NATIONAL MUSIC THEATER INSTITUTE

Join us for weeks of rigorous training with opportunity to create new work alongside the O’Neill’s summer season. Get more info today! Immerse yourself in an O’Neill summer – where the next act of the American Theater is written. THEATERMAKERS SUMMER INTENSIVE June 15-July 26, 2025 COLLEGE CREDITS EARNED: 8 hours Join us for a conservatory-style summer intensive at the Tony Award-winning Eugene O’Neill Theater Center in Waterford, CT. Take classes from artists working across disciplines and be in the room as exciting new plays and musicals are rehearsed. With new work at the forefront of this six-week program, you’ll leave with the skills to produce your original pieces as well as to be a productive collaborator in the development process. Whether you are a college student looking for a credit-earning summer program or an artist seeking concentrated training, the Theatermakers Summer Intensive will give you a springboard to the professional world. Connecticut College is the founding partner and the college of record for the National Theater Institute programs. LEARN MORE ABOUT THEATERMAKERS Provide your contact information, and our program representative will be in touch with more information. CHOOSE YOUR FOCUS At NTI, you’ll grow as a multi-hyphenate artist through cross-disciplinary coursework, while also receiving concentrated training in one of the following areas you are most passionate about: ACTING DIRECTING PLAYWRITING THE THEATERMAKERS EXPERIENCE Take classes from industry professionals in your area of focus and across disciplines Collaborate with your cohort to publicly present original work each week Observe rehearsals for the O’Neill professional conferences See new puppetry pieces, plays, and musicals in development Mingle with artists working across all of the O’Neill’s renowned summer programs SUMMER AT THE O'NEILL Every summer, the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center’s campus is flooded with artists developing new work as part of the O’Neill’s professional conferences: the National Playwrights Conference, National Music Theater Conference, and National Puppetry Conference. These artists are at the forefront of what’s next in the American Theater, and pieces developed at the O’Neill have gone on to regional theaters, Broadway, the West End, and beyond. Alumni of O’Neill summer programs include August Wilson, Jeanine Tesori, Lin-Manuel Miranda, John Patrick Shanley, Celine Song, Michael R. Jackson, Tom Kitt, Sam Hunter, David Lindsay-Abaire, and so many more. Theatermakers taught me how to expand and contract time, create without inhibition, and how to function as a young artist creating new works. I took all my lessons back to my University and was able to be a leader in rehearsal rooms. - GABBY GODZECKI (THEATERMAKERS ’23) Eugene O'Neill Theater Center 305 Great Neck Rd. Waterford, CT 06385 NationalTheaterInstitute.org

NTI provides credit-earning training across multiple theatrical disciplines that serves as enrichment for gap-year, undergraduate, and postgraduate students. Founded in 1970, the O'Neill's National Theater Institute provides credit-earning training across multiple theatrical disciplines. The Eugene O'Neill Theater Center's National Theater Institute’s immersive semester-long and summer intensive training programs are designed to serve as enrichment for students at the gap-year, undergraduate, and postgraduate level. In addition, NTI offers support to theater departments of colleges and universities across the United States and serves as a resource for institutions that do not have drama departments. The National Theater Institute believes that students can best learn their craft from working theater professionals who provide practical training and skill building for a long life in the profession. The training environment is a simulacrum to a professional schedule, allowing students to build habits and discover the ways in which they work best. The key to the National Theater Institute experience is the realization of theory through practice, where emerging artists are challenged, nurtured, and supported by faculty mentors. It is a time of exploration and self-discovery. The ultimate aim is that all National Theater Institute alumni will utilize the self-awareness, connections, and many skills gained at the O’Neill to the benefit of their professional careers. ABOUT THE O'NEILL > PROGRAMS NTI SEMESTER 13 WEEKS 16-20 CREDITS Performance Directing Music Theater (NMTI) Playwriting Learn More > Request Info > THEATERMAKERS SUMMER INTENSIVE 6 WEEKS 8 CREDITS Acting Directing Playwriting Learn More > Request Info > MISSION & VALUES The National Theater Institute is a program of the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center and, as such, shares the O’Neills mission and values. EUGENE O'NEILL THEATER CENTER MISSION In the pioneering spirit of its namesake, the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center discovers, develops, and empowers new work, new voices, and creative risk-taking. By introducing innovative artists, essential to broadening the national cultural landscape, the O’Neill serves as the Launchpad of the American Theater. EUGENE O'NEILL THEATER CENTER VALUES Discovery: We commit to the discovery of new and daring voices, vital to the future of American theater, through rigorous and direct outreach in our open submission process, and the curation of our artistic programs. Diversity: Our community strives to honor the experiences, abilities, heritage, and expression of all artists, faculty, students, and staff. Within our artistry and administration, we pledge to empower a full range of individual identities. Collaboration: We endeavor to provide time and space for artistic collisions, bold risk-taking, and deep reflection by all of our artists. Risk. Fail. Risk Again: These words ring out from every rehearsal room, performance space, classroom, office, and individual on the O’Neill’s campus. We encourage artistic impulse and exploration of the exchange between art and audience. Education: To be in the theater is to be a student for life. Whether one comes to the O’Neill early or the midst of their career, we work to offer a radically accepting space of mentorship, collaboration, and camaraderie. Community: The O’Neill’s legacy and artistry relies upon its engagement with the robust and vibrant local audiences. We create spaces and programming in support of one another, the Waterford community, and the American theater. LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The O’Neill's campus sits on the traditional lands of the Mohegan, Mashantucket Pequot, Eastern Pequot, and Nehantic tribes. They honor and respect these nations, peoples, and their enduring relationship to this land. EQUITY, DIVERSITY, & INCLUSION The Eugene O’Neill Theater Center is committed to diversifying the future of the American theater through the stories we tell, the artists telling those stories, the staff supporting our work, and the audiences in our theaters. The O’Neill strives to cultivate a healthy and diverse community that recognizes the value of each individual and helps foster safety, civility, and respect for all people. All participants and employees in any O’Neill program, including students, staff, faculty, guests, and visitors, have the right to be free from sexual and gender-based discrimination, harassment, and violence and all other forms of prohibited conduct.

