The Bachelor of Arts in Playwriting is a four-year interdisciplinary program designed for students passionate about creating compelling dramatic works for stage, screen, and digital media. Students develop advanced skills in writing, storytelling, character development, dramaturgy, and performance analysis, while exploring historical and contemporary theatrical traditions. The program emphasizes both creative expression and critical analysis, enabling students to craft original works while understanding the broader social, cultural, and artistic contexts in which theater operates. Through workshops, readings, and collaborative projects, students refine their voice, storytelling techniques, and dramatic intuition.
Throughout the program, students engage in intensive writing exercises, performance critiques, and collaborative productions, gaining hands-on experience in bringing scripts to life. Courses integrate literary analysis, theater history, stagecraft, and directing principles, helping students understand the practical and theoretical aspects of theater production. Opportunities for internships, stage readings, and participation in university productions allow students to see their work performed and receive professional feedback. Graduates develop not only creative and technical expertise but also analytical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills essential for professional success in the arts.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Playwriting
- Degree Type: S. Bachelor
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 01 January 2026
- Location: Emory University, United States
- Field of Study: Creative Writing
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Foundations of Playwriting
• Introduction to Playwriting
• Theater History and Dramatic Literature
• Academic Writing and Research
• Acting and Performance Fundamentals
Year 2 – Core Writing and Dramaturgy
• Intermediate Playwriting Workshop
• Character and Dialogue Development
• Stagecraft and Production Design
• Literature and Performance Analysis
Year 3 – Advanced Creative Practice
• Advanced Playwriting Workshop
• Directing for Playwrights
• Theater Criticism and Theory
• Elective: Screenwriting / Digital Media
Year 4 – Integration and Capstone
• Senior Seminar in Playwriting
• Independent Playwriting Project or Thesis
• Collaborative Production or Staged Reading
• Internship or Professional Workshop
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Playwriting program are prepared for careers in theater, film, television, digital media, arts administration, and creative writing education. They may work as playwrights, scriptwriters, dramaturgs, creative consultants, or educators, contributing to professional productions, cultural institutions, and media projects. Many graduates also pursue graduate studies in creative writing, theater, dramaturgy, or film studies, expanding their opportunities for professional and artistic growth. Employers value graduates’ creativity, narrative skills, collaboration, and critical thinking, enabling them to craft meaningful stories, manage projects, and contribute to the development of artistic and cultural initiatives.
Why Choose This Program
This program is ideal for students who are passionate about storytelling, theater, and dramatic creation, offering a rigorous, practice-oriented curriculum that combines creative work with scholarly inquiry. Emory University provides mentorship from experienced faculty, workshop-based learning, and opportunities for staging and professional engagement. The program emphasizes innovation, critical analysis, and practical application, ensuring that graduates develop both artistic expertise and professional skills. Students leave the program with the ability to create compelling dramatic works, collaborate effectively with theater professionals, and pursue meaningful careers or advanced study in the arts and creative industries.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 404 727 6123
Email: contentedit@emory.edu
Address: University of Emory, 201 Dowman Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States
