from 1973.” – The Paris Review
- The Salzburg Festival Marches Forward Without An Artistic Director
Soprano Asmik Gregorian: “This feels very strange and empty. … It was planned by Markus Hinterhäuser, and we are all here because of him. It feels a bit like a boat without a captain.” – The New York Times
- This Irish Thriller Writer Dominates The NYT’s Best Thrillers List
“Among the experts (291 editors, booksellers, librarians, book lovers and crime authors), four of French’s books made it to a list of the 50 best thrillers of the 21st century” – more than any other writer’s books. – Irish Times
- Violet Hensley, Fiddler Who Debuted At The Grand Ole Opry When She Was 99, Has Died At 109
“Hensley made a clear distinction between a fiddle and a violin, even though they are essentially the same instrument. ‘If you can read music, you play the violin,’ she told The Tulsa World in 1982. ‘I can’t read music, so I just play the fiddle.’” – The New York Times
- Massive Art Thefts, Massive Recoveries This Week In Italy And Brazil
“The recovered works are Cézanne’s Still Life with Cherries, which authorities said was valued at about $7m (£5.2m), Renoir’s Fish, valued at $3.5m, and Matisse’s Odalisque on the Terrace.” – The Guardian (UK)
- Nick Reiner, Accused Of Killing His Parents, Wants To Access His Trust Fund To Pay His Lawyers
But the so-called “Slayer Statute” prevents the youngest child of Michelle Singer Reiner and Rob Reiner from doing that. – The New York Times
- Did AI Tell These Middle School Students They Now Live In ‘Venecky’ Instead Of Kentucky?
Wow: “Administrators later warned teachers there were a ‘LOT of mistakes’ on pages 19 through 36 and instructed students to tear the pages out of their planners before taking them home.”- Salon
- Michael Bobbitt shares the unique strategies behind leading a national arts service organization
Michael Bobbitt, President & CEO of Opera America, shares the unique strategies behind leading an international service organization in the arts.
- Portland Baroque Orchestra seeks Executive Director.
ZRG Aspen Leadership Group is proud to partner with Portland Baroque Orchestra in their search for an Executive Director.
Portland Baroque Orchestra enters this search at an important moment of transition, renewal, and possibility. Following the disruptions of the pandemic years, PBO has made meaningful progress in strengthening its finances, stabilizing its operations, and reconnecting audiences with the distinctive intimacy and vitality of live period-instrument performance. With an ambitious artistic vision taking shape under Artistic Director Julian Perkins, the organization is poised to build upon its proud history while considering how it can reach new audiences, deepen its community presence, and secure a sustainable future.
The next Executive Director will have the opportunity to build upon this foundation while helping PBO define and pursue its next chapter. Audience development, contributed-revenue growth, long-term financial sustainability, organizational capacity, and creative thinking about how PBO serves its patrons and the broader community will be central priorities. This is a compelling opportunity for a leader energized by both challenge and possibility, with the strategic vision and practical skill to translate artistic ambition into enduring organizational strength.
Serving as PBO’s chief administrative officer, the Executive Director will be its primary fundraiser, lead financial strategist, and one of its most visible external ambassadors. Working in close partnership with the Artistic Director and Board of Directors, the Executive Director will align artistic and organizational priorities, cultivate philanthropic and community relationships, and inspire staff, musicians, and volunteer leaders around a shared and ambitious future. The role calls for a versatile and highly engaged leader who is equally comfortable making a compelling case for support to a major donor, interpreting a balance sheet, developing a community partnership, and building the trust and alignment necessary for people to do their best work together.
Throughout this work, the Executive Director will advance PBO’s commitment to broadening who participates in and benefits from the music it makes. The next leader will help ensure that access, inclusion, and engagement are reflected not only in PBO’s public programs, but also in its relationships, decision-making, organizational culture, and vision for the future.
Portland Baroque Orchestra (PBO) brings the music of the Baroque and early Classical eras to life with imagination, immediacy, and extraordinary artistry. Founded in 1984 and based in Portland, Oregon, PBO is one of North America’s leading and longest-established period-instrument ensembles. Performing on historical instruments and carefully crafted replicas, its world-class musicians reveal the distinctive colors, textures, and dramatic possibilities of music spanning centuries. The result is an experience rooted in scholarship yet alive with spontaneity, vitality, and a palpable sense of discovery.
Portland Baroque Orchestra is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with an annual operating budget of approximately $1.1 million. The Executive Director will oversee a team of six staff including three direct reports. Governed by a ten-member Board of Directors, PBO benefits from the leadership and engagement of volunteers with varied professional and community experience. Its musicians are represented by the American Federation of Musicians, Local 99, and the organization is committed to sustaining a collaborative, transparent, and respectful relationship with its players. Experience working in or alongside a unionized workforce would be valuable. Prior knowledge of period-performance practice is welcome but not required.