Learn the craft of playwriting and the business of producing your work from working contemporary playwrights. Confers 16 credit hours via Connecticut College. SEMESTER PLAYWRITING FOCUS NTI SEMESTER Expand your craft and refine your voice at the home of new play development. 16 Credit Hours As an NTI Semester student with a Playwriting Focus, you will learn the process and craft of playwriting as well as the business of producing your own work under the guidance of some of America’s best contemporary playwrights. In addition to the classes and workshops taken with other NTI students, you will attend specialty courses that delve further into topics such as style and structure. Taking on various roles during Theater Labs and seeing work in New York City and around the region will help you broaden your perspective on what theater can be. You’ll also have opportunities to have your work developed during Playwrights and Librettists week and through Company Project. Whether you are just starting as a playwright or have been writing for a while, you will leave your NTI Semester with a portfolio of plays and a better sense of who you are as a writer. COURSE CREDITS The NTI Semester Playwriting Focus confers credit for the following academic courses totaling 16 hours: 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. Playwrights spend a week in NYC seeing a wide range of theater and speaking with literary managers and artistic leaders. 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. Playwrights learn lyric writing, composition, short film structure, and musical book writing. Play Lab (NTI-454) Weekly scripts are created reflecting the range of contemporary playwriting styles and musical 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. Connecticut College is the founding partner and the college of record for the National Theater Institute programs. To learn more about credits and transcripts, please click HERE . *The NTI Semester Playwriting Focus was previously titled "Advanced Playwriting" pre-2025. REQUEST INFO > SAMPLE SCHEDULE Every week at NTI looks a bit different as schedules are worked around our incredible faculty and artists. Scroll through to see what your week could look like as an NTI Semester student with a Playwriting Focus. Monday 8:30am-9:15am: Breakfast 9:15am-10:45pm: Embodied Movement 11am-12:30pm: Structures 12:30pm-1:30pm: Lunch 1:30pm-2:30pm: Mental Health and Boundaries 2:45pm-5pm: Solo Works 5pm-6pm: Dinner 6pm-9pm: Playwriting NTI SEMESTER EXPLORE ANOTHER FOCUS PERFORMANCE > DIRECTING > MUSIC THEATER (NMTI) >

Living at the O'Neill puts you in the center of theatrical history. NTI students stay in one of our residential cottages and have laundry and dining on site. LIVING AT THE O'NEILL Living at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center puts you in the center of theatrical history, just steps away from where the world first heard iconic shows like Fences and In the Heights . Your ensemble will grow closer together as you spend time in community, and with laundry and dining on site, you’ll be able to devote more time to developing your skills as an artist. HOUSING Semester Housing As a student in a semester program, you’ll be housed in a single or double room in one of six cozy dormitory cottages that are home to approximately a dozen students throughout each semester at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center. Within the room, each student is allotted a twin-xl size bed, a desk, two dressers, and a wardrobe. Each floor within the two-story cottage has single bathrooms and shower rooms. In addition, every cottage has a common living space which includes a full-size refrigerator, microwave, couches, and coffee table, where you can get to know your classmates, who will become your lifelong collaborators. These buildings are fully accessible. Washing machines and dryers are available on campus in a building conveniently located near the housing cottages. Please note the following room size and dimensions. A single-room (sleeps one) is sized as: Length: 10'-3" Width: 13'-7" Height: 8' A double (sleeps two) is sized as: Length: 12'-8" Width: 13'-7" Height: 8' Click HERE to view the cottage ground plans. Theatermakers Summer Intensive Housing As a Theatermakers student, you may be housed in the on-campus cottages shown above. Often, however, due to spatial needs for housing the large number of artists that take part in the summer season, our Theatermakers are housed on Mitchell College's Campus, just minutes away from the O’Neill and right off of the waterfront. Shuttle service is provided to bring you straight to campus for meals and classes. L aundry rooms are also available in Mitchell College housing. For additional information on Mitchell College facilities, please click HERE . Rooming Assignments Rooms at the O'Neill are randomly assigned by our staff. If you require accommodations or have other extenuating circumstances related to housing, you will have a chance to share this with our team prior to the semester. Please note that cottages on campus are all-gender, while roommates are gender specific. DINING During your program, you will be provided three meals a day, seven days per week prepared by our chefs. Meals are served in accordance with your class schedule. We take dietary needs very seriously, and regularly prepare vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan dishes. You'll be able to share any dietary restrictions and/or allergies with our staff prior to the semester. The cafeteria also offers continual access to snacks and beverages, essential for late-night work sessions. SAFETY & SUPPORT The safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff is the main priority of the O'Neill. Students, faculty, and staff all live in housing accessed by key fobs. The campus is monitored nightly by professional security staff trained to respond to emergencies or help with housing lockouts. Transportation Students are provided local transportation for doctor appointments and frequent Target runs. For students part of the Theatermakers program, a shuttle service to and from campus is provided. Students are also welcome to bring their own cars. Fellows Our fellows, often alumni, ensure student well-being and are reachable both in-person and by phone during selected hours. EXPLORING THE AREA Local Attractions Southeastern Connecticut is full of things to do. Located just 10-minutes from campus, downtown New London features shopping and dining options as well as local art galleries. Niantic is a cozy beach town located just 15 minutes from the O'Neill. It features a scenic boardwalk stroll, antique shops, an incredible used book store The Book Barn, delicious restaurants, and more. Just a half hour away is popular tourist destination Mystic, which is home to attractions including the Mystic Aquarium, Mystic Seaport Museum, and B.F. Clyde's Cider Mill as well as excellent shopping and dining in both the downtown area and Olde Mystick Village. The coastline is brimming with state parks and beaches that are perfect for getting some time outdoors. For more information about Connecticut attractions, check out CT Visit . Regional Theaters Connecticut is home to world class theater; collectively, regional theaters in the state have received seven Tony Awards. Theaters accessible within an hour of the O'Neill's campus include Hartford Stage, Long Wharf Theatre, Yale Rep, Goodspeed Musicals, and Theaterworks Hartford as well as Providence-based companies such as Trinity Rep. Students take trips to some of these theaters during their semester on campus and are free to check out currently running productions on their days off. Beyond Connecticut The O'Neill's campus is conveniently located two hours between New York and Boston with both destinations able to be reached by train from New London's Union Station, just a 15-minute drive from campus.

