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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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.”

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