Playwriting

Plan of Study

Throughout the year, all playwrights are required to take part in the Hansberry Welcome (DRAM 7a), Spring Workshop: Readings with Actors (DRAM 47b), and The Playwrights’ Studio (DRAM 177a/b). The required sequence of courses is detailed below. Each term, a student is required to take four courses for credit, at least one of which must be a writing course and/or master class. More than one writing workshop/course may be taken. In addition, throughout the year, the playwriting department hosts master classes and workshops with visiting artists.

Production

First-year playwrights participate in The Collaborative Process (DRAM 50a) and also write a one-act play for the New Play Lab (DRAM 51b) in the spring. In the spring and summer of the first year, playwrights write a full-length play that is then redrafted, rehearsed, and staged in the first term of their second year (Langston Hughes Festival). By the third year, playwrights will have written a roster of full-length plays, and one of those plays is selected to be fully designed and produced in repertory in their final term (Carlotta Festival of New Plays). All plays are subject to the approval of the chair prior to rehearsal.

Electives

Students are encouraged to take electives as audits beyond their required credit courses. Electives may be selected from other departments of Yale School of Drama or from Yale College with the approval of the chair. The department recommends playwriting students enroll in at least one course in Design and an additional course in Dramaturgy and Dramatic Criticism during their three years at YSD. Among the electives for consideration are DRAM 102a/b, Scene Design; DRAM 141b; Law and the Arts; and DRAM 191b, Managing the Production Process. All plans of study must be approved by the chair.