Our NTI staff is committed to providing support for prospective and current students and alumni in conjunction with the entire Eugene O'Neill Theater Center team. MEET THE STAFF Our staff is committed to providing support to prospective and current students and alumni. The following team members serve as a resource and are available to offer necessary guidance for student success throughout the academic year. RACHEL JETT NTI Artistic Director rjett@theoneill.org Rachel Jett is an NTI alum, and she began working as a faculty member for the program in 1998 before being appointed Artistic Director in 2011. She holds an MFA from TISCH in Music Theater Writing and attended Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, OK. She was the first American aspirant to the innovative and esteemed Russian movement coach and teacher Andrei Droznin. She has been teaching Droznin at NTI and various universities and conservatories for 25 years. Rachel was honored at the Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame in 2018 for her service as an educator. She proudly serves as the Vice President on the Board of Trustees for Writer’s Block Inc in New London. Her theater performances include Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet directed by Erica Schmidt, multiple performances with Synetic Theater in Washington, DC, The Body Artist by Don Delillo, and NOT ONE DAY by Anne Garrete, directed and adapted by Jody McAuliffe. Other Performances: Stag , a short film by Donna DiNovelli directed by Kevin Newbury, When Last Seen written and directed by Donna DiNovelli, and Breathe Right written and directed by Kolton Harris. She was the choreographer for Songs for a New World by Jason Robert Brown directed by Nicole Brewer. She has directed The Wolves by Sarah DeLappe, Love and Information by Caryl Churchill, and She Kills Monsters by Qui Nguyen for Connecticut College. She is grateful for her musical collaborators Eric, Julianne, Shoshanna, Sun Hee, Pearl, and Will. She is the proud mama of Jett and Phoenix. ALEXANDER GEMIGNANI National Music Theater Institute Artistic Director Alexander Gemingani is an artistic director, actor, music director, orchestrator, conductor, composer/lyricist, and educator. Favorite Broadway acting credits include: My Fair Lady , Carousel (Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Grammy Nominations), Violet , Les Misérables (Drama League nomination), Sweeney Todd (Drama Desk nomination), Assassins (Theatre World Award), Sunday in the Park With George . Off-Broadway: Road Show at the Public (Drama League nomination) and Avenue Q at the Vineyard Theatre. Regional favorites: Hamilton (original Chicago cast) and Big Fish (Marriott Lincolnshire). Selected T.V./Film: Servant (Apple TV), Empire (FOX - Recurring), Chicago Fire (NBC), Homeland (Showtime - Recurring), The Good Wife (CBS), and season 5 of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel as Janusz (AMAZON - Recurring). As a music supervisor/music director, Fiasco’s production of Merrily We Roll Along at the Roundabout (also penned new orchestrations), and was Music Supervisor and conductor for the 2020 revival of West Side Story . Also conducted the New York Philharmonic with the concert, Celebrating Sondheim (Live From Lincoln Center). Recently, he served as Music Supervisor, Arranger, and Conductor for Here We Are , Sondheim’s final musical (book by David Ives, directed by Joe Mantello). He is an Associate Professor of Instruction at Northwestern University, Artistic Director of NU's American Music Theatre Project, and has also served as faculty for the National Theater Institute at the O’Neill, NYU Steinhardt, and CAP21. Since 2018 he has been Artistic Director for the National Music Theater Conference at the O’Neill where he has helped shepherd nearly 30 new musicals. His greatest joys are his incredible wife, Erin Ortman, and their beautiful daughter. RACHEL KELSEY Program Representative & Admissions Manager ntirep@theoneill.org Rachel Kelsey is an actor, singer, dancer, and creative artist herself. Originally from Omaha, NE, Rachel now travels across the country to offer workshops in a variety of artistic disciplines as well as bring awareness to the institution, otherwise known as the launchpad of the American theater. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BFA in Musical Theatre and Business minor from Drake University, in Des Moines, IA. In addition to her time at Drake, she also spent the Fall of 2022 in Connecticut, studying with NTI’s Music Theater program. While traveling for the O'Neill and teaching at various conferences, festivals, and institutions throughout the nation, Rachel is actively involved in the theater scene as well as seeking additional theatrical opportunities. O'NEILL LEADERSHIP TIFFANI GAVIN Executive Director Tiffani Gavin brings more than 25 years of experience in theater administration and producing to her position as Executive Director of the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center. After beginning her career in general management at The Public Theater in NY and as a company manager at Blue Man Group, she went on to hold leadership positions in both nonprofit and commercial theater organizations, including Clear Channel Entertainment and the American Repertory Theater. She's been the Manager of the Marquis Theatre on Broadway and has managed productions such as the National Tour of The Phantom of the Opera . As an Executive Producer for Clear Channel Entertainment and later as the General Manager/VP of Production at Martian Entertainment she commissioned and developed new work by emerging artists across the U.S. and internationally. While producing at Clear Channel, her broad portfolio included Broadway and off-Broadway productions as well as national tours. Among them were Ragtime (National Tour), The Producers (Broadway, National Tour), Hairspray (Broadway, National Tour), Sweet Charity (2005 Broadway Revival), Gumboots (National Tour, European Tour), Squeezebox (Off-Broadway), and Contact (National Tour). She was also the Sr. Director of Professional and International Licensing for Theatrical Rights Worldwide where she acquired and licensed secondary performing rights for musicals such as Monty Python’s Spamalot and The Color Purple . Tiffani is a native of East Norriton, PA, and has a BA from Brown University in both Sociology as well as in Modern Culture and Media with a focus in Mass Media and Cultural Representation. MELIA BENSUSSEN National Playwrighting Conference Artistic Director Melia Bensussen is the Artistic Director of Hartford Stage in Hartford, CT, and is honored to be the newly appointed Artistic Director of