MFA Playwriting

The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Playwriting at Boston University combines a strong commitment to literary scholarship with invaluable, hands-on collaborations with other theatre artists.

Degree Type

Graduate

Formats

In-Person

Availability

Full-Time

Location

On-Campus

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BU’s three-year MFA in playwriting program combines a strong commitment to literary scholarship with invaluable, hands-on collaborations with other theatre artists. The program is offered by the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences (GRS) in close collaboration with the College of Fine Arts (CFA) School of Theatre (SOT). As partners in the MFA in playwriting, we work together to ensure that our playwriting graduates are equipped for both the academic and professional worlds of the theatre.

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Turn your play into a theatrical production.

At BU, we integrate faculty expertise from the renowned Department of English (in GRS) with complementary SOT strengths (in CFA) in acting, directing, design, production, and theatre management.

Intensive writing workshops connecting students with professional actors and directors are coupled with classes immersing each student in dramatic literature, theatre history, and practice.

During our annual professional season of new works, each student’s personal involvement is required in the theatrical productions.

Teaching fellowships in the English department are offered along with full tuition remissions and living stipends during the first two years of study.

Program of Study

A rigorous program of study totaling 60 credits. Eight workshops in playwriting, where two of them are taken every semester during the first two years of study. Seven of these eight workshops are part of a fixed program, taken in sequence by all students in a given entering cohort.

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Plus, sixteen credits of dramatic or other literature, four credits of creative process coursework in play production, two elective credits, and six credits of directed study focused on the writing and production of the student’s thesis play. The ability to read a foreign language is required for this degree. The three-year degree culminates in a production of each student’s thesis play and a potential internship at a chosen theatre.

“The MFA Playwriting Program at BU has a strong and vibrant tradition, rooted in deep respect for both the artistic and literary value of the written word.”

-Nathan Alan Davis

BU’s NEW MFA Playwriting Program Head and Associate Professor of the Practice of Playwriting

Opportunities

Collaborations with faculty, directors, and actors through the BU New Play Initiative, which expresses our commitment to SOT’s participation in the development of new work. This special initiative provides playwrights, directors, designers, and actors with a variety of developmental options to support the collaborative creation of new work for the theatre.

Involvement in the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival Playwriting Awards Program. KCACTF has given more than 400,000 college theater students the opportunity to have their work critiqued, improve their dramatic skills, and receive national recognition for excellence.

Full production in the third year of study within the Boston Playwrights’ Theatre (BPT) professional season of new works.

Graduating with an MFA in playwriting degree from BU keeps the opportunities flowing for our alums. We’ve witnessed their success in mentoring and teaching for the Massachusetts Young Playwrights’ Project, connecting with Boston-area theatre companies and publications, and working on full professional productions at BPT.

Faculty

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Next Steps for MFA Applicants

To apply to the MFA in playwriting program, visit the BU Playwriting website for step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

For any questions along the way of the application process, contact Boston Playwrights’ Theatre at 617-353-5104, or call the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences Admissions Office at 617-353-2696.