Major code BF5158

College of Fine Arts
School of Theater
Kantner Hall 307B
Athens, OH 45701
Phone: 740.593.4818
Fax: 740.593.4817
theater@ohio.edu
http://www.finearts.ohio.edu/theater/

Program Overview

The B.F.A. in playwriting is designed as an intensive introduction to the art of dramatic writing for the stage. This program focuses on playwriting through the study of dramatic structure, its relationship to literature, and how the spoken word functions on the stage and in performance. Students accepted into the B.F.A. playwriting major program must complete a wide range of courses in addition to the Theater B.F.A. Core and a series of playwriting courses. The additional required courses include acting, art history, directing, film, and rigorous study of English and literature.

At the end of your first year of study, you must interview with playwriting faculty and submit dramatic writing samples for acceptance into the program. Your work will also be reviewed at the end of your second and third years. Students must demonstrate significant progress in the development of dramatic writing skills for continued success in the program. During the first two years, you should complete much of the Theater B.F.A. Core and General Education requirements. In consultation with your advisor, you will enroll in 2000- and 3000-level English courses that focus upon writers and literature related to your area of interest.

Note:  The School of Theater faculty is in the process of expanding the B.F.A. in Playwriting to become a program that explores writing for performance across the curricula of the merged schools of Dance, Film and Theater.  This merger will be official starting Fall 2013-2014.  The changes are planned to take effect during the 2013-2014 academic year.  Please email Erik Ramsey at ramseye@ohio.edu for further information.

Admissions Information

Freshman/First-Year Admission

Students interested in playwriting are expected to complete the Theater B.F.A. Core which consists of first-year foundation courses during their first year of study. Interviews for all School of Theater specialized B.F.A. programs are held annually in the spring at the end of the student’s first year of study. Admission to this specialized B.F.A. program is based on an interview with playwriting faculty and a playwriting manuscript submission. All students with majors in theater are required to attain a minimum grade of C (2.0) in any theater course required for graduation.

Change of Major, Minor, or Certificate Policy

Admission to this specialized B.F.A. program is based on an interview with playwriting faculty and a playwriting manuscript submission. Upon successful admission, change of major paperwork should be initiated by the student at the School of Theater office or the College of Fine Arts Dean’s Office.

External Transfer Admission

Admission to this specialized B.F.A. program is based on an interview with playwriting faculty and a playwriting manuscript submission. Upon successful admission, change of major paperwork should be initiated by the student at the School of Theater office or the College of Fine Arts Dean’s Office.

Opportunities Upon Graduation

The B.F.A. playwriting program prepares the student for career paths in dramatic writing for live performances and provides a core development for dramatic writing across all media and genres.

Requirements