NJChicago

I got in and will be attending in the fall! Happy to talk through the whole process with those who are interested, but the short version is this: I applied December 1 deadline. Invited to interview in late December (they asked you to prep a "dream project" and come prepared to pitch it --- but that was new this year) Interviewed in Chicago mid-January -- I got to drive this interview, which was great. I first showed Yura examples of my work and talked about my process through them. He asked thoughtful questions, some which were general ("Why Yale when you're already making work?") some which were provocative ("How did actors of color respond to playing white men in your production?" and further explorations of that question). I pitched my 'dream project' and it got torn apart. I asked a lot of questions that I thought would help me improve for next year. Yura said I wouldn't hear anything either way until early February. I stumbled out after 2 hours, when the interview was supposed to last 45 minutes (this is unusual -- not a positive or negative sign either way). Received callback invite in early February via phone. A week later, they provided me with travel information and the 4 scenes to I choose from. Arrived in New Haven in late February. Was there for about 24 hours total. They were very generous -- the hotel we were put up in was great and they got me and one other callback a car from the Hartford airport. Met a bunch of other directors that night. The next morning, I woke up, went to the callback, introduced myself to the two actors downstairs and went upstairs to direct. The directing itself was fine (don't remember most of it) and then they grilled me on my choices for about 45 minutes to an hour. Not sure I have any advice to offer except the obvious: they want to see who you are, and the most successful moments of my experience were when I was behaving authentically and eager to engage in a conversation about my work. Happy applying to all of you, this year and next -- and I am happy to help in any way! Lurking here made me feel less alone -- so I'm happy to give back!

Hey all! Longtime lurker. First time poster. I have a callback at Yale on February 24th. Still haven't heard anything from UCSD... seems like everyone is still waiting.