Jannarone’s book creates a category of thought for spectacular large-scale events with thousands of people.
Dramaturgy and Dramatic Criticism
Students in this department receive intensive training to prepare for careers in three areas: to work in theaters as dramaturgs, artistic producers, literary managers, and in related positions; to work in theater publishing as critics and editors as well as in other capacities; to teach theater as practitioners, critics, and scholars. At the core of the training are seminars in literature, theory and criticism, and history to impart a comprehensive knowledge of theater and dramatic literature. Students are trained in topics in institutional dramaturgy, including the formulation of artistic policy and its communication and implementation, and as production dramaturgs, operating within the rehearsal process.
Upon completion of the M.F.A. program, students are eligible to register to remain in residence for one year in which they may formulate a dissertation proposal and apply to the Doctor of Fine Arts program. Upon acceptance, the student is expected to complete the dissertation within three years.
100%
All students in degree and certificate programs receive full tuition scholarships.
67% of current students receive need-based aid for living expenses.
30+
Production Opportunities
Students apply theory to professional practice in production work at the School, Yale Rep, and Yale Cabaret.
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Affinity Groups
Coalition-building and networking among students who share common interests, goals, and/or a self-identified background.
A scene from THE WINTER’S TALE, by William Shakespeare, directed by Sammy Zeisel. David Geffen School of Drama at Yale, March 31-April 1, 2023. Photo © Maza Rey.
A scene from SILENCE/THE VILLAGE by ML Roberts, directed by Kemar Jewel. The Carlotta Festival, David Geffen School of Drama. May 6–14, 2025. Photo © T. Charles Erickson.
A scene from Antony and Cleopatra by William Shakespeare, adapted by Destyne R. Miller and Elliot Valentine, directed by Destyne R. Miller. David Geffen School of Drama at Yale, February 7-8, 2025. Photo © Maza Rey.
A DOLL’S HOUSE. David Geffen School of Drama at Yale.
A scene from THREE SISTERS by Anton Chekhov, directed by Joan MacIntosh. October 2–4, 2025. David Geffen School of Drama at Yale. Photo © Maza Rey.
A scene from FUCKING A by Suzan-lori Parks, directed by Bobbin Ramsey. David Geffen School of Drama, October 21–27, 2023. Photo by T. Charles Erickson.
Stephanie Machado, Marianna Gailus, and James Udom in a scene from HEDDA GABLER by Henrik Ibsen, translated from the Norwegian by Paul Walsh, directed by James Bundy. November 28–December 20, 2025, Yale Repertory Theatre. Photo © Joan Marcus.
Program News
May 20, 2025
Hansol Jung (’14, pictured) and Paloma McGregor (Faculty) Named 2025 Herb Alpert Awardees
The Herb Alpert Award recognizes experimenters who are making something that matters within and beyond their field.
The Herb Alpert Award recognizes experimenters who are making something that matters within and beyond their field.

