NTI-ADVANCED PLAYWRITING
Advanced semesters provide student and early-career artists the opportunity to hone their craft and create a solid body of work with the guidance and tutelage of master teachers
Spring
Semester
16
Credit
Hours
Visit
London &
Louisville
ADVANCED PLAYWRIGHTS EXPAND THEIR CRAFT & REFINE THEIR VOICE AT THE HOME OF NEW PLAY DEVELOPMENT
CREATE THEATER 10 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK
Advanced Playwrights expand their craft and refine their voice at the home of new play development. Under the guidance of some of America’s best contemporary playwrights, you learn the process and craft of playwriting as well as the business of producing your own work. Advanced Playwrights write new plays every week which are given readings by fellow ensemble members. You leave with a portfolio of plays and an arsenal of contacts. Through integration with the NTI Semester, you will take a variety of workshops and master classes to deepen your skills as a well-rounded theater artist. Conferring 16 credit hours, NTI-Advanced Playwriting is only offered in the spring semester.
LONDON RESIDENCY
Two weeks studying abroad in London, England, offers exposure to the culture, historical beauty, and theatrical richness of London. As an ensemble, you train daily in Lecoq techniques, mask work, improvisation, and clowning with the internationally renowned theater company Complicite. Additionally, you participate in NTI’s singular series of tours, workshops, and master classes with the U.K’s foremost theater artists.
THEATER LABS
Weekly Theater Labs challenge you to put what you’re learning in class on its feet. When given just 15 hours to stage a scene, you learn to trust your creative instincts. Under the mentorship of a professional director, you gain practical experience with a wealth of classical and contemporary texts.
PLAYWRIGHTS AND LIBRETTISTS WEEK
Playwrights Week is dedicated to the staging of original one-act plays written, directed, designed, performed, and produced by your ensemble. This collaborative week supports and amplifies the voices of the next generation of American theater writers under the mentorship of several professional playwrights.
THEATER TRIPS
Theater Trips to New York City as well as to prominent regional theaters such as Yale Repertory Theatre and the A.R.T. are frequently taken. These excursions often feature exclusive opportunities to learn more about the artistic process with cast and creative teams.
HUMANA FESTIVAL OF NEW AMERICAN PLAYS IN LOUISVILLE, KY
Spend a weekend at the internationally acclaimed festival, seeing new work, speaking with artists, making industry connections, and learning more about the creation of new American theater.
COMPANY PROJECT
During Company Project, your ensemble collaboratively produces a full-length work guided by a prompt. You have two weeks to devise a new piece of theater unique to your ensemble. Through public performances, you showcase what you have learned and what has inspired you throughout the semester.
ADDITIONAL PROGRAM INFORMATION
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
SCRIPT ANALYSIS AND PLAYWRIGHT MENTORSHIP (NTI-356) An exploration of the art of dramatic structure, production dramaturgy, and the dramaturge’s role today. Recognized playwrights offer workshops and master classes in addition to weekly classes. The class allows students to see new works and meet emerging and established playwrights, directors, and dramaturges.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR WRITERS (NTI-357) An intense examination of professional development; including “the business of the business,” producing one’s own work, pursuing graduate studies, and submitting to play festivals. Students attend the Humana Festival’s industry weekend where they see world premieres, participate in career development workshops, and network with artists.
ADVANCED PLAYWRITING (NTI-453) Students work with professional writers on a range of styles and genres to hone writing skills and develop a portfolio ready for submission. The class culminates with a staged reading of the students’ plays with the emphasis on hearing the playwrights’ words. Students take the NTI Design class to learn how to better visualize the world of their plays.
PLAY LAB (NTI-454) Weekly scripts are created reflecting the range of contemporary playwriting styles. A final 30-minute play is presented at Playwrights Week. The final lab involves production, but focuses on the process of collaboration: presentation of new work while working and communicating with actors and directors in rehearsal.
DATES & FEES
-
Tuition -
Housing -
Three Meals Daily -
Two Weeks All-Inclusive Residency in London/New York -
Theater Tickets (approximately 16 shows a semester) -
Two Offical Transcripts
-
Travel to/from CT ~TBD by student -
Books & Supplies ~$400 -
Personal Expenses ~$800 (approximate for laundry, sundries, & souvenirs). -
Refundable Room & Key Deposit ~$125
SCHOLARSHIPS & FINANCIAL AID
TESTIMONIALS
LONDON RESIDENCY
SAMPLE SCHEDULE
> View the Advanced Playwriting sample schedule.
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