Applications for fall 2026 will open in September 2025.
The M.F.A. in Dramaturgy is an intensive three-year program designed for collaborative, creative thinkers and makers interested in deepening their knowledge of the theatre to shape the future of the form.
We produce a wide variety of productions each year. Learn more our past, current, and upcoming seasons.
Founded by Tanya Palmer, one of the country’s leading new play dramaturgs, and supported by award-winning faculty and guest artists actively immersed in the field, this program combines rigorous academic study, extensive production dramaturgy experience, and meaningful engagement with leading professional artists and institutions including the international organization for dramaturgs, Literary Managers and Dramaturgs of the Americas (LMDA).
Dramaturgy candidates will gain experience in the development and production of new plays, in addition to working on musicals and classic texts, and will explore the role of the dramaturg in contemporary dance, devised work and multidisciplinary performance. There is opportunity to build a strong portfolio in popular writing through our STAGES Magazine, academic writing through our Independent Study program, community engagement through our student body and affinity groups, and college-level teaching.
Given IU Theatre’s extensive M.F.A. community, Dramaturgs have an opportunity to work with a wide variety of emerging and established artists, creating connections with lifelong collaborators and colleagues. In addition, IU’s unique position as a Research I University puts a phenomenal depth and breathe of knowledge at our student’s fingertips.
The M.F.A. is a terminal degree that prepares candidates to teach at the university level and to pursue a variety of creative careers including, but not limited to, positions in literary management, production dramaturgy, collaborative creation, site specific and festival work, arts education and advocacy, producing and artistic leadership.
Click here to learn about tuition remission, grad employment, and other aspects of financial aid available to our Dramaturgs.
The M.F.A. Program in Dramaturgy is a 60-hour course of study over a three-year period. Classes are designed to provide dramaturgs with practical tools, real production experience, and a rich understanding of the contemporary theatrical landscape.
Students will receive a foundation in dramatic theory and literature as well as classes in civic dramaturgy, translation and adaptation, curation and creative producing and audience engagement, amongst others, and will have access to the broader resources of leading Research I University.
In addition to coursework, students will work as production dramaturgs on at least two projects each season.
The Dramaturgy program is kept intentionally small, with a maximum of three students total. This allows ample opportunity for each dramaturg, in consultation with their faculty advisor, to shape their course of study based on their individual interests and goals.
The program is designed to give students direct access to working professionals in the fields of literary management, dramaturgy, new play development, arts leadership and related roles. We make an effort to create meaningful internship and observership opportunities for dramaturgs at professional new play development centers and producing theatres, and offer research and travel funds on a competitive basis.
Professional guest seminars, and special workshops are a regular part of coursework. The dramaturgy students will work closely with the M.F.A. Playwrights on the annual At First Sight Festival, and will benefit from engagement with festival guests, who include nationally recognized literary managers, artistic directors and playwrights.
As part of the program, our students will build their teaching portfolios by assisting in the teaching of Script Analysis, Theatre History, and other writing intensive courses to undergraduates, contingent on adequate enrollment.
With only three students accepted into the program at a time, dramaturgy students will benefit from the mentorship of experienced faculty and nationally recognized guest artists, build a network of professional contacts, and become an integral part of a community of theatre makers.
Applications open on September 15, 2025 and will be accepted until Feb 15, 2026. Please contact us with questions regarding the application process.
The College of Arts