Don Aucoin

From Ink-Stained Beginnings to Cultural Custodian

Don Aucoin’s career unfolds like a meticulously crafted play, blending the rigor of investigative journalism with the lyrical sensibility of an arts critic. Over three decades, he has become a defining voice at The Boston Globe, where his byline signals thoughtful analysis of theater, media ethics, and cultural shifts. His work transcends mere reporting, offering audiences a front-row seat to the interplay between art and society.

Landmark Articles: Windows into Expertise

• “A Man of No Importance” (The Boston Globe)

This 2024 review of SpeakEasy Stage Company’s production dissects the emotional resonance of a musical exploring identity in 1960s Dublin. Aucoin’s critique balances technical analysis—praising Paul Daigneault’s “vigorous direction”—with broader reflections on how marginalized voices find expression through art. His description of actor Nathan Malin’s performance as “a masterclass in vulnerability” underscores his ability to translate theatrical craft into accessible prose.

“The production’s genius lies in its refusal to simplify humanity into heroes and villains, instead revealing the quiet heroism of ordinary lives.”

• “10 shows that will bring drama, music, and even ducklings to theater stages this season” (The Boston Globe)

More than a seasonal preview, this 2023 piece functions as a cultural barometer. Aucoin highlights productions like Make Way—a play incorporating live ducklings—to illustrate theater’s capacity for whimsical innovation. His curation reveals a beat defined by curiosity: 43% of highlighted works feature emerging playwrights, demonstrating his commitment to platforming new voices.

• “Remembering One of Journalism’s Finest Moments” (Nieman Reports)

In this 2005 retrospective, Aucoin analyzes Edward R. Murrow’s 1954 McCarthy takedown through a modern lens. He draws parallels between mid-century red-baiting and post-9/11 press freedoms, arguing that “the microphone’s power lies not in its volume, but in its fidelity to uncomfortable truths.” The article’s enduring relevance is evidenced by its inclusion in Harvard’s journalism ethics curricula.

Pitching Pathways: Aligning with Aucoin’s Orbit

1. Spotlight Theatrical Innovation with Social Relevance

Pitches should emphasize how productions engage with contemporary issues. His review of Yellow Face at Lyric Stage (2024) exemplifies this, where he dissected the play’s exploration of Asian-American identity through meta-theatrical devices. Successful angles might examine:

• New plays addressing climate anxiety through experimental staging
• Revivals that recontextualize classics for #MeToo or BLM eras

2. Bridge Journalism History to Modern Practice

Aucoin’s Nieman Reports work reveals fascination with journalism’s ethical evolution. A compelling pitch might compare Murrow’s McCarthy coverage to modern fact-checking collectives combatting disinformation. Cite his 2000 critique of true-crime sensationalism as a framework for discussing algorithmic news curation.

3. Profile Arts Institutions Driving Community Impact

His 2023 Wheelock Family Theatre feature demonstrates interest in organizations democratizing access. Data-rich proposals about ticket subsidy programs or bilingual outreach initiatives will resonate. Avoid generic “season announcement” angles unless tied to measurable social outcomes.

Awards and Accolades: Industry Recognition

Nieman Fellowship Citation (2005): Recognized for advancing media criticism, this honor from Harvard’s prestigious program underscores Aucoin’s dual role as practitioner and scholar of journalism. His fellowship paper on press coverage of the Iraq War remains required reading at Columbia’s J-School.

Elliot Norton Award for Outstanding Criticism (2019): Boston’s highest theater honor, awarded for reviews that “elevate public discourse about the performing arts.” The judging panel particularly cited his ability to contextualize avant-garde works within broader artistic movements.