NPC. A fan of the O’Neill for the last 20 years, she has been a frequent collaborator with NPC, NMTC, and NTI. Melia has directed extensively around the country, staging premieres, developing new works with writers, and directing “classics” especially the works of Federico Garcia Lorca and William Shakespeare. Her most recent collaboration was the premiere of Martín Zimmerman’s Simona’s Search at Hartford Stage and Kate Snodgrass’ The Art of Burning , co-produced by the Huntington Theater and Hartford Stage. Raised in Mexico City, Melia is fluent in Spanish and has translated and adapted a variety of texts. Her edition of the Langston Hughes translation of Garcia Lorca's Blood Wedding is published by Theatre Communications Group. In June 2022 she co-developed with playwright Kristen Greenidge an adaptation of Anthony J. Lukas’ Pulitzer-winning Common Ground for the Huntington. Besides winning the OBIE award for Outstanding Direction, Melia was twice given Directing Awards by the Princess Grace Foundation, USA, including their top honor, the Statue Award for Sustained Excellence. A graduate of Brown University and an alum of the Drama League, Melia served for over a decade as the Chair of the Performing Arts Department at Emerson College in Boston. She is honored to serve on the Arts Advisory Board for the Princess Grace Foundation and is a proud member of SDC, where she serves on the Executive Board. To find the rest of the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center staff, please visit theoneill.org/staff . NTI offers fellowships to early-career theater professionals to assist with NTI programming. For job openings with NTI and other O'Neill departments, please visit theoneill.org/work-with-us .

Sharpen your directorial vision and build your skills as a collaborative leader as you stage new work weekly. Confers 8 credit hours via Connecticut College. SEMESTER DIRECTING FOCUS THEATERMAKERS Sharpen your directorial vision as you stage new work weekly. 8 Credit Hours As a Theatermakers student with a Directing Focus, you’ll be mentored by professional artists as you spend six weeks developing your craft both in the classroom and on the stage. During your time on campus, you’ll take courses in directing and script analysis with directors currently working in theaters around the country. In addition, you'll attend classes in other subjects such as stage combat, creating a character, and more that will help you better lead a production. As you observe O’Neill conference rehearsals and direct new work weekly, you’ll develop your ability to implement your vision and be a collaborative leader in the rehearsal room as well as learn how to be a confident contributor to the development process. By the end of summer, you’ll be ready to shape stories, craft performances, and bring your ideas to life. COURSE CREDITS The Theatermakers Directing Focus confers credit for the following courses totaling 8 hours: The Collaborative Experience (NTI-470) This core course focuses on ensemble building, new play development, and the collaborative process. Each week a new one-act play, musical, short film or devised project is created by the group and performed for the community in residence at the O'Neill. Directing Intensive (NTI-471) The course is designed to expand and clarify the student’s approach to movement, imagery, the text, theatrical use of space, and work with the actor. Students observe a variety of directors and processes from the O'Neill National Playwright’s Conference (NPC) or National Musical Theater Conference (NMTC) and have conversations with the Artistic Directors and the creative teams. Connecticut College is the founding partner and the college of record for the National Theater Institute programs. To learn more about credits and transcripts, please click HERE . REQUEST INFO > SAMPLE SCHEDULE Every week at NTI looks a bit different as schedules are worked around our incredible faculty and artists. Scroll through to see what your week could look like as a Theatermakers student with a Directing Focus. Monday 8:30am-9:30am: Breakfast 9:30am-10:30am: Rehearsal 10:30am-12:30pm: Dress Rehearsal 12:30pm-1:30pm: Lunch 1:30pm-4:30pm: Tech Rehearsal 4:30pm-5pm: Company Meeting 5pm-6pm: Dinner 6pm-7pm: Warm-Up 7pm-9:45pm: Theatermakers Performance THEATERMAKERS SUMMER INTENSIVE EXPLORE ANOTHER FOCUS ACTING > PLAYWRITING >

Six weeks of rigorous training with opportunity to create new work alongside the O’Neill’s developmental conferences. Focus in acting, directing, or playwriting. THEATERMAKERS SUMMER INTENSIVE The Theatermakers Summer Intensive program provides six weeks of rigorous theater training and the opportunity to create new work alongside the O’Neill’s renowned developmental conferences. Whether you’re a student looking to continue your training in the summer or an artist seeking a shorter, more intense program, the Theatermakers Summer Intensive offers you concentrated training aimed at broadening your theatrical horizons. With new work at the forefront of this program, you’ll gain the skills to produce your own work as well as to be a productive collaborator in the development process. You’ll also be immersed in an O’Neill summer, mingling with the many professional artists on campus across the O’Neill’s various programs and observing them as they develop their own new plays, musicals, and puppetry performances. The Theatermakers Summer Intensive offers focuses in performance, directing, and playwriting, so you can hone in on what interests you most while also expanding your skillset and widening your creative lens. PROGRAM DATES & DETAILS Summer 2025 Semester Dates: June 14, 2025-July 26, 2025 Early Bird Application Deadline: March 3, 2025 Regular Application Deadline: April 7, 2025 Program Fees $11,900 For more details about what program fees cover, click HERE . Credits 8 Credit Hours CHOOSE YOUR FOCUS When you apply to attend our Theatermakers Summer Intensive, you’ll select a discipline to focus on during your time at the O'Neill. While many courses will be taken as an ensemble, you’ll attend specialty courses in your focus, and it will inform your role in weekly performances. ACTING DIRECTING PLAYWRITING THE THEATERMAKERS EXPERIENCE CLASSES & MENTORSHIP FROM INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS As a part of the Theatermakers program, you’ll study with professional working artists who are experts in their subject matter. Classes vary across the different focuses but include study in New Work, Voice, Choicework, Droznin Movement, Playwriting, Directing, and more. Plus, with so many people on campus for the O’Neill’s other summer programming, you’ll have the