1 Minute Critic is the creation of award-winning editor and journalist Matthew Wexler. Based on the belief that brevity and thoughtful criticism aren’t mutually exclusive, we offer quick takes on our analog lives. Think theater, art, live music, dance, books—anything that asks you to engage in the real world.
Our critics and culture writers each have their own take, and we encourage you to do the same. Don’t just follow us on social media; become part of the conversation. After all, everyone’s a critic.
Have an opinion? Email info@1minutecritic.com
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Meet the Minutes
Matthew Wexler
founder | editorial director
Matthew is a nationally recognized editor and writer. His work has appeared in more than 20 publications and online media outlets, including The Broadway Blog, Dramatics, EDGE Media Network, Good Info Newswire, Gotham Magazine, Gothamist, Hemispheres, Passport, TDF Stages, National Geographic, TDF Stages, and more.
Most recently, Matthew served as Managing Editor, Special Projects at Q.Digital, working across its network of news and entertainment sites, including Queerty, GayCities, LGBTQ Nation, INTO, and Outsports.
His editorial work and writing have been recognized with the GLAAD Barbara Gittings Award for Excellence in LGBTQ Media, two GLAAD Media Award nominations, and six awards from the Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists (NLGJA).
Matthew is an alumnus of the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center’s National Critics Institute. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in theater from Miami University and a Master of English Education from University at Buffalo. @wexlerwrites
Emily Chackerian
Emily is a Brooklyn-based dramaturg and theater critic. She currently serves as the Artistic Assistant and Board Liaison at Signature Theatre and as the Associate Editor of 3Views on Theater. @emily.chackerian
Lindsay B. Davis
Lindsay is a culture writer whose work has appeared in New York Magazine, BBC America’s Anglophenia, BBC.com/Travel, Teen Vogue, EDGE Media Network, Passport Magazine’s The Broadway Blog, and Los Angeles Confidential. She is also a SAG-AFTRA performing artist working in TV, film, and music. @thelindsaybrookedavis
Ryan Leeds
Ryan is a NYC-based writer who frequently contributes to Metroweekly, the leading LGBTQ+ publication in Washington, D.C. He is also the Chief Theater Critic for Manhattan Digest and has contributed to outlets including Howlround, Queerty, and EDGE Media Network. @ryanleedsnyc
Billy McEntee
Billy is theater editor at the Brooklyn Rail, a Silvers Grant awardee, and writer of The Voices in Your Head. (2025 Drama Desk nomination for Unique Theatrical Experience). @billymcentee
Kelsey Minor
Kelsey is a 2x Emmy-winning writer based in New York City. His digital magazine Minor Threads is available on Substack. @thekelseyminor
Jerry Portwood
Jerry has been writting and reviewing arts and culture for three decades. He’s the founder of The Queer Love Project and was a top editor at Rolling Stone, Out magazine, and New York Press. He’s a long-time instructor at the New School’s writing program. He splits his time between New York City and Boston. @jerryportwood
Karan Singh
Karan Singh is a Cleveland-based multidisciplinary journalist. He has covered a broad range of subjects over his career, from politics and culture to art and entertainment.
Steven Vargas
Steven is a journalist, dancer, and actor whose work explores the intersections of media, social justice, and performance. A former LA Times arts reporter who expanded the paper’s dance coverage, he’s also written for E! News, USA Today, Dance Magazine, and ARTnews, and is an alum of the National Critics Institute and the Kennedy Center’s BIPOC Critics Lab. @steven.varg
Lauren Emily Whalen
Lauren is a Chicago-based author of queer YA and New Adult novels, including Tomorrow and Tomorrow, Take Her Down, Two Winters, and Satellite. Her book, I Heart Jennifer Coolidge, paid off her student loans. @laurenemilywrites
Laura Zornosa
Laura is a culture writer, journalist, and critic. She has previously worked for TIME Magazine, The New York Times, and The Los Angeles Times.
