Robinson teaches courses on the American avant-garde, modern American drama, contemporary performance in the US and UK, and critical writing.
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.
93%
Current Students Receiving Need-Based Financial Aid for Living Expenses
More than $8,000,000 in financial aid was awarded in 2020–21.
30+
Production Opportunities
Students apply theory to professional practice in production work at the School, Yale Rep, and Yale Cabaret.
8
Affinity Groups
Coalition-building and networking among students who share common interests, goals, and/or a self-identified background.

TENT REVIVAL by Majkin Holmquist, directed by Rory Pelsue. Carlotta Festival of New Plays, David Geffen School of Drama at Yale. Photo by T. Charles Erickson, 2018.

FATHER COMES HOME FROM THE WARS, PARTS 1, 2 & 3

Taylor Barfield (’16, DFA Candidate), Phillip Howze (Playwriting, ’16), Jessica Holt ( Directing, ’16) in rehearsal for THE CHILDREN, David Geffen School of Drama at Yale, 2015. Photo by Mara Lavitt.

Patrick Foley (’18) and Arturo Soria (’19) in PERFECTLY TIMED PHOTOS TAKEN BEFORE A DISASTER by Alex Lubischer (’19), directed by Aneesha Kudtarkar (’19), dramaturgy by Michael Breslin (’19). David Geffen School of Drama at Yale, 2017. Photo by Elsa GibsonBraden (’20).

Patrick Madden (’18) and Stella Baker (’18) in PENTECOST by David Edgar, directed by Lucie Dawkins (’18), dramaturgy by Matthew Conway (’18), David Geffen School of Drama at Yale, 2017. Photo by T. Charles Erickson.

Reg Rogers (’93), Joey Parsons (’99), James Jisoo Maroney, Atticus Burrello, and Stephanie Machado (’18) in AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE by Henrik Ibsen, new translation by Paul Walsh (Faculty), directed by James Bundy (Dean), dramaturgy by Chad Kinsman (’18), Yale Repertory Theatre, 2017. Photo by Joan Marcus.

John Roberts (Sound Design Special Fellow), Hugh Farrell (’15), and Sally Shen (Theater Management, ’15), David Geffen School of Drama at Yale, 2015. Photo by Joan Marcus.

Ilia Paulino (’20) in THE GIRL IS CHAINED by Genne Murphy (’18), directed by Shadi Ghaheri (’20), dramaturgy by Molly FitzMaurice (’19), David Geffen School of Drama at Yale, 2018. Photo by T. Charles Erickson.


Program News

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