Program Overview: The Professional Playwriting Program seeks to train playwrights to become artists who, through a conscious and deliberate application of their craft, contribute to the culture by writing plays designed for production. Our program focuses upon the concentrated study and application of narrative dramatic structure, the study of a diverse dramatic literary tradition, the earnest development of the individual artistic voice, and the synthesis of artistic voice and narrative structure. The M.F.A. is earned through the completion of 90 credit hours of course-work over three years. The third year may include an internship with a professional theater company. Coursework includes Playwrights Seminar, which is the venue for the study of the theories of dramatic narrative structure; Playwrights Workshop, which is the venue for the application of the theories of narrative structure through the development of full-length work; Playwrights Production, which puts our writers in the theater, writing for production on a weekly basis and is the laboratory for structural and theatrical experimentation; Theater History and Criticism, which focuses upon the study of our dramatic literary traditions; and a variety of directed electives designed to enhance areas of research. The goal of the program is to create an environment in which writers can develop unique voices while freely experimenting with different theatrical styles and forms. In this environment, writers in the program will complete a body of work, much of which will have been produced during their course of study. The degree is awarded for significant progress in the development of voice and dramatic writing skills, and the completion of a body of work that is suitable for professional production.

Admissions Policy: Minimum standards for acceptance include a 3.0 g.p.a. for undergraduate work and the submission of two sample manuscripts in dramatic form. Admission is based on evaluation of the applicant’s writing sample, resume, goals statement, and recommendations from references. A visit to the University and an interview are strongly encouraged. The GRE is not required for this program.

Change Policy: Minimum standards for acceptance include a 3.0 g.p.a. for undergraduate work and the submission of two sample manuscripts in dramatic form. Admission is based on evaluation of the applicant’s writing sample, resume, goals statement, and recommendations from references. A visit to the University and an interview are strongly encouraged.

Transfer Policy: Minimum standards for acceptance include a 3.0 g.p.a. for undergraduate work and the submission of two sample manuscripts in dramatic form. Admission is based on evaluation of the applicant’s writing sample, resume, goals statement, and recommendations from references. A visit to the University and an interview are strongly encouraged.

Opportunities: The Professional Playwriting Program focuses upon the study and application of dramatic narrative structure that is applicable to a number of genres. While many of our graduates are currently working as freelance writers whose work is being produced by theater companies across the country, many of our graduates are also working as writers and editors in print media, and working as writers and producers in network and cable television, and film.

Total 90 semester credit hours required with 62 credit hours required in Major Area Studies, 12 credit hours in Supportive Theater and Performance Studies, 16 credits of electives.