opportunity to meet and converse with artists from all disciplines and backgrounds. WEEKLY PERFORMANCES OF NEW WORK Original pieces comes to life each week written, directed, and performed by your Theatermakers ensemble. Throughout the semester, you will create around different themes and in various styles such as musicals and radio plays. Your new work is presented to the campus community of artists, arts administrators, and faculty as well as the public. PROFESSIONAL OBSERVERSHIPS As a member of the Theatermakers ensemble, you’ll get firsthand insight into the new work development process as you observe the professional artists in rehearsals for the pieces that are a part of the O’Neill summer season. THEATER ATTENDANCE While you’re on campus, you’ll see every piece of work that is being developed as a part of the National Puppetry Conference, National Playwrights Conference, and National Music Theater Conference. If the schedule allows, you may also take a trip to see a performance off campus. REQUEST INFO > Theatermakers taught me how to expand and contract time, create without inhibition, and how to function as a young artist creating new works. I took all my lessons back to my University and was able to be a leader in rehearsal rooms. - GABBY GODZECKI (SUMMER ’23)

Study with masters of the craft who will help you become a stronger performer and perform in new work weekly. Confers 8 credit hours via Connecticut College. SEMESTER ACTING FOCUS THEATERMAKERS Hone your acting skills as you perform new work weekly. 8 Credit Hours As a Theatermakers student with an Acting Focus, you’ll study with masters of the craft who will help you become a stronger performer and share with you their experiences working professionally. During your six weeks on campus, you’ll take classes in character creation, movement, voice, and more that will deepen your understanding of acting technique. Additionally, study of subjects like solo works and choreography will expand your theatrical knowledge. As you observe O’Neill conference rehearsals and perform in new work weekly, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of what it means to create a truly new character and learn how to be a confident contributor to the development process. By the time you leave NTI to head back to your home institution or onto your next endeavor, you’ll have the experience to take your craft to the next level and ability to take on any role. COURSE CREDITS The Theatermakers Acting Focus confers credit for the following academic courses totaling 8 hours: The Collaborative Experience (NTI-470) This core course focuses on ensemble building, new play development, and the collaborative process. Each week a new one-act play, musical, short film or devised project is created by the group and performed for the community in residence at the O'Neill. Acting Intensive (NTI-473) Sharpen acting skills and heighten performance-readiness through intensive classes in contemporary scene study; as well as workshops in movement, improvisation, and auditioning. Students serve as the acting company for all Theatermakers projects and observe the NPC or NMTC projects at different stages of rehearsal from first read through tech and have conversations with the Artistic Directors and the creative teams. Connecticut College is the founding partner and the college of record for the National Theater Institute programs. To learn more about credits and transcripts, please click HERE . REQUEST INFO > SAMPLE SCHEDULE Every week at NTI looks a bit different as schedules are worked around our incredible faculty and artists. Scroll through to see what your week could look like as a Theatermakers student with an Acting Focus. Monday 8:30am-9:30am: Breakfast 9:30am-10:30am: Rehearsal 10:30am-12:30pm: Dress Rehearsal 12:30pm-1:30pm: Lunch 1:30pm-4:30pm: Tech Rehearsal 4:30pm-5pm: Company Meeting 5pm-6pm: Dinner 6pm-7pm: Warm-Up 7pm-9:45pm: Theatermakers Performance THEATERMAKERS SUMMER INTENSIVE EXPLORE ANOTHER FOCUS DIRECTING > PLAYWRITING >

Six weeks of rigorous training with opportunity to create new work alongside the O’Neill’s developmental conferences. Focus in acting, directing, or playwriting. EDUCATION About Admissions Connect Apply NMTI YPF NTI EDUCATION NTI About Programs Student Life About Admissions Connect Apply NMTI YPF MEET THE FACULTY When you apply to attend our Theatermakers Summer Intensive, you’ll select a discipline to focus on during your time at the O'Neill. While many courses will be taken as an ensemble, you’ll attend specialty courses in your focus, and it will inform your role in weekly performances. THE THEATERMAKERS EXPERIENCE CLASSES & MENTORSHIP FROM INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS As a part of the Theatermakers program, you’ll study with professional working artists who are experts in their subject matter. Classes vary across the different focuses but include study in New Work, Voice, Choicework, Droznin Movement, Playwriting, Directing, and more. Plus, with so many people on campus for the O’Neill’s other summer programming, you’ll have the opportunity to meet and converse with artists from all disciplines and backgrounds. WEEKLY PERFORMANCES OF NEW WORK Original pieces comes to life each week written, directed, and performed by your Theatermakers ensemble. Throughout the semester, you will create around different themes and in various styles such as musicals and radio plays. Your new work is presented to the campus community of artists, arts administrators, and faculty as well as the public. PROFESSIONAL OBSERVERSHIPS As a member of the Theatermakers ensemble, you’ll get firsthand insight into the new work development process as you observe the professional artists in rehearsals for the pieces that are a part of the O’Neill summer season. THEATER ATTENDANCE While you’re on campus, you’ll see every piece of work that is being developed as a part of the National Puppetry Conference, National Playwrights Conference, and National Music Theater Conference. If the schedule allows, you may also take a trip to see a performance off campus. REQUEST INFO >

