Playwriting

Playwriting at Yale begins with the building blocks of writing for the stage: event, character and conflict. At Yale, the study of playwriting is augmented by plentiful opportunities throughout the year to see exciting live performances of classic and contemporary texts at the Yale Rep, Yale Cabaret, and the Yale Drama School. There are even student productions of plays, scenes, and monologues written by undergraduates. Recent visitors have included Sarah Ruhl, Naomi Wallace, Tarell Alvin McCraney, and Stephen Adly Guirgis. Student writers are encouraged to develop their unique voices while applying the fundamental principles of drama. With the skills introduced in the classroom, many graduates have gone on to distinguish themselves not only in the field of playwriting but in writing for the screen and television as well.