Hi everyone, I've been lurking a little while now. I have a question that might not be entirely on-topic for this forum. (If there's a better forum to post this in, I'd appreciate knowing about it!)
Anyway, what I'm wondering is if there are any current Playwriting MFA students on this board who can talk about the life of a Playwriting MFA student. I am in the very early stages of deciding whether or not I'd want to pursue an MFA, and would appreciate any insights as to what grad school is like -- like, the day to day lifestyle -- to help me figure out if it's for me.
My situation might be a little different from most: I'm in my late thirties, and married with two children. We live in Los Angeles now, but will be relocating to the NYC area next year. I've been writing for television for about 15 years now, but theater has always been my first love. As I contemplate this fairly sharp left turn in my professional life, I'm curious if an educational environment would provide some much needed structure. Plus, I'm at a point in my life where I miss learning, and taking classes. Maybe it's a mid-life crisis, but I figure, as mid-life crises go, it's safer than a motorcycle.
SInce I'll be in New York, the schools I'd apply to would probably include Columbia, NYU, Julliard, New School, and Yale.
Here's my primary concern: will three years spent getting an MFA mean three years away from a writing career with some momentum, or is it a viable way to develop real material that can have a life down the road, beyond the campus walls?
Also, I'm curious how much time is spent in class and how much free time there is in the average week. Do you get summers off? (I realize these might be silly questions. Like I said, I truly am coming at this blind!)
I'm sure I have a million other questions, but this seems like a good place to stop. I really appreciate any thoughts you guys might have. Thanks a lot!
