Agez

Hey y'all! In my last year at UCSD. We're accepting applications this year so let me know if you have any questions on the program. All the best!

CONGRATS @Mel Rose and @tomlette!!!!

Hey! Yeah, it looks like they're really behind this year. I know they just started discussing applications last weekend, meanwhile I found out I was accepted a year ago this week. I'll try to find out next week what's up!

Congrats, y'all! Be yourself, and think about questions you really want to know the answers to. You're also finding out if they're a good fit for you, as much as the other way around. Have fun!

Hi Zora! I know they mentioned having to delay for a week or so, so I think first round of phone interviews will happen around early February. I'm not sure if that means that's when they are gonna occur or if that's when they'll start notifying. I know that's vague, but I hope can help!

Hey y'all! 2-year Gradcafé applicant and current UCSD student here! Let me know if you have any questions! And I just found out they're likely accepting 2 ppl this year, instead of the presumed 1, so better luck!

Congrats @PlayWitch and @cheesy on NYU! And everyone else for these waitlists! That's a major accomplishment in and of itself. I can't speak for all programs, but I think more and more are starting to accept they NEED to include screenwriting/ tv writing in their syllabi because playwrights need those skills to work. I remember Columbia mentioned doing more, especially considering their location, and UCSD has such classes as well. I know there are not enough comforting words, but its truly not over until its over. Ppl in this forum have had things switch up come April- June. I understand tempering expectations, but you honestly never know. Also, this is EXPECTED to be a multi-year process! Going your first or even second round is not the norm! For the podcast lovers, I highly recommend American Theatre Magazine's The Subtext. A playwright interviews playwrights and gets to know their journey, and no 2 are alike. Some ppl apply on a whim and get in, others go through the process on and off for YEARS, and some don't even go at all. But they all find their way.

LOL So after hearing nothing since I submitted, I just got into Brooklyn lol So if anyone gets on the waitlist, a spot will be opening up!

FUCK YEAH! CONGRATULATIONS! You deserve that cry! w00t!

Oh, thank you for asking! I did end up accepting! The relief was very welcome. I just spoke with the other incoming playwright for a little Zoom meet up which was nice lol I also got my person email from Hunter, but I let them know I had already accepted so hopefully that opens up an interview spot! I'll starting to realize how differently timed all these programs are when it comes to responses and such

Congrats on Hunter! I interviewed with Christine last year and she was a delight! I was most likely gonna go if not for the pandemic. I don't know why, but I love that so much! lol Hi brocolini's dad!

AHHH YES!!!! Congrats @broccolini and @seasickmermaid!!! LEGO!!!

Thank you all, so SO much! I haven't properly celebrated, but this was a great reminder to. Y'all are the best! You're right, it is really quick, and I could probably ask for more time, but honestly I'm an over thinker and I feel like the more time I give myself, the deeper the rabbit hole lol I'm trying to learn to go with my gut more.

Update to the update: So I found out the 2nd interview is actual casual one-on-ones with the current cohort at UCSD. They were all really awesome and kind, it was a nice "getting to know you "and do you have any questions?" They did this with 4 ppl, I did two meet ups on Sunday, and two on Monday. Got the call from Naomi early this morning, I'm in! Still processing. It's a quick turn around, have 48 hrs to respond. It's my top choice school so I'm very thankful, I just have to weight it between a job offer at the theatre I work at and love. Stats wise, 94 ppl applied this year, which Naomi made sound was above normal. Thank y'all for the support through this process, y'all the realest! I know it's a stressful time, and this was only my 2nd round. Sending out good vibes and good luck!

That's Epic! Congrats y'all! Best of luck! ❤️

Update: Got an email from Naomi today saying I should expect to hear from the current MFA cohort soon for a 2nd interview, and for me to ask them any questions I have about the program and their experience.

Thank you all so much for the support! I was so nervous, but Deborah and Naomi were really chill and we just talked about the past year, how it's effected our art making, my opinions on some theatre, how the school's doing etc. I'll hear back by next week if I get through to the next round, but it was a lowkey 40 min convo. Congratulations! Be yourself! They already love and are excited by you and your work, so you don't need to prove yourself. And don't be afraid to ask questions!

Yeah, February and March is just the wait and see time. Don't count yourself out too soon!

Thank you so much! trying not to stress out before then lol It was an individual email on Friday night, so they may be staggering their emails. From my experience last year, they interviewed their top 10, and then their top 2-4 interviewed with the cohort. I only made it to the 1st interview tho.

I've had three interviews, none of them from the schools you mentioned, I'm afraid. But the basic point of interviews is for them to: 1) Get to know you as a person. Anyone can write a great sample or statement of purpose, but they won't really know who you are until you meet. You're going to be a part of a cohort/ larger community. They have to make sure all the personality types mesh well and that they can see themselves being in your company for 2-3 yrs. And it honestly goes both ways. A school can be a dream school on paper, but do you gel with the faculty you are interviewing with? Is this the energy/ environment you feel like you can create and grow in? 2) Getting to know/ understand the mind behind the work. They want to get to know you as a creative. What inspires your writing? What do you want t accomplish in this program? Why specifically THIS program? They are going to woo you just as much, if not more, than you are wooing them. The interview already means they like your writing and are interested. And don't be afraid to ask what you really want to know. This is your time with them. Good luck!

Hey y'all! Just wanted to keep you posted. I got an email from Naomi and Deborah from UCSD for an interview for this Tuesday

Oh shit Congrats! Positive vibes for the interview! Let us know how it goes! Yeah, least year for UCSD I was on the "shortlist" to get to the first interview which I think was 10 ppl. Then folks went on to 2nd interviews from I think those top 3-4 or so. For Northwestern and Hunter they were each just one interview before I got accepted, so everyone is different and has their own wording. Congrats CMU waitlisters! I believe they do interviews, from what I recall people said last year. The Results tab will have the info

From what I've come to understand almost everyone does do interviews, and Brooklyn is kind of a rarity in not doing so. I also hate interviews, but I try to force myself to be calm and act like it's the casual conversation they claim it to be lol Most people can write convincingly, but the interview is getting to know you as a person and an artist, and see if you fit the culture of the community, that you'd actually fit in there. Anyone else have interview insights?

oh yeah, it's still rather early at this point. Interview requests (for those who do interviews) won't even come out until next month and can roll into March. Now is just a normal part of the waiting game, I'm afraid

Happy New Year, y'all!! I admit, I've been kind of theatre'd out lately. I'm trying to slowly get back in, and being forced to by work as we get into season planning helps. I'm trying to read more works by playwrights I've been lucky enough to meet/ know via NPX, and working my way from there. I applied to 14 schools last year, and just submitted all my apps for the 5 this year. Going in with a very different energy. With everything going, it felt a little absurd, but life has to keep on. I'm just at the point where I just want to know what my life is going to look like this year cause I couldn't have guessed the last one. Best of luck everyone! Overthinking, though natural, will not be our friend over the upcoming months. You've done your part, the rest come what may or something. Take care of yourselves!