FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
With a singular schedule and an unmatched breadth of training, the National Theater Institute's six semester-long programs offer students a springboard to the professional world at the two-time Tony Award-winning Eugene O'Neill Theater Center. Founded in 1970, NTI's credit-earning theater intensives, taught by industry professionals and master teachers, train actors, singers, directors, dancers, designers, playwrights, and composers who are high school graduates, undergraduates, and post-graduates. Programs include the National Theater Institute Semester (NTI), Advanced Playwriting (NTI-AP), Advanced Directing (NTI-AD), National Music Theater Institute (NMTI), and Theatermakers Summer Intensive (TM). Connecticut College is the school of record and issues transcripts for all programs.
Applicants must have a minimum of a high school diploma, GED, or demonstrate the ability to benefit. The National Theater Institute welcomes applicants undertaking a gap-year (between secondary school and university), undergraduate students, post-graduates, and professionals looking for a broad-based theatrical training intensive. In our selection process, we look for a proven ability to handle the demands of disciplined theater work and to be a positive and contributing member of an ensemble. Successful applicants demonstrate a clear understanding of the opportunities and challenges of an intensive semester of study as well as a determination to complete the chosen program in a conscientious manner.
The immersion into the craft of theater that you receive at NTI is unmatched at any other program. The sheer amount of hours you are given to devote solely to developing your art is unique in and of itself. We also believe our extensive faculty of working professionals and our vast alumni network are great and unique aspects of any NTI program.
The NTI and NMTI semesters tend to draw incredibly passionate students who thrive in an ensemble and prefer to have an outlet for creativity in the theater beyond just one discipline. The NTI students want to focus more intently on the production of dramatic theater, while the NMTI students want to focus more intently on the production music theater. These are students of varying ages and levels of professional experience. They are total theater artists who wish to improve in every area of theatrical expression and genuinely wish to develop their craft with a group of like minded peers. The Advanced Semesters (Directing and Playwriting) tend to draw students with a set focus, but understand the importance of ensemble and creating collectively. These students tend to be upperclassman or post grad, mostly because it is important for these students to have experience directing and writing plays prior to studying with us. These students are seeking to hone their craft through constant creation of new material.
The Theatermakers tend to be similar to the Advanced students in that they come in having a focus and appreciate ensemble training. The difference lies in the desire to present their work to a professional audience on a weekly basis, these public presentations are a core component of the Theatermakers Summer Intensive.
Absolutely! NTI provides rigorous theater training across all artistic disciplines and is designed to complement a liberal arts education. While students studying theater certainly do attend NTI, our training is also beneficial to students looking to broaden their horizons outside of their majors. Often, NTI credits are able to apply as elective credits for students with a vested interest in theater that happen to be majoring in another field. Below is a list of some of the declared majors of our students:
Acting; Africana Studies; American Studies; Anthropology; Art History; Arts Administration; Arts Entrepreneurship; Asian Studies; Biology; Business Management; Chemistry; Cinema; Comparative Studies; Composition; Computer Science; Creative Writing; Dance; Design and Technology; Directing; Drama; Dramatic Writing; Economics; Education; English; Feminist Studies; Film & Television Production; French; Gender Studies; Global Studies; Government; Interdisciplinary Studies; Liberal Studies; Literature; Management Studies; Managerial Economics; Mathematics; Media Studies; Music; Musical Theater; Performance; Piano Performance; Playwriting; Political Science; Poverty, Justice, and Human Capabilities; Psychology; Religion; Rhetoric; Russian Language; Russian/Slavic Studies; Social Justice; Sociology; Sound, Performance, and Visual Inquiry; Studio Art; Theater; Theater & Cinema Performance; Theater Arts; Theater Directing; Theater Education; Theater Performance; Theater Production; Theater Studies; Vocal Arts; Vocal Performance; Writing
Connecticut College is the school of record for the National Theater Institute. Credits are awarded to undergraduates who successfully complete the program. Final grades are reported to Connecticut College where they are recorded by official transcript and forwarded to the student’s college or university registrar upon request. Connecticut College is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. Students are encouraged to check with thier academic advisor to confirm policies for study abroad, off-campus courses, and/or transfer credits. Please contact NTI with any questions.
