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Dramaturgy and Dramatic Criticism
Application Requirements
M.F.A.
An applicant to the Dramaturgy and Dramatic Criticism program submits a personal statement, resumé, two samples of critical writing, three letters of recommendation (one must be academic in nature), and an academic transcript.
Applicants to the Dramaturgy and Dramatic Criticism program are required to submit the following materials:
Personal Statement
This is not to exceed more than 1000 words. Please tell us what your professional goals are and why you’re applying to this program (as opposed to other disciplines and degrees). How have your experiences in the field led you to consider an M.F.A. in Dramaturgy and Dramatic Criticism? You should also identify your particular areas of interest in contemporary theater and critical influences on your work to date.
Two Samples of Original Critical Writing
Please upload these samples digitally through the online application process. (No fiction, poetry, plays, translations or dramaturgy portfolios will be accepted.) Samples should demonstrate your capacity for cogent, engaging analysis of theater. These samples will include a Production Critique and a Research Sample.
Production Critique
One of the samples must be a critical essay of not more than 1000 words critiquing a recent contemporary theater performance, evaluating its ideas, structure, and presentation. This essay should be written especially for this application.
Research Sample
The other writing sample can be an essay of your choosing, not to exceed 1500 words. The essay should reflect your potential for original analysis of a play, a production, an artist’s work, or any other topic critically engaged with performance practice or theory. Papers written for undergraduate research are acceptable, as is writing for non-academic or publication purposes.
Basic Language Requirement
The basic language requirement for the program is a sound reading knowledge of French, German, Italian, Spanish, Russian, or another language by program permission. This requirement is satisfied during the first or second year by the translation of a play in the Translation seminar (DRAM 246b).
The Dramaturgy and Dramatic Criticism Admissions Committee invites qualified applicants for an interview after the review of the materials has been completed. Those invited to interview in late January and early February are contacted by email and/or phone.
D.F.A.
Upon completion of the Dramaturgy and Dramatic Criticism department requirements for an M.F.A. degree and graduation from David Geffen School of Drama at Yale, a student is eligible to register to remain in residence for the proposal year to apply to the Doctor of Fine Arts (D.F.A.) program. Acceptance into the D.F.A. program is not to be considered an entitlement and is based not only on the merits of the proposal, but also on the faculty’s assessment of the student’s performance and progress in the M.F.A. program. Candidates must submit their proposals by January 9, 2023, for review by the D.F.A. Committee. Read more about the D.F.A. program →