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An overview of the Dramaturgy MFA program at Columbia University. The program emphasizes collaboration, practical experience, and academic rigor. Students study various aspects of dramaturgy through a combination of theoretical and practical courses. The program offers unique opportunities for professional development and international connections. Year One includes courses on Introduction to Dramaturgy, Fundamentals of Directing, History & Theory of Theatre, and Creating a Play. Year Two includes Development Process, Collaboration, Dramaturgy Practicum, and Advanced Drama Criticism Seminar. Students must complete a written thesis project and fulfill additional requirements. The program boasts a renowned faculty and a wide range of opportunities for alumni in various fields of theatre and media.
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๏ Dramaturgy is the making of theatrical events.
๏ It is a way of seeing, witnessing and shaping the
collaborative process.
๏ It is a skill set and sits at the intersection of all of the
theatrical disciplines. It is not a โjobโ per se. It is
expressed in many jobs and roles within the theatre
and other storytelling media.
๏ In practice, it is generative, not just responsive. It
requires ambition, diplomacy, insight, and
leadership.
What is dramaturgy?
What do I study?
Year One
๏ *Recommended Electives include Directing III, Shakespeare in Performance, TV as a Dramatic Medium, Viewpoints, Fundraising and Marketing, Budgeting and Reporting, Press, Publicity and Audience Development, Toward a New Theatre, Television Writing, Silent Cinema, Fundamentals of Acting, Visiting Directors, and courses in the English department.
๏ Additional Requirements include one production assignment, Collaboration Weekend Workshop, two professional internships and a Foreign Language requirement.
๏ Dramaturgy Thesis Project: MFA dramaturgy students complete a written thesis based on production work, scholarly research, translations, or other projects approved by their advisor.
๏ 60 credits over the course of two full time years
of study.
๏ Faculty approved thesis project
๏ 2 professional internships/apprenticeships
What are the
requirements?
Widest possible range of options.
All projects must have a significant component of critical writing.
Examples:
๏ Translations/Adaptations
๏ Research-based essays about the state of the field and critical issues.
๏ Creations of theatre companies/original productions
๏ Original plays combined with process analysis, research context
๏ Traditional academic papers
๏ Collaborative work with MFA directors and playwrights
How does Dramaturgy fit within the Theatre
program?
Manhattanville Campus
(coming soon)
๏ Liz Engelman โ96, Artistic Director of Tofte Lake Center, MN, professor at UT Austin
๏ Julie Felise Dubiner โ97, Associate Director, American Revolutions Project, Oregon Shakespeare Festival
๏ Elizabeth Whitaker โ99, Associate Artistic Director, Signature Theatre Company
๏ Lisa Timmel โ99, Director of New Work, Huntington Theatre Company
๏ Brian Flanagan โ02, Television producer
๏ Mary Elizabeth Petersโ 05, Director of Scheduling and Programming, Showtime Networks
๏ Abigail Katz โ 08, Director of New Play Development, Atlantic Theater Company
๏ Brendan Padgett โ 09, Chief Press Representative, Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
๏ Miguel Ian Raya โ10, Television writer/producer
๏ Ian Klein โ 12, Digital Storytelling consultant
๏ Annah Feinberg โ13, Television writer/producer
๏ Ashley Melone โ14 Artistic Director, Vineyard Arts Project
๏ Adrian Silver โ14, Dramaturg, Writer, Bill T Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company
๏ Anika Chapin โ14, Literary Manager & Dramaturg, Two River Theatre
Our Alumni
โThere's no obvious career path at the end, and it's an expensive way to spend three years. But, if you know what you're hoping to gain from it, the gaps in your knowledge you want to fill, the people you want to meet, the skills you want to acquire, or even the questions you want to pursue, then go for it. It's an amazing thing, but is an experience that requires you to be self-motivated and focused.โ
Lynn Spector, โ15.
โWhile the MFA curriculum is both rich and full, I would try to branch out in to at least one co-related area to increase my understanding of the professional opportunities for dramaturgs. Dramaturgy provides one of the firmest foundations on which to build a career in theatre. It is possible to take the skills and apply to many different creative areas and allows an early-career professional to forge unique paths.โ
Christopher Burney, โ94. Associate Artistic Director / Curator at Second Stage Theatre
โIn my studies at Columbia I learned the fundamentals of fundraising and development and applied those skills almost immediately upon graduating. Dramaturgy training also aligns with marketing and branding, and the critical thinking skills growth was also invaluable for me. In producing and developing plays during my MFA I also learned how to manage teams to streamline and communicate visions and ideas, which has helped me manage and lead projects. โ
Emily Long, 2006. Director of Communications and Development at The LAMP (Media literacy education)
โIf you're sure about being unsure, then that may
very well be a good thing when considering an
MFA in dramaturgy. If you like to explore,
wonder, try, and continuously learn, then this is
the degree for you.โ
Ian Klein, โ12. Founder/Creative Director,
Vizir Productions