Portland Baroque Orchestra will consider candidates with a broad range of backgrounds. If you are excited about this role and feel that you can contribute to PBO, but your experience does not exactly align with every qualification listed above, we encourage you to apply.
All applications must be accompanied by a cover letter and résumé. Cover letters should be responsive to the mission of PBO and the responsibilities and qualifications specified in the position prospectus.
The salary range for this position is $100,000 to $120,000. PBO offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes 100% employer-paid medical and dental insurance, vision and life insurance, a flexible spending account, generous vacation and personal leave time, and participation in a 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching. Additional benefits include pretax parking and transit deductions, paid family and medical leave through Paid Leave Oregon, flexible remote-work arrangements, and seasonal Summer Fridays.
Portland Baroque Orchestra is committed to the inclusion of all qualified candidates. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, or participating in the selection process, please contact Kim Farr at kimfarr@aspenleadershipgroup.com.
To apply for this position, visit: https://apptrkr.com/9763006
- Associate Professor of Acting
Associate Professor of Acting
University of California San DiegoPosition overview
Position title: Associate Professor of Acting
Salary range: A reasonable salary range estimate for this position is $103,600-$124,300
The posted UC Academic salary scales set the minimum pay as determined by rank and/or step at appointment. See the following table for the salary scale for this position here: https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/2026-27/policy-covered-oct-2026-scales/t1.pdf. Please refer to the 10/1/2026 salary scale for Faculty-Ladder Ranks-Professor Series. The base salary range, from the salary table, for this position is $103,600-$114,800
“Off-scale salaries” and other components of pay, i.e., a salary that is higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions, qualifications, and experience.
Additional UCSD salary information can be found here: https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/compensation/2026-27-academic-salary-scales.html
Application Window
Open date: July 29, 2026
Next review date: Thursday, Oct 15, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Thursday, Jul 29, 2027 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.
Position description
The Department of Theatre and Dance at UC San Diego http://theatre.ucsd.edu invites theatre artists to apply for a tenured faculty position within the Ladder Rank Series. The academic appointment for this position will be for an Associate Professor of Acting, effective July 1, 2027 and instruction beginning September 2027 (Fall Quarter).
The Department of Theatre and Dance at UC San Diego invites applicants specializing in acting to join a vibrant department committed to shaping the future of the arts by fostering a new generation of creative and collaborative theatre professionals. We are seeking a candidate who can lead a rigorous two year graduate acting progression while also teaching undergraduate courses within the Department of Theatre and Dance. The primary focus of this position will be on a practice-based approach to foundational acting techniques, with a secondary emphasis on Shakespeare and/or working with heightened text. Experience and/or demonstrated interest in acting for the camera is highly desirable.
In addition to teaching, we are looking for a candidate who can contribute to the creative vision of our department by directing productions during the academic year. As the field of acting continues to evolve, we are seeking a dynamic collaborative leader to guide the acting area through its next phase of growth and innovation. Professorial appointments and advancement at UC San Diego require a sustained record of high-quality and impactful creative work. The position involves active participation in all aspects of the department, including recruitment, casting, curriculum development and a commitment to contributing to the ongoing development of the acting program.
The responsibilities of this position include teaching a combination of five graduate and undergraduate courses, ranging from small seminars in the candidate’s area(s) of expertise to larger courses that serve both the BA and MFA communities and fulfill the relevant Colleges’ General Education requirements. Given the department’s emphasis on integrating production into the curriculum, we are especially seeking candidates with experience in both acting and directing, who are capable of mentoring MFA students, as well as select undergraduate students, in these disciplines. Committee service is also a key component of this position.
Alongside its ranking as a premier acting program at a Research 1 institution, the Department of Theatre and Dance at the UC San Diego has a continued partnership with the acclaimed, Tony Award-winning La Jolla Playhouse, collaborating on productions annually.
Qualifications
Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
Applicants must possess an MFA or 3 – 5 years of equivalent professional experience and/or relevant training. Examples of equivalent professional experience and/or relevant training may include such genres as: acting, directing, new play development, and artistic direction. Professional experience and/or relevant training venues may include: resident and regional theatres, studio spaces, cinema, national theatres, cultural and/or community-centered venues, and/or commercial theatres including: Broadway and Off-Broadway.
Applicants must exhibit 5 or more years of teaching experience in Academic or Studio environments.