The NTI alumni community is made up of over 3,500 individuals who've trained in our programs since 1970. NTI alums work in every part of the entertainment industry. OUR ALUMNI The National Theater Institute alumni community is made up of over 3,500 individuals who've trained in our programs since 1970. NTI alums live and work in major theater and entertainment cities such as Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, and London. Their talents can be seen on Broadway, off-Broadway, in film and on television, at every major regional theater, and beyond. ALUMNI UPDATES Our NTI alumni are actively working across the entertainment industry in every corner of the country and abroad. In the feed below you can learn more about some of their recent projects! Are you an alum? Share your latest updates in our Alumni News Form . 1 2 3 4 NOTABLE ALUMNI Our roster of NTI alumni includes a number of names you might know who work in all aspects of the performing arts from performing to directing to producing and more! John Krasinski (Fall '01) TV/Film: "The Office," "A Quiet Place" Jennifer Garner (Fall '93) TV/Film: "Alias," "Daredevil" Daniel Dae Kim (Spring '89) TV/Film: "Lost" Broadway: "Yellow Face" Rachel Dratch (Fall '86) TV/Film: "Saturday Night Live" Josh Radnor (Spring '95) TV/Film: "How I Met Your Mother" Broadway: "The Graduate" Elizabeth Olsen (MATS '09) TV/Film: Wanda Maximoff in the Marvel franchise AZ Kelsey (Spring '95) TV/Film: "Empire," "Bull" Mickey Rowe (Fall '10) Broadway: "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" Emily Bergl (Spring '96) Broadway: "Good Night, Oscar" TV/Film: "Gilmore Girls," "Shameless" Etai Benson (MATS '07) Broadway: "The Band's Visit," "Wicked" Maria Manuela Goyanes (Fall '99) Artistic Director, The Wooly Mammoth Theatre Company Former Associate Producer, The Public Theater Rebecca Taichman (Fall '92) Broadway: "Indecent" (Tony Award: Best Director) Kimberly Marable (Fall '03) Broadway: "The Lion King," "Sister Act," "Hadestown," "Chicago" Barry Grove (Fall '70) Founder and former Managing Director, Manhattan Theatre Club Susan Booth (Fall '83) Artistic Director, The Goodman Theatre Ted Chapin (Fall '70) Former President, Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization Kirsten Sanderson (Fall '81) Off-Broadway Director Austin Smith (MATS '09) Broadway: "Hamilton" Diana Oh (Fall '07) Adam Bock (Fall '84) Playwright (Off-Broadway) Lexy Leuszler (Fall '10) Freelance Dramaturg Jiehae Park (Spring '01) Playwright TV/Film Writer Paul Thureen (Fall '98) TV/Film Writer; Creator: "Somebody Somewhere" Hannah Bos (Fall '98) TV/Film Writer; Creator, "Somebody Somewhere" Stephen Burdman (Fall '87) Founding Artistic Director, NY Classical Theatre Beth Kushnick (Fall '80) Hollywood set decorator Portia Krieger (Fall '01) Off-Broadway director Broadway: "Fun Home" (Associate) Ian MacNeill (Fall '79) TV/Film Writer NTI ALUM-FOUNDED COMPANIES NTI-trained artists don't wait for the phone to ring — they create their own work! A few of the theater companies founded by NTI alumni are: FOR OUR ALUMNI STAY IN TOUCH We want to know what you are up to! Click here to send us your news so that we can stay up to date and share your success. Plus, make sure to join the O'Neill's mailing list to keep up with the latest news about NTI and the O'Neill's other programs. NTI ALUMNI AMBASSADORS NTI Alumni Ambassadors are graduates from all programs who assist with planning visits and talking with prospective students. They work closely with NTI's Program Representative in reaching students from a wide range of areas and a larger pool of schools. Interested in being an Alumni Ambassador at your school or in your city? Email ntirep@theoneill.org for more information! GIVE BACK Interested in supporting NTI scholarships? Every year, alumni give back to ensure opportunity and access to the transformational, intensive experience of NTI for those who follow in their footsteps. Click here to donate online. [NTI] was—and continues to be—transformative to me as an artist. Of all the schools I have attended over the years, I feel most connected to my friends who were with me at NTI. - STEPHEN BURDMAN (FALL '87)

Is NTI the place for you? Apply today! Applications are accepted via our Submittable platform and considered on a rolling basis until the deadline passes. APPLY NOW > APPLICATION INFORMATION Is NTI the place for you? Applications are open — submit yours today! ABOUT THE APPLICATION The National Theater Institute accepts applications via our Submittable platform. Applicants will be asked to create an account, which will allow access to the application and let them save their work. The application requires the following materials: Personal Information: Details such as full name, date of birth, address, etc. Program Selection: The program and focus you intend on pursuing. Personal Statement: A short one-to-two sentence explanation of how you self-identify as an artist or theater maker. Headshot: A high-quality photo of your face. Theatrical Resume: Approximately a page in length. Unofficial Transcript: Required for individuals who are currently enrolled at a college/university and those who are postgraduate students. Application Essay: A 500-word statement about why you would like to attend NTI and how the program aligns with your artistic endeavors and career goals. Supplemental Artistic Materials / Work Samples: Two required samples of your artistic work (examples include: recorded songs or monologues, script samples, design portfolios, directorial concept breakdowns, etc.). Two References: Names and email addresses (o ne reference will be asked to fill out an evaluation form, and the second reference may be contacted directly via email). $30 Application Fee Qualified candidates will be asked to schedule a virtual interview with the NTI Admissions Team, which will take place via Zoom. If the $30 application fee poses a financial barrier to you, please contact ntirep@theoneill.org before you begin your application. APPLICATION DEADLINES While applications are accepted and considered on a rolling basis until the deadline passes, we recommend applying as soon as possible to take advantage of our Early Bird incentives. Summer 2025 Theatermakers Summer Intensive Deadlines Early Bird Deadline: Monday, March 3, 2025 - Apply by this date to receive $500 off your program fee. Regular Deadline: Monday, April 7, 2025 - A pply by this date for best consideration for admission and scholarship. Learn more about Theatermakers > Fall 2025 NTI Semester Deadlines Early Bird Deadline: Monday, April 7, 2025 - Apply by this date to receive $2,500 off your program fee. Regular Deadline: Monday, May 19, 2025 - Apply by this date for best consideration for admission and scholarship. Learn more about NTI Semester > ***Applications may be accepted following the deadline for waitlist consideration as well as future semesters. overview Founded in 1964, the National Playwrights Conference at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center is the country’s premiere program for new play development. Every summer, six to eight unproduced works are selected from a pool of 1,000+ submissions for a week-long, playwright-driven workshop on the O’Neill’s campus