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Playwriting
The Master of Arts in Playwriting at Brown University is a three-year, full-time, on-campus program designed for emerging playwrights who seek to develop their voice through intensive creative exploration, literary study, and collaborative practice. Situated within a vibrant artistic community, the program fosters both experimentation and discipline, encouraging students to push the boundaries of theatrical storytelling while mastering the foundations of dramatic structure, dialogue, and character development. With a curriculum grounded in creative writing, performance theory, and script analysis, students refine their craft through workshops, mentorship, and public readings of their work.
Brown’s program is deeply collaborative, integrating students into a network of directors, actors, designers, and dramaturgs from the university’s renowned theater arts ecosystem. Beyond writing for the page, students explore how text lives on stage—developing new work through rehearsals, staged readings, and full productions. Faculty mentors, who are themselves acclaimed playwrights and scholars, offer individualized guidance as students shape their artistic identity and prepare for professional careers in theater, film, or television. With a focus on both tradition and innovation, the program nurtures writers ready to contribute bold, thought-provoking works to contemporary performance culture.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Playwriting
- Degree Type: Master of Arts
- Duration: 3 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 03 January 2026
- Location: Brown University, United States
- Field of Study: Creative Writing
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Foundations of Craft and Voice
- Playwriting Workshop I
- Introduction to Dramatic Structure
- Theater History and Performance Studies
- Writing for Stage and Collaboration Lab
Year 2 – Development, Collaboration, and Production
- Playwriting Workshop II
- Contemporary Theater and Dramaturgy
- Advanced Scene and Dialogue Lab
- Workshop Production or Public Reading
Year 3 – Thesis and Professional Preparation
- Thesis Project: Full-Length Play
- Playwriting Workshop III: Refinement and Revision
- Industry and Production Seminar
- Capstone Presentation and Script Defense
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Playwriting MA program are prepared to pursue diverse creative paths in the performing arts and media industries. Many go on to become playwrights, screenwriters, television writers, or dramaturgs, developing original work for theater companies, streaming platforms, and film studios. Alumni often collaborate with regional and national theaters, pursue fellowships at playwright development labs, or receive commissions for new works. Others enter roles in script development, literary management, or theater education, where they influence how dramatic texts are developed, taught, and brought to life. With strong storytelling skills and experience in both workshop and production settings, graduates are also well-suited for writing roles in emerging media formats, from podcasts to immersive digital storytelling. The program’s emphasis on original voice, collaborative practice, and artistic integrity enables graduates to forge sustainable and impactful careers as creators and cultural contributors.
Why Choose This Program
This program offers a rare combination of creative freedom, rigorous mentorship, and production opportunity, ideal for writers who want to shape the future of performance through original storytelling. Brown University’s commitment to experimental art, social engagement, and interdisciplinary exploration creates a fertile environment for creative risk-taking and innovation. Students benefit from close-knit cohorts, access to theater spaces, and regular feedback from faculty and peers—all of which foster both confidence and craftsmanship. The three-year structure allows ample time to develop a portfolio of work, build professional connections, and evolve artistically without compromise. For writers passionate about crafting stories that challenge, move, and inspire, this program provides the space, support, and vision to thrive as a dramatic voice in today’s complex cultural landscape.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 401 863 1000
Email: admissions@brown.edu
Address: University of Brown, Providence, RI 02912, United States
