Dramaturgy and Dramatic Criticism

Catherine Sheehy, Chair
M.F.A. and D.F.A.

David Geffen School of Drama and Yale Repertory Theatre require all students, technical interns, faculty, staff, and guest artists to follow Yale University's COVID vaccine policy, which strongly recommends vaccines. The Yale policy is subject to change pending changes to public health conditions. Additionally, community members will be asked to comply with any masking or testing policies set forth by the School, Yale Rep, or Yale University, should they arise.

 

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.

 

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All students in degree and certificate programs receive full tuition scholarships.

67% of current students receive need-based aid for living expenses.

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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.

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Playwright a.k. payne (’23), Dramaturg Ashley M. Thomas (’23), and Stage Managers Alexus Jade Coney (’24) and Hannah Louise Jones (’25) describe their experiences with creating community and shared experiences at David Geffen School of Drama at Yale.

Student Perspectives

Furlough’s Paradise: Finding and Building Community

Playwright a.k. payne (’23), Dramaturg Ashley M. Thomas (’23), and Stage Managers Alexus Jade Coney (’24) and Hannah Louise Jones (’25) share their perspectives on the process of collaborating on a new play during the 2023 Carlotta Festival of New Plays at David Geffen School of Drama at Yale.

Student Perspectives

Furlough’s Paradise: Finding Joy in Collaboration

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Program News

African American Perspectives in Musical Theatre
Dec 18, 2023

Methuen Drama Publishes New Book by Dr. Eric M. Glover (Faculty)

African American Perspectives in Musical Theatre studies the aesthetics and politics of Black musical theater from an anti-racist perspective.

Max Monnig
Nov 17, 2023

Alumni Collaborate on Innovative New Opera

The makers of “I AM ALAN TURING,” produced out of Yale’s Center for Collaborative Arts and Media, used AI in creating the show.

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