NTI, NMTI 20 credit hours or 5 course credits NTI-AD, NTI-AP 16 credit hours or 4 course credits Theatermakers Summer Intensive 8 credit hours or 2 course credits
No, all students live and work on the O’Neill’s campus. In fact, due to the intensity of the schedule and the ensemble nature of the training at NTI, we require students to live on the O’Neill campus for the duration of the program. It is an opportunity to immerse yourself fully in your work and development as an artist and free yourself from outside distractions.
NTI is a rigorous and rewarding program, we want each student to benefit from all that it has to offer. Therefore a student’s well-being is of utmost importance. The NTI staff is incredibly willing to assist you in making sure your personal health and safety is always first priority. We are proponents of demystifying the stigma attached to issues of mental health and work with students to accommodate counseling appointments (both by phone and with local professionals). Each student is a vital member of the ensemble and we work to ensure their best health. Please contact our office if you have specific questions or concerns!
Due to the immersive nature and conservatory style of NTI, there are very few days off during the semester. Students will be given a short break in late November during fall semesters or in mid-March during spring semesters.
Each NTI semester has it's own set of three deadlines. Apply by the Early Bird deadline to receive a tuition discount. Apply by the regular deadline to receive best consideration for admissions and scholarships. The final deadline is the last chance to apply for a semester. We always recommend applying as soon as you know you want to come to NTI.
Check out our admissions info page for deadlines for upcoming semesters!
Absolutely! We love to have students visit campus for a personal tour, in-person interview, and/or class visits with prior arrangement. To schedule a campus visit, please contact us NTIAdmissions@theoneill.org.
For NTI and NMTI, we ask for supplementary videos or audio files demonstrating your abilities in two (2) of the following forms: singing, dancing/choreography, acting, or composition/songwriting. Original material is welcome! Each upload should not exceed five (5) minutes in length.
For NTI-Advanced Directing, NTI-Advanced Playwriting, Theatermakers (Director or Playwrights) we require applicants to submit a sample portfolio of their work. This can include, but is not limited to, scripts, rehearsal documents, video, audio, photos, etc. For Theatermakers Acting, we require video auditions of contrasting monologues.
Our advice as you prepare your application is to be as honest as you can be, and focus on letting the real you come through in the application. Try not to get caught up in what you think we see or read. We look for students who have a hunger and readiness for an intensive training experience; someone open to new ways of working; someone willing to risk, fail, risk again; and someone excited about creating theater in an ensemble. Most of all, we want to get to know you as theater artist and learn what you hope to achieve. The statement is your chance to tell us how you think attending NTI will help shape your story.
Click to learn about NTI scholarships and financial aid best practices here.
NTI offers need-based scholarships to qualified students. Details about the available scholarships are listed above. To be considered for scholarship, students must complete a scholarship application as part of their additional materials for admission. See the sample NTI Scholarship Application for an idea of what information you'll be asked to provide. Students must provide all necessary documentation to qualify. Scholarships may not be applied to the program deposit.
Students with specific financial aid questions are encouraged to contact ntiadmissions@theoneill.org.
Looking to support a student scholarship? Donate here or contact the Development Office.
If you are currently enrolled (including being on a summer break) at another college while attending NTI, you should contact that school's financial aid office and inquire about their policies for financial aid consortium agreements. A financial aid consortium agreement may allow you to use financial aid that is being applied toward your bill at your home college to attend NTI.
Please contact ntiadmissions@theoneill.org with questions.
As a semester-long program, NTI is not a Title IV school, and does not have a school code to include on the FAFSA. Students are encouraged to use thier existing school code and work with their financial aid, off-campus studies, or study abroad office. Connecticut College’s code should not be used.
The numbers below are a quick look at additional expenses for the average student attending a semester with NTI. In cases of financial hardship, NTI is able to help defray the cost of books and supplies. Please contact nti@theoneill.org with questions.