Applicants must demonstrate 5 years or more of evidence of teaching effectiveness and mentorship in higher education or studio environments. Examples include but are not limited to: positive teaching/mentoring evaluations, student support letters, peer/professional reviews, and applicable awards/honors/nominations.
Applicants are required to have accumulated a body of work consisting of teaching, acting and/or directing professional experience, spanning a decade or more.
Application Requirements
Document requirements
- Curriculum Vitae – Your most recently updated C.V.
- Personal Statement
- Statement of Research/Professional Work
- Statement of Teaching
Reference requirements – 3 required (contact information only)
Please provide the contact information for 3 references who can speak to your academic and/or studio teaching experience.
Apply link: https://apptrkr.com/9729923
Help contact: m1craig@ucsd.edu
About UC San Diego
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
As a university employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.
The University of California prohibits smoking and tobacco use at all of its university-controlled properties.
The UC San Diego Annual Security & Fire Safety Report is available online at: https://www.police.ucsd.edu/docs/annualclery.pdf. This report provides crime and fire statistics, as well as institutional policy statements & procedures. Contact the UC San Diego Police Department at (858) 534-4361 if you want to obtain paper copies of this report.
As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.
Click for more information on https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id 2320240AB810
Click for more information on https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id 2320240SB791
- “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
- UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000385/SVSH
- UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination
Job location
San Diego, CA
To apply, please visit: https://apptrkr.com/9729923
- Visiting The Bullshit Museum In Slovenia’s Capital
“In the heart of old Ljubljana, a mannequin with a bucket on its head welcomes visitors to a new and ambitious project – a museum focusing on the varied and sometimes antagonistic humour of the former Yugoslavia.” – The Guardian
- Publishers Face Increasing Pressure Over AI
“Until AI, there has been the expectation that no matter what is written in a book, It [was] authored by a person, or people. There needs to be new terms in the social contract between reader and writer.” – Christian Science Monitor
- The Trumpets Of King Tutankhamun — And When A British Army Bandsman Tried To Play One
The oldest known brass instruments in existence are two smallish trumpets found inside the tomb of the boy pharaoh in 1922. Seventeen years later, for a live BBC broadcast from Cairo, a modern musician played one. Bad idea. – CNN
- Has Our Literacy Crisis Been Overblown?
Yes, Americans read less than they did forty years ago—not surprising, considering how many other forms of entertainment and information are competing for our time and attention. But does this spell decline or diversification? – The Bulwark
- Celebrating “Other” Washingtons
In Chicago, a lone statue of George Washington is now surrounded by “Other Washingtons,” which take the form of blue flags bearing the faces of Black Americans who bear the same last name. – CNN
- The Neuroscience Explanation For Why We Need Concerts
For “collective effervescence” to occur organically, bodies need to be present, in the same space, dancing to the same rhythm. The function is to restore the social bonds and shared beliefs that are eroded by the drudgery of ordinary life. – The Guardian
- Public Radio Audience Is Growing Briskly Amid Funding Fights
Looking across five major noncommercial formats — news/talk, contemporary Christian, classical, AAA (adult alternative) and jazz — RRC says combined cume across PPM and continuous diary measurement markets is 9.6% higher than it was two years ago at the end of Q1. – InsideRadio
- Making A Pilgrimage To The Now-Thoroughly Commercialized Mecca
“There are few words to describe the whiplash of coming face to face with a Joe & The Juice, a Sephora and a plethora of other shops and hotels and Times Square-style billboards after going through one of the most spiritually charged experiences of my life.” – Aeon
- History Is Being Erased In Gaza, Iran And Ukraine
Of international bodies, Unesco is active in keeping a record of the fate of cultural heritage worldwide, but a record is just a record. Its listing of Russia’s and Israel’s devastation of their hated foes is like watching a historic tragedy unfold in real time. – The Guardian
- Former UArts Building To Become Artist Housing In Philly
The news comes after the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation awarded the VIA a $2.5 million grant for the building project and the establishment of on-site arts programming. – Hyperallergic
- UK Universities Warn Of Funding Crisis Amid Collapse Of International Enrollment
University leaders are warning of financial turmoil in British higher education after new figures suggested a collapse in international student numbers would deprive the sector of vital income and undermine its future. – The Guardian
- Shooting A Fiction Film Inside Very Real Anti-Government Protests, Complete With Tear Gas
That’s what Georgian filmmaker Uta Beria did with his latest feature, titled Tear Gas, filming amid demonstrations which have continued nonstop for more than 600 days. “We had a plan A, plan B, plan C, plan D,” says Beria. “And there were days where we needed to … (simply) follow the flow.” – The Hollywood Reporter