in beautiful Waterford, CT. Each play is matched with a team of industry-leading directors, dramaturgs, and actors for an intensive 30-hour rehearsal period, culminating in two public, script-in-hand staged readings. At every step in the process, the O’Neill strives to foster an inclusive, collaborative environment in which artistic exploration and experimentation is encouraged. The upcoming National Playwrights Conference will be held in July 2019. SELECTION The National Playwrights Conference is proudly committed to an open, blind submission process, and we welcome all playwrights, regardless of location or representation, to share their work with us. Our offices typically receive between 1,200 and 1,500 scripts annually, and a small volunteer corps of 200+ industry professionals — directors and dramaturgs, actors and designers, critics and administrators — reads every submission in its entirety. Every submission is considered with care and appreciation, undergoing a rigorous evaluation process in which form, content, and developmental goals are meticulously reviewed and discussed. At the end of this six-month process, eight outstanding plays — chosen for their artistic excellence, originality of voice, singularity of perspective, and developmental potential — are selected for workshop residencies at the O’Neill. DEVELOPMENT The National Playwriting Conference offers each play selected for development a week-long, 30-hour workshop, culminating in two public script-in-hand staged readings. These workshops are wholly playwright-driven, and staffed with industry-leading directors, dramaturgs, actors, and designers. Playwrights are welcome to revise, rework, and rewrite as much or as little as they like while in residence with us — as always, risk-taking is encouraged. STAGED READINGS At the end of their week-long developmental workshop, each play receives two public, script-in-hand staged readings. We believe that these staged readings are a crucial step in the O'Neill’s developmental process, serving as an invaluable opportunity to hear a fresh audience’s real-time response to the play in a welcoming, low-pressure environment. DREAM DESIGN The O’Neill is also delighted to offer our playwrights the rare opportunity to confer with a team of top-of-field designers about the visual, aural, and spatial world of their play. To this end, each workshop kicks off with an hour-long, public conversation between the playwright, scenic designer, light designer, and sound designer — all in the interest of facilitating the play’s later transition from page to stage. Original scenic renderings are created based on this discussion, and presented on the night of the play’s first public reading. RESIDENCY In addition to developmental workshops, the National Playwrights Conference is delighted to offer participating writers a month-long residency at the O’Neill’s ninety-acre seaside property — including full room and board, as well as a stipend. We welcome you to use this time however you see fit. Many playwrights continue to reflect and revise their play while others begin new projects, and others still use this time to retreat and recharge. Playwrights in residence are welcome to attend the rehearsals, readings, and presentations of their peers' work, as well as their own: we’ve found that one of the most valuable elements of an O’Neill summer is its strong community of fellow writers, artists, and theater-makers — which endures long after the summer conferences have drawn to a close. history Since its founding in 1964, the National Playwrights Conference has developed over 700 plays; the overwhelming majority of which have gone on to countless productions worldwide. The Conference was first lead artistic director Lloyd Richards (1969-1999), and subsequently by Jim Houghton (2000-03). The current artistic director, Wendy C. Goldberg, has been at the helm of the National Playwrights Conference since 2005. > Discover the new plays we've developed by decade. artistic director Wendy C. Goldberg is in her 14th season as Artistic Director of the National Playwrights Conference. Wendy also leads the O'Neill's National Directors Fellowship, now in its third year. Under Goldberg's tenure, the O'Neill was awarded the 2010 Regional Tony Award, the first play development and education organization to receive this honor. In addition, Goldberg has overseen the development of more than 90 projects for the stage, many of which have gone on to great acclaim with productions in New York, London, and around the country. Among them are the 2010 and 2012 Susan Smith Blackburn Award-winning plays (Julia Cho's The Language Archive and Jennifer Haley's The Nether), two American Theatre Critics Association Citation Award-winning Plays (Lee Blessing's Great Falls and Deb Zoe Laufer's End Days), and 2009 Pulitzer Prize Winner for Drama (Lynn Nottage's Ruined), written in part while Nottage was a Writer-in-Residence at the O'Neill in the summer of 2006. In 2005, Goldberg included playwright Samuel D. Hunter, now an Obie and MacArthur Award-winning playwright, in her first season as Artistic Director when he was still a student at the MFA Playwrights Workshop at the University of Iowa. Other critically acclaimed work developed at the O'Neill during Ms. Goldberg's tenure includes Lindsay Ferrentino's Ugly Lies The Bone, Mike Lew's Tiger Style!, Deborah Zoe Laufer's Leveling Up, Adam Bock's The Receptionist, Rebecca Gilman's The Crowd You're in With, Jason Grote's 1001, and Julia Cho's Durango. In addition to re-establishing the Conference a leader in the field, Ms. Goldberg has created domestic and international collaborations with theaters such as the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, the Goodman Theatre in Chicago, and in Ireland with the Abbey Theater and Druid Theatre Company. She is the first woman to lead the Conference in its 54-year history. Ms. Goldberg herself is an award-winning director whose credits include world premieres, revivals, classics, and musicals at the most esteemed theaters in the country, including: Arena Stage, the Guthrie, the Goodman, Denver Center, the Alliance, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Center Stage, Actors Theater of Louisville, Signature Theater, Paper Mill Playhouse, Philadelphia Theater Company and off-Broadway at Ars Nova, The Daryl Roth 2, and McGinn-Cazale. Wendy was represented on Broadway as Creative Advisor to the long running Rock of Ages. She has directed work in every major play developmental program in the country. As Artistic Associate at Arena Stage for five seasons, Ms. Goldberg helped to create the theater's new play initiatives and led them from their