“[His] creativity and vision have supported advances in both drama education and practice and positioned Yale for leadership in the field.”
Playwriting
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.
David Geffen School of Drama’s Playwriting department is one of the oldest in the country. Its deep history and legacy can only be strengthened by continuing to stay at the forefront in readying early career playwrights toward leadership in our field. The program seeks to engage artists who possess singular voices and who can, with their command of language, set forth imaginative circumstances that entice audiences and challenge current forms. We are interested in students who are eager to learn and grow within a community of fellow artists, with many of whom they will form lifelong bonds.
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.

Ciara Monique McMillian (’20) in MARTY AND THE HANDS THAT COULD by Josh Wilder (’18), directed by Lucie Dawkins (’18), Carlotta Festival of New Plays, David Geffen School of Drama at Yale, 2018. Photo by T. Charles Erickson.

TENT REVIVAL by Majkin Holmquist (’18), directed by Rory Pelsue (’18), Carlotta Festival of New Plays, David Geffen School of Drama at Yale, 2018. Photo by T. Charles Erickson.

Marié Botha (’18) and Erron Crawford (’19) in SLAVE PLAY by Jeremy O. Harris (’19), directed by Em Weinstein (’19). David Geffen School of Drama at Yale, 2017. Photo by Elsa GibsonBraden (’20).

IN THE PALM OF A GIANT by Christopher Gabriel Núñez (’19), directed by Jecamiah Ybañez (’19), David Geffen School of Drama at Yale, 2017. Photo by Elsa GibsonBraden (’20).

MARTY AND THE HANDS THAT COULD by Josh Wilder (’18), directed by Lucie Dawkins (’18), Carlotta Festival of New Plays, David Geffen School of Drama at Yale, 2018. Photo by T. Charles Erickson.

Doireann MacMahon (’20), Louisa Jacobson (’19), and Amandla Jahava (’19) in THE GIRL IS CHAINED by Genne Murphy (’18), directed by Shadi Ghaheri (’18), Carlotta Festival of New Plays, David Geffen School of Drama at Yale, 2018. Photo by T. Charles Erickson.

Tarell Alvin McCraney (Chair) and Anne Erbe (Dramaturgy and Dramatic Criticism, ’11; Co-Chair) with students during the Carlotta Festival of New Plays, 2018. Photo by T. Charles Erickson.


Program News

Dec 22, 2021
James Bundy Reappointed Dean

Sep 22, 2021
Lynn Nottage (‘89) One of Several Black Writers on Broadway This Season
Eric M. Glover (Faculty) comments on how this movement happened and what it means for Broadway.
Eric M. Glover (Faculty) comments on how this movement happened and what it means for Broadway.