NTI, NTI-AD, NTI-AP, NMTI Travel to/from CT Books and Supplies ~$400Personal Expenses ~$800 (approximate for laundry, sundries, and souvenirs).Refundable Room and Key Deposit $125
Theatermakers Summer IntensiveTravel to/from CTBooks and Supplies~$300Personal Expenses ~$400 (approximate for laundry, sundries, and souvenirs).Refundable Room and Key Deposit $125
All notifications of withdrawal must be made in writing, and recieved on a business day.
For withdrawal notifications made 90 days prior to the start of the semester: 50% of tuition and 100% of room & board is refunded. Program deposit and costs incurred on student's behalf is retained by NTI.
On or between 90-60 days prior to the start of the semester, 50% of of room & board is refunded. Program deposit, costs incurred on student's behalf, and tuition is retained by NTI.
60 days prior to the start of the semester, no refunds will be made.
Note: Students may elect to defer to a later semester, a deferral fee of $5,000 may apply. Please email NTIAdmissions@theoneill.org if you are considering withdrawing or deferring.
No. All students entering the program are required to carry their own health insurance or be covered under their parents' plan while studying with NTI. Proof of coverage is to be submitted along with your student forms upon admittance to any of NTI’s programs.
Absolutely! This is quite common. On your resume, list whatever theatrical experience you do have. Then, in your supplementary video you can show us the music theater skills you feel the strongest in - singing, dancing/choreography, acting, or composition/songwriting. You’ll have plenty of opportunity to perform in musical scene study at NMTI
You will at NMTI! While NMTI trains across all disciplines, we understand that applicants won't be a pro at everything when they first apply. We encourage you to let us know about the disciplines you excel in and the ones that you are most looking to improve or learn. Everyone is a beginner at some point, and we work to make sure students at all levels are supported.
NTI is not constricted to a single approach to theater. We expose our students to a wide range of professionals with expertise in various techniques. NTI encourages students to become acquainted with as many methodologies as possible in order to begin developing their own unique outlook on artistic development. Because of the intensive nature of our programs, our students are also given a depth of experience in the various techniques they are exposed to. Approaches we have worked with in the past include, Suzuki, Viewpoints, Composition, Balinese mask, Myerhold, Feldenkrais, as well as many variations of Stanislavsky and Meisner, among others.
For a student looking to work professionally, NTI provides the best of both worlds: professional contacts currently working in the theater industry and an off-campus experience! For students interested in world cultures and looking to make a career in the theater, there is no better place than NTI. Students regularly work with artists who call Bali, Peru, Mali, Abu Dhabi, and England home.
Being well informed and knowledgeable about the entire theatrical process is essential to the art of good acting. Once an actor understands what it means to direct, write, or design a piece of theater they begin to see their own work in a different way. For instance, they learn how to better communicate with their director or they learn how to better interpret a playwright’s text. NTI also believes in creating “hyphenate” theater artists who can pursue work as actors, directors, playwrights, designers, or any combination of those.
Our advanced semesters are intended for students who have a pointed desire to advance themselves in the fields of either directing or playwriting. The experience levels of these applicants varies from undergraduates with minimal experience to post graduates with quite a few credits to their names to adult students looking for a career boost. If you have a desire to pursue one of these fields, by all means apply! We look for passion and drive in our students just as much as we look for prior experience, so don’t let the term “advanced” deter you from completing an application.
If applying for NTI-Advanced Directing, please submit up to 2-10 samples of your directing work. This could be a portfolio, rehearsal/production photos, video clips, concept statements, notated scripts. and/or plans or research for a dream production.
If applying for NTI-Advanced Playwriting, please submit up to 2-5 samples of your writing. This may include samples of your playwriting style, video clips of performances or staged readings, outlines for plays yet to be written, and/or other writing samples (lyrics, composition, poetry, short story, etc.)
Include any documented materials you do have, but don’t feel like you are necessarily at a disadvantage if you don’t have photos or a large body of work under your belt. There are many different ways for you to share with us your ideas and promise as an emerging theater artist and we encourage you to consider sharing your plans for future projects, example of an annotated script, action outlines, director’s notes, ground plans, rehearsal schedules, concept images, script analysis, etc.