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
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.

Dramaturgy practicum. David Geffen School of Drama, spring 2022. Photo by T. Charles Erickson.

Dramaturgy and Dramatic Criticism, Models of Dramaturgy, Rebecca Rugg. David Geffen School of Drama 2018. Photo by Joan Marcus.

AFFINITY by Rebecca Adelsheim and Alex Keegan, based on the novel by Sarah Waters, directed by Alex Keegan. David Geffen School of Drama, May 14-19, 2022 Iseman Theater. Photo by T. Charles Erickson.

LOVE’S LABOURS LOST by William Shakespeare, directed by Jacob Basri (’23), production dramaturg Ashley M. Thomas (’23), David Geffen School of Drama, 2022. Photo by T. Charles Erickson.

Dan Donohue and René Augesen (’96) in a scene from Edward Albee’s WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? directed by James Bundy (’95, Dean), production dramaturg Nicholas Orvis (’23), Yale Repertory Theatre, 2022. Photo © Joan Marcus.

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.


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.”