<p>What are some good schools for this major? I'm planning to apply to all of these:</p>
<p>SUNY Purchase
NYU
DePaul
Oberlin
University of Iowa</p>
<p>...Any others? Maybe some that aren't total longshots like Purchase or NYU, haha.</p>
<p>Also, for those of you who may be familiar with this major, what did you submit for your portfolio? I know some schools say one essay, one screenplay/play, and whatever else, so I'll probably use those guidelines for all of the schools. I've never written a full play before, so I was thinking about just doing a first act or just a one act play, but I don't know if that would make me look like a slacker...</p>
<p>Hey there, I applied to dramatic writing schools for fall 2008 so I can help you out. First off I will say, my background was in playwriting but I was more interested in screenwriting–so I only applied to Purchase and NYU out of your list. </p>
<p>I’ll be honest, I’ve never heard of the other 3 having a playwriting/dramatic writing program, so I can’t give my opinion on their quality–but playwriting is primarily a graduate program so…though I know Depaul is supposed to have a great theatre program.</p>
<p>I know Drexel has a playwriting program. (Though I don’t recommend it.) Fordham has one as well–they only accept like 4 people though. Also look at Bennington and Emerson. </p>
<p>NYU and Purchase aren’t total longshots. For one, Purchase is all based on talent–so if your academics aren’t sky high they really don’t care. NYU actually has a pretty large DW programs, I think its like 50 students per year, so you never know!</p>
<p>As far as portfolios: It’s my understanding that writing programs like to see raw talent–they’re not so hung up over format and basically they want to mold you. So I know for NYU I submitted a variety of writing: poems, short scripts, short stories.</p>
<p>DePaul does have a full,complete playwrighting program and class track where you can get a BFA in Playwrighting. They only accept 2-4 people per class, and your work is part of the official school performance canon (i.e. your shows will be performed by the acting majors, both BFA and MFA, as part of their curriculum).</p>
<p>Fordham, Lincoln Center I think has a well respected, if competetive playwirghting program. If I am not mistaken they only accept one person per year.</p>
<p>Julliard has a program. I remember seeing that when my D was auditioning. </p>
<p>UCLA has a program. I remember hearing all about it at UCLA. If you are smart, you can graduate in three years at UCLA, going into your MFA early, which is HUGE! Because you are admitted to TFT (the School of Theatre, Film and Television), you operate under the School and they can push you through and get you out faster. Some of the kids finish that fast. At UCLA, you major in BA Theatre, with a specialization in playwrighting. (UCLA also has an MFA in screenwriting and as an undergrad you can take screenwriting courses. The guy who wrote Milk I think graduated from UCLA MFA…)</p>
<p>Chrissy, the Juilliard program is a graduate level fellowship program. We’ve known several playwrights who have been accepted to it but all have been late 20’s/early 30’s with many years of writing experience. I’ve never heard of anyone being granted that fellowship right out of high school.</p>
<p>anotherday, I realize that your post was written a few months ago but if you’d like further info on the programs at either Tisch or Purchase, I know graduates of both programs so would be happy to give you some details.</p>