Yale School of Drama

Yale School of Drama

Type	Graduate school
Established	1955
Dean	James Bundy
Location	New Haven , Connecticut , United States
Campus	Urban

The Yale School of Drama is a graduate professional school of Yale University located in New Haven, Connecticut. Founded in 1955, it offers training in every discipline of the theatre: acting, design (set, costume, lighting, projection, and sound), directing, dramaturgy and dramatic criticism, playwriting, stage management, technical design and production, and theatre management.

History

The Yale School of Drama formed from the Department of Drama in the Yale School of Fine Arts. The department originally offered a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) program and later expanded to include a Doctor of Fine Arts (DFA) in Dramaturgy and Dramatic Criticism.

Programs

The school offers a three-year MFA program in various disciplines of theatre production and management, including a one-year technical internship program for recent graduates. The highly selective programs aim to prepare students for professional careers in the theatre industry.

Acting

The acting program at the Yale School of Drama is one of the most prestigious in the United States, known for its rigorous training and notable alumni.

Design

Students in the design program learn from professionals in the field and work on actual productions at the school, gaining hands-on experience in scenic, costume, lighting, projection, and sound design.

Directing

The directing program focuses on developing the artistic and intellectual skills necessary for professional directors, with a strong emphasis on creating new works.

Playwriting

The playwriting department nurtures new writers, focusing on the creation of new plays and the development of the voice of the playwright.

Productions

The Yale School of Drama produces several productions each year, which are performed by students and open to the public. These productions serve as practical platforms for students to apply their skills and gain performance experience.

Notable Alumni

The school has produced numerous prominent theatre professionals who have made significant contributions to the field of drama both on Broadway and in film and television. Notable alumni include Meryl Streep, Paul Newman, and Lupita Nyong'o.

Facilities

The school's facilities include theaters, rehearsal rooms, costume and scene shops, and design studios, all equipped to provide a comprehensive educational experience in theatre production.

Affiliations

The Yale School of Drama is closely affiliated with the Yale Repertory Theatre, a professional theatre that shares resources and personnel with the school. Students often work on productions at the Yale Repertory Theatre as part of their training. Template:Yale-stub