Portfolio
"The function of art is to use beauty to set the world right." - W.E.B. DuBois.
In the program’s three years, students write multiple full-length plays; an original screenplay or a teleplay; and are encouraged to take on additional projects such as VR/AR, podcasting, digital media, devising, or adaptation; or to develop skills such as directing, dramaturgy, producing, or curating. Each year, each playwright receives a major development opportunity and works with grad or professional directors and student actors. The thesis production includes collaboration with our world-class design departments. Please see below for official degree requirements.*
Portfolio
"The function of art is to use beauty to set the world right." - W.E.B. DuBois.
In the program’s three years, students write multiple full-length plays; an original screenplay or a teleplay; and are encouraged to take on additional projects such as VR/AR, podcasting, digital media, devising, or adaptation; or to develop skills such as directing, dramaturgy, producing, or curating. Each year, each playwright receives a major development opportunity and works with grad or professional directors and student actors. The thesis production includes collaboration with our world-class design departments. Please see below for official degree requirements.*
In the program’s three years, students write multiple full-length plays; an original screenplay or a teleplay; and are encouraged to take on additional projects such as VR/AR, podcasting, digital media, devising, or adaptation; or to develop skills such as directing, dramaturgy, producing, or curating. Each year, each playwright receives a major development opportunity and works with grad or professional directors and student actors. The thesis production includes collaboration with our world-class design departments. Please see below for official degree requirements.*
Study
We cover the topics listed in the trajectory suggested. This plan leaves room for students to take electives in other areas at UCLA. Note that course titles will vary and sequence may shift with instructor availability.
Year 1
- Grad Playwriting Workshop
- Postdramatic Theater
- Manuscript Analysis
- Theater History**
- Directing
- ONES: Workshop of New Play w/ outside directors
- Postdramatic Theater
- Manuscript Analysis
- Theater History**
- Directing
- ONES: Workshop of New Play w/ outside directors
Year 2
- Grad Playwriting Workshop
- Special Topics in Playwriting***
- Screenwriting (in Film dept)
- Theater History
- TWOS: Workshop of New Play w/ grad directors
- Teach beginning playwriting to undergrads (paid)
- Special Topics in Playwriting***
- Screenwriting (in Film dept)
- Theater History
- TWOS: Workshop of New Play w/ grad directors
- Teach beginning playwriting to undergrads (paid)
Year 3
- New Play Festival: Thesis Production
- Professional Preparedness
- Professional Internship
- Teach beginning playwriting to undergrads (paid)
- Graduation in Winter Quarter (March)
- Professional Preparedness
- Professional Internship
- Teach beginning playwriting to undergrads (paid)
- Graduation in Winter Quarter (March)
* The fine print about degree requirements: Students will be required to enroll in a minimum of twelve units per quarter and to complete a minimum of 94 units of eligible coursework. Required courses will be scheduled to permit completion of the program within a three year period.
With proper approvals, the 94 units may be fulfilled with alternate courses. However, a minimum of 94 units must be at the graduate level, a maximum of 10 units may be undergraduate courses, and a maximum of 12 units may be independent study (596 courses).
Students admitted to the program are expected to have mastered skills and have a general knowledge of the materials and processes relevant to their field of study. Students may be required to complete additional courses upon recommendation of the advisor.
The Master of Fine Arts degree is awarded on the basis of successful completion of the required courses and critical evaluation of student work. The Department expects consistent progress as well as attainment of professional skills. These and other factors will also influence the Department's allocation of production resources including the number, scale, and scheduling of projects and productions.
With proper approvals, the 94 units may be fulfilled with alternate courses. However, a minimum of 94 units must be at the graduate level, a maximum of 10 units may be undergraduate courses, and a maximum of 12 units may be independent study (596 courses).
Students admitted to the program are expected to have mastered skills and have a general knowledge of the materials and processes relevant to their field of study. Students may be required to complete additional courses upon recommendation of the advisor.
The Master of Fine Arts degree is awarded on the basis of successful completion of the required courses and critical evaluation of student work. The Department expects consistent progress as well as attainment of professional skills. These and other factors will also influence the Department's allocation of production resources including the number, scale, and scheduling of projects and productions.
* *Recent Theater History offerings taught by department faculty include Native American Ritual Performance, August Wilson, Postdramatic Theater, “New Playwrights, New Playwriting,” Chicano Theater, Russian Theater, Brecht, and African-American Theater - a four-quarter sequence from 1619 to today.
*** Special Topics courses have included Experimental Playwriting, Theatre of Quarantine, Paula Vogel, and Adaptation. Upcoming topics under consideration include Digital Media Production, Game Writing, Self-Production, and others at students’ request.
