Mel Rose

I corresponded with Ohio and was told that interview requests were going out the first week of April. I haven’t gotten one, so I’m assuming I’m not a finalist there. That said, in previous years it looks like people have interviewed as late as mid April...their timeline seems later than most. Ohio and Iowa are the ones I am still waiting on (other than the places I’ve been waitlisted). I’ve still heard nothing from Iowa, though I assume a rejection at this point, given that acceptances went out last month. No rejection email or changes on my portal. Sigh. Closure would be nice.

Ugh right??!! I don’t like thinking about going through it all over again ? Fingers crossed for both of us ?. This year the timing was finally right for grad school for me. Alas. Not giving up yet, but I’m just finding that throwing myself into a new project and getting excited about it is helping with the waiting. I’m also doing the DG #endofplay thing happening this month...Anyone else? Just trying to hold myself accountable to stick to deadlines and challenge myself to connect more with other playwrights. It’s helping to distract from the pain of the waiting list ? (and to reconnect to the love of writing again).

In the dark about Northwestern, but I corresponded a little with NYU...they said the earliest we would hear anything would be after April 15 because that’s when they evaluate the cohort based on who has committed and begin to re-evaluate waitlist candidates to fill the class with the right fit(s). The list is unranked, so it’s kind of a luck-of-the-draw situation, based on who decides to attend (screenwriters, playwrights, tv writers, etc) and who they think will fit the cohort. From previous conversations, it sounds like they go to the waiting list every year because some film/tv students prefer to attend school in LA, and some playwrights prefer fully funded/stipended programs. I’m super antsy too and I hate it. I’ve made plans to move/relocate this summer regardless of the outcome of grad school, as my current city unfortunately does not have much of an audience or community for new work...it’s time to ramble on. Trying to just move on and plan on applying again next year with some new work to a revised & more focused list of programs...but it’s hard when there’s still a glimmer of hope I’m holding on to!

Thank you so much @cheesy for keeping us wait-listers in the loop! Juilliard: Didn't apply, but from what I recall hearing from other playwrights I know, rejections are kinda rolling through April-May. I remember hearing that rejections often happen after April 15, but if you're still being considered they email you before then. I guess because they are more like a fellowship, their timeline is different.

And...just to share the answer to my own question...(in case others are following) I just got a reply from Erik R at Ohio U, expressing that they are making decisions about candidates this coming week, and plan to begin reaching out to finalists about interviews the following week.

Anyone familiar with Ohio's timeline? They're one of the last schools I have to hear from. I know their decisions and deadlines are later, generally speaking, but I'm wondering if anyone here has heard yet or been interviewed this year? Just contacted them, but haven't received a reply yet.

Thanks @Agez! And @broccolini and @natalinal, everybody I talk to keeps saying that being on multiple waiting lists means that chances aren’t too shabby for getting in somewhere, so I’m holding onto that hope for now, at least for another month... Definitely will be checking out that podcast! And yes! I’ve noticed that some programs seem to embrace screenwriting/television writing, while others see it as less of an artistic craft. Throughout this process (and this crazy year in general), I’ve really come to realize my strengths as a writer lean toward the cinematic, and I’ve gotten much clearer about my goals as a playwright/TV-writer combo. If I have to apply next year, will hone in only on programs that support that, including adding some screenwriting programs to the mix. I guess I’ve seen this year how important having quality writing on episodic series/TV is for people...like, on a human level. So many people seem to have gotten through quarantine with a TV series or two, and it makes me realize that it’s really a quite essential art form, even though it gets a bad rap in terms of artistic merit. Plus, most of the best TV writers are badass playwrights in their own right. I hope programs embrace this medium because it means more opportunities for us to tell stories.

@natalinal @broccolini same boat here. Glad to not be alone in this weird feeling. Trying to stay hopeful... but it’s hard, not gonna lie. The waiting and uncertainty of this whole year has been the hardest part, and it’s for sure difficult to have it all prolonged. Hang in there!

NYU portals have updated, for those waiting on that one! I've been waitlisted. I'm now on a small handful of waiting lists, checking my email obsessively (even though I swore I wouldn't) and slowly losing my mind, but it's all good Still hoping for some good news before the season is out!

Woot! Congrats @nickelmoop! For those who have gotten acceptances already, did you let you know by phone, or email? I know every school is different...but, just curious. ?

Just received an interview request from NYU via email! (for all those following NYU's Dramatic Writing) Looks like last year's requests came out in batches throughout the last week of Feb, so keep an eye out!

Check out the Playwriting MFAs Topic/Thread! Interview requests have begun going out for Northwestern. Interviews typically will precede offers for most programs. Not sure if Northwestern sends interviews requests all at once or in batches. Hope this helps!

I applied to Iowa, but haven’t heard any updates yet. Judging by last year’s timeline, there may be a little more time (looks like interviews/offers began in March in 2020). Hoping that’s the case!

