Application Requirements

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Application Requirements

M.F.A. and Certificate in Drama

Please review the general admissions information via the Apply link in the top navigation above. In this section, you will find application information specific to TD&P.

Here’s what we look for in our applicants...

a clearly defined career objective
an aptitude for learning, particularly in the areas of technology, planning, and communication
technical production experience in academic and/or professional organizations
strong alignment with the School’s values: artistry, belonging, collaboration, and discovery

There is no one right candidate. We consider each aspect of the application including statement of purpose, resume, letters of recommendation, transcript, portfolio, your communication through the application process, and interviews, to develop a comprehensive picture of all applicants’ strengths, areas for growth, and commitment to teamwork. We offer admission to 10 to 12 students each year who, all things considered, are suited to thrive in the program, and who demonstrate significant potential to positively impact the industry.

Admissions Timeline

November/December

Applicants submit a one-page statement of purpose, resume, and one letter of recommendation through the online application portal. See below for details on each. No portfolio is needed at this time. The application deadline is Monday, November 24, 2025.

Since 2019, the GRE is no longer required and will not be considered if submitted as part of the application.

The application fee is $110. To request a fee waiver for the application, please download and submit an Application Fee Waiver Form. All fee waiver applications must be completed, signed/notarized, and an original copy received by the Admissions Office ten (10) business days prior to your program deadline. For TD&P, the deadline for submitting an Application Fee Waiver Form is November 14.

Submitted applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. A select group of candidates will be scheduled to interview with the faculty of TD&P via Zoom throughout November and December. All candidates selected for the Zoom interview round will be notified no later than Monday, December 1, 2025.

After the round of Zoom interviews, finalists will be invited to travel to New Haven to interview on campus. Candidates will be notified in early January whether they have been invited to the final round.

January/February

On-campus interviews will be scheduled starting mid-January and continue through the end of February. Ahead of their on-campus interviews, finalists will need to submit 2 additional letters of recommendation, their transcript, and a portfolio via the online application portal. These additional materials will be due by January 15.

The on-campus interview usually includes meetings with several faculty and staff members, a tour of David Geffen School of Drama's campus, opportunities to meet current students, observe class, see a performance if available, and a portfolio review.

For any applicants wishing to apply for financial aid, the financial aid application is due by January 15, 2026: Please refer to Financial Aid Policy and Procedures.

Interview Logistics and Travel Support

Application Guidance

Statement of Purpose

In one page*, the statement of purpose should describe your career goal(s) and cite specific aspects of how our mission, curriculum, and professional work assignments can help you at this juncture in your career. Essentially, why Yale and why now? The Statement of Purpose is due November 24.

*10-12 point font, double-spaced.

Resume

In one to two pages, the resume should include your professional or academic experience, education, and relevant skills. Brief descriptions of each role listed, including responsibilities and scope, are recommended. The Resume is due November 24.

See below for scheduling resume reviews ahead of the application deadline.

Letters of Recommendation

As a part of the November 24 deadline, we require applicants to have one reference letter via the online application portal. Applicants will be asked to submit contact information for the letter writer, who will receive a link to submit the reference on the applicant’s behalf.

If you are invited to interview in New Haven in January, you will be asked to supply two additional reference letters by January 15, via the same process as above.

All references will be sent a link to follow and instructed to write a letter asking for their "appraisal of the applicant on the basis of their past performance in a professional and/or academic setting, your perception of their talent, experience, potential for a career in theatre, commitment to their craft, and how the applicant can benefit from a concentrated or intensive training program."

Transcript

If you are invited to interview in New Haven in January, you will need to supply a transcript from any prior undergraduate educational experience, even if you didn’t graduate. A transcript is proof of education. It has a detailed record of all the subjects you have studied with your scores in the form of marks or grades given by the institution of study. The transcript will be due January 15 via the online application portal.

Those without an undergraduate degree are still eligible to apply. Please see the section below, “Guidance for Those Without a Bachelor’s Degree.”

Portfolio

If you are invited to interview in New Haven in January, you will need to submit a portfolio of your work by January 15 via the online application portal.

The portfolio should visually represent some of your best work to date, including photographs, paperwork, and drawings, and should be no more than 12 – 15 pages or plates in length. Some examples of materials that you may include but are not limited to are concept sketches, renderings, technical drawings, mechanical designs, schedules, budgets, production calendars, labor assignments, construction process photos, or final production photos.

Portfolios will be digitally displayed on a projector, TV, or similar at the interview for candidates to talk through with the admissions committee. A portfolio in landscape orientation is recommended.

International Students

The TD&P program, like the rest of David Geffen School of Drama, gladly welcomes International students into the program each year. To be eligible, the application materials you submit must be in English, and you must demonstrate proficiency in English during your interview. If English is not your first language, we require the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT, under the following guidelines:

Must be taken by January 15, 2025
IELTS scores are accepted
School code: 3988

If you are invited to interview in New Haven in January, alternate arrangements for on-campus interviews, including via Zoom, can be made for international applicants who are unable to travel during the on-campus interview period.

Guidance for Those Without a Bachelor’s Degree