Playwriting

The Playwriting program at Brown University offers students an immersive and comprehensive education in the art of writing for the theater. Rooted in the university’s open curriculum, the program encourages students to explore diverse theatrical styles, narratives, and voices, fostering both individual creativity and a deep understanding of dramatic structure. Students engage with coursework in script development, character creation, dialogue, and staging, gaining hands-on experience through workshops, readings, and production opportunities. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, allowing students to incorporate elements from literature, performance, and other arts to enrich their playwrighting craft. Faculty members, who are active playwrights and theater practitioners, provide mentorship and personalized feedback, guiding students to develop original works suitable for contemporary and classical theater. The curriculum also includes courses on theatrical history, dramaturgy, and the business aspects of theater production, preparing students for diverse careers in playwriting, dramaturgy, theater directing, and production. Collaboration is a cornerstone of the program, allowing students to work closely with actors, directors, and designers to bring their scripts to life on stage. Brown’s vibrant arts community and numerous campus theater venues offer students ample opportunities to have their work produced and performed, fostering professional development and public engagement. By the end of the program, graduates are equipped with a portfolio of original scripts, a thorough understanding of theatrical practices, and the skills necessary to pursue careers as professional playwrights, dramaturgs, or theater educators. The Playwriting curriculum is designed to challenge, inspire, and support students in their artistic journeys, making it a dynamic environment for aspiring playwrights to hone their craft and contribute meaningfully to the theatrical arts.

MFA students are required to take the graduate playwriting workshop in each semester of their residency. Other classes are electives. Electives can be culled from a wide range of classes in playwriting, theatre studies, performance studies, and the offerings of many departments beyond the Department of Theatre Arts and Performance Studies.  All courses are selected by the student, in consultation with advisors from playwriting faculty. Other faculty in Theatre Arts and Performance Studies are also happy to advise playwrights when desired.

MFA playwrights are provided continuous collaborative opportunity, in and beyond the bounds of theater, to bring their text into space and time. If youn are operating within the conventions of a play as classically understood, your script is produced at least once while at Brown. This is realized in cooperation with Brown/Trinity MFA actors and directors, as well as actors, directors and dramaturgs in other parts of the consortium of Theatre Programs at Brown. Productions along these lines occur during the Writing is Live Festival. Also available: readings, self-and-peer produced events, conceptual collaborations with designers, means to work with musicians, programmers, poets, scholars, public health workers… We encourage you to define “play” and “production” as liberally as your impulses direct, and we will help you to your vision.

Requirements

1. Two writing samples. The first should be a complete piece of any length in dramatic form (“dramatic” understood liberally). The second may be a part of a whole, and in any medium; if writing, no more than 15 pages, if visual no more than 15 images, if sound/video, no more than 15 minutes. If you have trouble uploading a second sample, or if it cannot be uploaded, please send it to the Graduate School, clearly marked Playwriting Application. Do not send samples directly to the department as this will delay the processing of your application.
2. Statement of purpose. What are your writing goals over the next few years, and how can Brown's program serve them?
3. Three recommendations, at least one of which speaks directly to your work as a theater artist.
4. TOEFL: required for applicants from non-English speaking countries only; 
5. Inquiries should be addressed to Erik Ehn, Head of the MFA in Playwriting in the Department of Theatre Arts and Performance Studies, Box 1897, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912.
6. GRE (General/Subject): Not required.

Applications to the PhD and MFA programs are submitted to, and managed through, the Graduate School. Please do not email the department with technical questions or requests to troubleshoot your online application submission. You can find detailed instructions about the application process and components here. 

Transcripts and letters of recommendation and any other supplementary materials should also be sent to directly to the Graduate School mailing address.Sending application materials to directly to TAPS will delay the processing of your application.

Scholarships

The program provides a financial aid package that covers tuition, health fee, and health insurance for three years of full-time enrollment. Students receive a 50% stipend during academic Year 1 (based on a 9-month academic calendar) and 100% stipends during academic Years 2 and 3. Students also receive a stipend for two summers. Funding is contingent on students remaining in good standing.

The Playwriting concentration at Brown University offers students an immersive educational experience dedicated to the craft of writing and developing original theatrical works. As part of the Department of Literary Arts within the College, the program provides a rigorous curriculum that emphasizes both the artistic and practical aspects of playwriting. Students engage in writing workshops, craft seminars, and production opportunities that allow them to explore diverse styles, genres, and voices within the theater arts. The program encourages collaboration with other disciplines, including acting, directing, and design, fostering a comprehensive understanding of theater production from inception to performance. Students receive personalized mentoring from experienced faculty members who are active playwrights themselves, guiding them through the process of creating compelling characters, dialogue, and structure. In addition to coursework, students have access to Brown’s extensive resources, including the Brown/Trinity Rep M.F.A. Programs in Acting and Directing, which provide opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and production internships. The program aims to prepare students for careers in playwriting, theater production, and related fields by developing their technical skills, creative voice, and professional connections. Graduates of the program have gone on to enjoy successful careers as playwrights, dramaturgs, teachers, and theater artists. The curriculum also emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in theater, encouraging students to explore contemporary issues through their writing. Overall, the Brown University Playwriting program offers a comprehensive and supportive environment for aspiring playwrights to hone their skills, develop their unique artistic identities, and contribute meaningfully to the world of theater.