Woot! Congratulations! And a serious thanks to you for sharing so much of your knowledge/insight from last cycle. It has been so hugely helpful for those of us on our first round. It must be such a relief to have a solid decision this early & to maybe be able to breathe again!

Cool! I have not applied applied before. Wondering if anyone has insight on their process? Curious if they are doing things differently this year, or if some waitlist interviews take place only after a finalist spot opens up. I don't know. It's a mystery. ? Trying to stay somewhat positive as I now give up hope on UT Austin ?

Just got the notification from CMU...I have been placed on the waitlist. Not exactly helping my stress level, but not all hope is lost! Congrats to all who have gotten interview requests today!

Thank you for all this! That is great to hear. So jealous of your working with Lucas Hnath. Love his work.

Thank you so much. That gives me hope. At first I wasn't even going to bother applying to NYU...but the faculty is incredible. From what I've gathered...Brown is very experimental, highly conceptual, and interested in redefining what "dramatic writing" can look like. Julia Jarcho of minor theater is the new head of playwriting. Seems to have full funding, so is highly competitive (I'd guess 2-3 admitted in a year, if that). Seems like artists who come out of the program are pretty interdisciplinary and unconventional (which I'm into).

How is everyone doing so far? I've just got to say, it is definitely proving challenging/interesting to be workshopping plays exclusively on Zoom all year. ? Finally nailed down my list. This is my first year applying. It's been tough to get a solid sense of things without being able to visit and see productions at schools, etc, but I've been so pleasantly surprised by how welcoming, helpful, thorough, and responsive faculty have been to my questions. I guess I'm used to be treated like one in a herd of cattle from years of being an actor ? ... so kindness and thoughtful correspondence feels like a blessing. UT- Austin Ohio University Brown Northwestern Carnegie Mellon Iowa Playwrights Workshop Brooklyn College NYU Does anybody here know anything about Carnegie Mellon or NYU's funding situation (if they ever give ANY lol)?

I'd love to hear more about your experience at Brooklyn College for sure! On another note, for those who have applied before, specifically to Northwestern, I'd be curious to hear how you selected your ten page sample. I am slightly daunted by the thought of being evaluated on ten pages alone! After speaking to an alum, it sounds like most submit an excerpt of a longer work, rather than a short (which is what I planned on). I'm guessing that submitting the first ten pages is a way to go, but I'm curious if anyone took a different approach.

To add to the above Brooklyn College question, I was also wondering if anyone here has heard who has joined the Playwriting faculty there? I heard Erin Courtney has moved to Northwestern, but the website has not updated info on who is at the helm of the program now.

I've been reaching out to programs for information, and it looks like Indiana isn't recruiting playwrights this application cycle, nor is Michener, or Yale (I've heard). Brown I think is still a bit TBD, pending funding, from the response I got. Would love to hear where people are applying this year, and if any more major programs are not recruiting, due to circumstances.

Hi everyone! I am seeking to apply this year for the MFA (fiction), but my background is as a practicing theatre artist. It was a struggle to make a determination between pursuing fiction or playwriting! While I may still apply to a few playwriting programs, my decision has ultimately been to focus on fiction, in the hopes that my program will offer access to some dramatic writing classes/workshops, or at least offer a community with some ties to the world of theatre. I have found that the practice of theatre as a live storytelling experience playing out in real time (not to mention the deep understanding of character that accompanies years of being a performer) has really enhanced not just my writing, but also my worldview. I would hate to not be able to engage with that art form. I was wondering if any of you had recommendations for programs that might lend opportunities for playwriting or writing for performance. I am still refining my list, but would love to know if there are any that I missed or overlooked. Thank you!

Thank you for these resources! I'll be applying this year to both directing and playwriting MFA programs (I have yet to find a program that fully includes both, but I'm very much a theatre "creator," and trying to find the right fit.) I'm excited for the future of theatre and what kind of creativity could emerge out of the current challenges. It could mean that theatre as we know it changes forever (and that's potentially a very good thing)! I'm looking to add to my list in terms of zeroing in on directing programs that focus on the creation of new work and/or devising. Any info is appreciated! (And only for programs with funding).

Does anyone have a comprehensive list of the fully or heavily funded MFA Playwriting/Dramatic Writing programs? I am putting together my list, and unfortunately I'm not in a position to seek graduate study without major financial assistance. Funding is most important to me, and I'm looking to expand my list. (Note: I have held off on Iowa, Indiana, and Ohio because I need to seriously consider if I can imagine myself living in these parts of the Midwest...I am a little older than many grad students, and so where I live for several years into my early 30s is a factor). I'm also considering interdisciplinary creative writing programs that may offer playwriting opportunities or concentrations. If anyone has details on the following programs' funding opportunities, and/or has info on additional programs that may provide funding, let me know! Extra points if additional programs are experimental-leaning : UT Austin Brown Carnegie Mellon Brooklyn College Rutgers UCSD Northwestern ( I don't believe offers full funding, but may offer some grant opportunities? Not sure) Boston University