Theatre Arts & Performance Studies

MFA in Playwriting

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MFA in Playwriting

Brown's MFA in Playwriting seeks students who define themselves as writers, and whose writing resists definition—but involves a keen, tireless attention to live performance.

The MFA in Playwriting program is a place to study what writing for theater has been, while honing a creative practice that also feeds voraciously on the nontheatrical: all kinds of literature, art, rebellion, and thought. Above all it is a place and time to write like you've never written before.

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Application Requirements

  • Two writing samples:
    • The first should be a complete full-length script for live performance (a.k.a. a play.)
    • 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.
  • Statement of purpose: What are your writing goals over the next few years, and how can Brown's program serve them?
  • Three recommendations: at least one of which speaks directly to your work as a theater artist.
  • TOEFL: required for applicants from non-English speaking countries only; see Graduate School website for details.
  • GRE (General/Subject): Not required.

Application Deadline

January 3, 2024

Contact

For questions about the MFA Playwriting program, contact the Head of Playwriting, Julia Jarcho at julia_jarcho@brown.edu.

Apply

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 on the Graduate School website. Refer to the application FAQ for additional questions.

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.

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Financial Aid

The program provides a financial aid package that covers stipend, tuition, health fee, and health insurance for three years of full-time enrollment. In addition, the program provides stipends for fall and spring semesters for each year of full-time enrollment as well as a stipend for two summers (following first and second years). Funding is contingent on students remaining in good standing.

Learn More About Financial Aid

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