The Yale School of Drama's Playwriting MFA program is a highly competitive and prestigious graduate degree that offers emerging playwrights the opportunity to hone their craft and launch their careers in the professional theatre industry. With a long history of producing talented and innovative playwrights, the Yale Playwriting MFA has become a benchmark for excellence in playwriting education. The program's faculty, which includes renowned playwrights and industry professionals, provides students with a comprehensive education in the art and craft of playwriting, as well as the business and practical aspects of the profession.
Program Overview
The Yale Playwriting MFA is a three-year program that admits a small cohort of students each year. The program is designed to provide students with a rigorous and supportive environment in which to develop their unique voice and vision as playwrights. The curriculum includes coursework in playwriting, dramatic literature, and theatre history, as well as workshops and seminars with industry professionals. Students also have the opportunity to see their work produced in staged readings and full productions, both within the Yale School of Drama and in professional theatres in New York City and beyond.
Faculty and Guest Artists
The Yale Playwriting MFA faculty includes a diverse range of accomplished playwrights and industry professionals, such as Donald Margulies, Elizabeth Alexander, and Jackie Sibblies Drury. The program also hosts a range of guest artists and industry professionals each year, including playwrights, directors, and producers. These guests provide students with valuable insights and feedback on their work, as well as opportunities for networking and career advancement. The playwriting process is highly emphasized, with students encouraged to experiment and take risks in their writing.
| Faculty Member | Notable Works |
|---|---|
| Donald Margulies | Dinner with Friends, Time Stands Still |
| Elizabeth Alexander | The Light of the World, The Black Interior |
| Jackie Sibblies Drury | Fairview, We Are Proud to Present a Presentation... |
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Yale Playwriting MFA have gone on to achieve great success in the professional theatre industry. Many have had their work produced in major theatres in New York City and around the world, and have received numerous awards and accolades for their writing. The program’s strong industry connections and reputation for excellence also provide graduates with a competitive edge in the job market. Alumni success stories include Pulitzer Prize winners, Tony Award nominees, and playwrights with productions on Broadway and in major regional theatres.
Alumni Success Stories
Some notable alumni of the Yale Playwriting MFA include Tarell Alvin McCraney, Lynn Nottage, and Quiara AlegrÃa Hudes. These playwrights have achieved great success in the professional theatre industry, with productions on Broadway, in major regional theatres, and in film and television. They are also highly respected for their unique and innovative approaches to playwriting, and have been recognized with numerous awards and accolades for their work.
- Tarell Alvin McCraney: The Brother/Sister Plays, Moonlight
- Lynn Nottage: Ruined, Sweat
- Quiara AlegrÃa Hudes: In the Heights, Water by the Spoonful
What is the application process for the Yale Playwriting MFA?
+The application process for the Yale Playwriting MFA includes submitting a portfolio of plays, a personal statement, and transcripts, as well as completing an interview with the program's faculty. The deadline for applications is typically in December, and admissions decisions are made in the spring.
How long does the Yale Playwriting MFA program take to complete?
+The Yale Playwriting MFA is a three-year program. Students typically complete two years of coursework and then spend their third year working on their thesis project, which is a full-length play.
In conclusion, the Yale Playwriting MFA is a highly respected and competitive graduate degree program that offers emerging playwrights the opportunity to develop their craft and launch their careers in the professional theatre industry. With its rigorous and supportive curriculum, accomplished faculty, and strong industry connections, the program provides students with a unique and stimulating environment in which to grow and succeed as writers. Whether you are just starting out or looking to take your playwriting career to the next level, the Yale Playwriting MFA is an excellent choice for anyone looking to hone their craft and achieve success in the theatre industry.
