The Yale Drama MFA is a highly prestigious and competitive graduate program in dramatic writing, offered by the Yale School of Drama. With a long history of producing talented playwrights, the program has been a launching pad for many successful careers in the theater industry. The program is designed to provide students with a rigorous and intensive education in the art of playwriting, with a focus on developing their unique voice and style.
Program Overview
The Yale Drama MFA is a three-year program that admits a small cohort of students each year. The program is highly selective, with an acceptance rate of around 1-2%. Students in the program take a range of courses in playwriting, including workshops, seminars, and lectures, as well as electives in other areas of theater study. The program is designed to be highly individualized, with each student working closely with a faculty advisor to develop their own unique writing style and voice.
Curriculum
The curriculum for the Yale Drama MFA includes a range of courses in playwriting, including:
- Playwriting workshops, where students share and receive feedback on their work
- Seminars on topics such as character development, plot structure, and dialogue
- Lectures on the history of theater and the art of playwriting
- Electives in other areas of theater study, such as directing, acting, and design
Students in the program also have the opportunity to take courses in other departments at Yale, such as the English department or the comparative literature department.
Faculty
The faculty at the Yale School of Drama includes a range of accomplished playwrights and theater professionals. Some notable faculty members include:
- Donald Margulies, a Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and professor of playwriting
- Emily Mann, a playwright and director who has worked extensively in the theater industry
- Paula Vogel, a playwright and professor of playwriting who has won numerous awards for her work
These faculty members, along with others, provide students in the program with a wealth of knowledge and experience in the art of playwriting.
| Year | Number of Applicants | Number of Admits | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 450 | 6 | 1.3% |
| 2019 | 420 | 5 | 1.2% |
| 2018 | 400 | 7 | 1.8% |
Alumni
The Yale Drama MFA has a long history of producing talented and successful playwrights. Some notable alumni of the program include:
- Thornton Wilder, a Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright who wrote Our Town and The Skin of Our Teeth
- lan Ayckbourn, a British playwright who has written over 70 plays, including Bedroom Farce and Absurd Person Singular
- Christopher Durang, a playwright and actor who has written Beyond Therapy and Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike
These alumni, along with many others, have gone on to have successful careers in the theater industry, and have helped to establish the Yale Drama MFA as one of the premier programs of its kind.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Yale Drama MFA have gone on to have successful careers in a range of fields, including:
- Playwriting, with many alumni having their work produced on Broadway and in regional theaters
- Teaching, with many alumni going on to teach playwriting and other subjects at colleges and universities
- Directing, with many alumni working as directors in the theater industry
According to a survey of recent graduates, over 90% of alumni are working in the theater industry, with many reporting high levels of job satisfaction and career advancement.
What is the application process for the Yale Drama MFA?
+The application process for the Yale Drama MFA typically begins in the fall, with a deadline of around December 15th. Applicants must submit a portfolio of their writing, as well as a personal statement and transcripts. Finalists are then invited to interview with the faculty, either in person or via video conference.
How much does the Yale Drama MFA cost?
+Tuition for the Yale Drama MFA is around $30,000 per year, although many students receive financial aid and scholarships to help cover the cost. The program also offers a range of funding opportunities, including teaching assistantships and research grants.
What kind of support does the Yale Drama MFA offer to its students?
+The Yale Drama MFA offers a range of support to its students, including mentorship from faculty members, access to theater resources and facilities, and opportunities to have their work produced and performed. The program also has a strong alumni network, with many graduates going on to successful careers in the theater industry.
