Reaching out to Department Heads

[A.Payne]

Hi there! I'm new to this site so hopefully I'm doing this right...

I'm hoping to apply to some Directing MFA's this fall with a fall 2019 admission. It has been strongly suggested to me that I reach out to the department heads to introduce myself and ask them questions about their programs. But I'm not quite sure what I should ask other than "what is so special about your program?" Any suggestions on what type of questions are good to ask, good vocabulary to use, ways to make myself look good, etc. 

This is my first time applying to grad school ever, so I am really learning as I go. I have a few schools picked out and have started gathering the application materials, but I feel like this is an important step I shouldn't miss. 

Thanks for the help!