Dramaturgy and Dramatic Criticism

Yale University requires all students, other than those with approved medical or religious exemptions, to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and to have obtained a booster shot. According to University policy, vaccine exempt individuals must wear a mask at all times and maintain a six-foot social distance from others both indoors and outdoors, in addition to twice weekly testing. Theatrical production activity is central to the training in all programs at David Geffen School of Drama. Production work at the School and Yale Repertory Theatre requires everyone taking part to be vaccinated and boosted because we cannot guarantee that the production environment will support the ability to socially distance throughout rehearsals, tech and performances. Additionally, there are many in-class activities where a six-foot distance from faculty and other students cannot be accommodated. Therefore, we are not able to offer candidates who are not fully vaccinated and boosted admission to our programs. If you receive an offer to attend the School you will therefore need to attest to being fully vaccinated and having received a booster, and ultimately show proof of full vaccination and booster as authorized by the World Health Organization and Food and Drug Administration in accordance with Yale's COVID-19 guidelines. 

 

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.

Dramaturg Jisun Kim ’22, Technical Director Dani Mader ’22, Costume Designer David Mitsch ’22, Sound Designer Noel Nichols ’22, and Stage Manager Kevin Jinghong Zhu ’22 about their experiences working at Yale Rep alongside resident and visiting artists, managers, and technicians on the 2022 production of Today is My Birthday by Susan Soon He Stanton ’10, directed by Mina Morita.

Student Perspectives

Working at Yale Rep: Dramaturg Jisun Kim; Designers Dani Mader, David Mitsch, and Noel Nichols; and Stage Manager Kevin Jinghong Zhu

Dramaturg Rebecca Adelsheim ’22 and Director Alex Keegan ’22 discuss their years-long collaboration adapting Sarah Waters’ novel Affinity for the stage.

Student Perspectives

Adapting Affinity: Dramaturg Rebecca Adelsheim and Director Alex Keegan

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Program News

Marc Robinson
Feb 23, 2022

Marc Robinson ’90 MFA, ’92 DFA Appointed Malcolm G. Chace ’56 Professor

Robinson teaches courses on the American avant-garde, modern American drama, contemporary performance in the US and UK, and critical writing.

James Bundy
Dec 22, 2021

James Bundy Reappointed Dean

“[His] creativity and vision have supported advances in both drama education and practice and positioned Yale for leadership in the field.”