The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Playwriting is jointly offered by the departments of Fiction Writing and Theater and is structured to provide an intensive study of the art and discipline of writing for the theater. This interdisciplinary major combines the quality of writing practice found in the Fiction Writing Department with the hands-on, collaborative approach to theater practiced in the Theater Department. An application and interview process is required of all students who wish to be accepted into the BFA in Playwriting. Students accepted into the program will take an intensive series of courses in writing practice with an emphasis on developing an individual voice as a writer. Courses in dramatic and literary theory will put student writing in a wider context. Courses in theater practice will immerse students in the group effort required of theater production. In addition, students will choose electives that focus learning in a specific application of playwriting in consultation with an advisor. Opportunities for staged readings and workshop productions provide a public forum for student writing. Through advanced capstone classes and a reflective portfolio process, the BFA student is provided with the opportunity to synthesize this learning in preparation for a career in professional theater and/or study at the graduate level.

BFA students are expected to participate in opportunities provided for the public presentation of their writing and must maintain a portfolio that charts their growth and accomplishments. Faculty will meet regularly with the student to discuss progress and suggest directions for growth. Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA in their major and show continued development as playwrights in order to continue in the program.

Students must maintain standards of performance.