Dramaturgy/Criticism

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To inquire about this program:
Theatre Admission Office | 773-325-7999

The Theatre School's Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in Dramaturgy/Criticism focuses on helping students explore their critical thinking and writing skills for a variety of applications within theatre and other art forms. The four-year curriculum provides students with primary tools - script analysis, dramatic theory and new play development - and opportunity for practical application of those tools in our production process.

Students learn from a distinguished and award-winning faculty of professional dramaturgists, directors and arts writers both in the classroom and through individual guidance and advising. Students receive formal and informal feedback from faculty through continual evaluation of their work and portfolio presentations.

Our BFA program in dramaturgy is the only one of its kind in the United States. We prepare undergraduates for careers in literary management, production dramaturgy, criticism, and to continue on in academia as teachers. Students are exposed to both the intellectual rigor of a liberal arts program and the hands-on training a conservatory can offer. Students have the opportunity to study with professional dramaturgs, critics, and literary managers and intern in Chicago's vibrant theatre community; they are also required to take electives in other areas in the university.

Students also familiarize themselves with different styles of collaboration and do educational outreach in museums, community centers, and schools; they write teacher training guides and protocols, and conduct post play discussions.