inception through 2005. American Theatre magazine has described her as "one of the most promising theater artists working today." Other than the theater's founder, Zelda Fichandler, she is the youngest director to have directed for Arena Stage in its 50 year history, making her main stage debut at the age of 26 with the revival of K2 in celebration of the company's 50th anniversary. Ms. Goldberg is a visiting faculty member at the Iowa Playwrights Workshop and the Yale School of Drama. She has served on panels for the NEA and TCG, and has served as a judge for the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize as well as a guest at the Commercial Theater Institute through the Broadway League. Ms. Goldberg has served on the Executive Board of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society for 11 years and has been a Tony Voter since 2005. She is an honors graduate of the University of Michigan (BA) and holds a MFA in Directing from UCLA's School of Theater, Film, and Television where she received the Distinguished Alumna Award in 2014. open submission process The National Playwrights Conference is delighted to accept script submissions from playwrights of all stripes. We hold our mission of discovering and amplifying the voices of new plays and playwrights in high esteem, and remain committed to maintaining the open, blind submissions policy that has been place since the inception of the National Playwriting Conference itself. To that end, we don’t require those submitting to have an agent or letter of nomination to apply; rather, we only ask that you have the right to work in the United States. Our literary offices typically receive between 1,200 and 1,500 scripts annually, and a small volunteer corps of 200+ professional theatermakers — directors and dramaturgs, actors and designers, critics and administrators — reads every submission in its entirety. Every submission is considered with care and appreciation, undergoing a rigorous evaluation process in which form, content, and developmental goals are meticulously reviewed and discussed. At the end of this six-month process, eight outstanding plays — chosen for their artistic excellence, originality of voice, singularity of perspective, and developmental potential — are selected for workshop residencies at the O’Neill. The submission fee is $35. This covers the costs of the process itself — its organization, administration, and reading. We recognize that this can be prohibitive, and the O'Neill is actively making efforts to reduce this fee, most notably with the establishment of the Wendy Wasserstein Endowment Fund. As this endowment continues to grow, we hope to eventually reduce and eliminate the fee in its entirety, ensuring that submission process remains open and equitable to all. submission info The 2019 National Playwrights Conference will accept applications from September 13, 2018 through October 12, 2018 at 11:59pm PST. If you are interested in submitting a play for our consideration, please review our submission guidelines below. Be sure to sign up to email updates, too: that way, you’ll be the first to know when our application window opens. > View NPC Online Submission Guidelines > View NPC Hard Copy Submission Guidelines > Sign-up for NPC updates Eligibility Requirements: You must be 18 years of age and have the right to work within the United States. The play must not have had a professional production, or be scheduled to have a professional production, prior to August 2019. A professional production means that the artists working on the show were compensated for their time, and that all of the theatrical elements one hopes to see in a production were present. You may submit one original or adapted work, providing that the rights to any material not in the public domain have been granted in writing, and a copy of the release is sent along with the script. We develop all genres and styles of drama, including one-acts and solo pieces. NPC does not develop music theater works, though you may submit such work to the National Music Theater Conference. While we accept work that has been submitted to NPC in previous years, we recommend that you share new work with us each year. Only complete applications will be accepted, whether in hard copy or electronic form. > Start your application! frequently asked questions We’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions for your convenience below. However, if you would prefer to speak directly to a member of our literary staff, you’re more than welcome: we gladly devote much of our year to facilitating this process, and we’re always happy to speak with playwrights. You can reach the literary office via email at litoffice@theoneill.org, or by phone at 860-443-5378 ext. 227. > Review our frequently asked questions 2018 summer season > Discover the 2018 National Playwrights Conference The O'Neill's intensive national reach from the Open Submissions process also serves the larger theater community by spotlighting 45-65 finalist plays to peer theaters for development and production. > See the 2018 NPC FInalists APPLICATION FAQS

The Fall 2020 Semester marks the 50th anniversary of the National Theater Institute. Since 1970, the National Theater Institute has provided a space for its students to go beyond the limits of what they imagine theater to be. To "Risk. Fail. and Risk Again." JOIN THE ALUMNI GIVING CHALLENGE & RSVP FOR REUNION Since 1970, the National Theater Institute has provided a space for its students to go beyond the limits of what they imagine theater to be. To "Risk. Fail. and Risk Again." - The O'Neill: The Transformation of Modern American Theater by Jeffrey Sweet "The idea for NTI occurred to J Ranelli when he was a student at Wesleyan. 'I was looking for a thesis project. I had brought a couple of people from the O'Neill to Wesleyan to do workshops - [director] Gene Lasko and [writer] Frank Gagliano. The kids had loved it, we loved it. So I'm thinking, why can't this be part of the undergraduate experience?...I'd get some O'Neill people, and we'd do a boot camp, three-week thing in the summer. "Then David Hays and some others started talking about starting a school. I spoke to the president of Wesleyan, Victor L. Butterfield, and I said, 'I have this idea. Some schools offer a junior year abroad. I'd like to get the theater departments of a group of colleges together, create a little board, and administer what would be at the O'Neill.'" "And so I brought that to George C. White, and he went to his contact at the Rockefeller Foundation. I wrote the proposal - it would be one term, and we would look to bring the students in the second term of their sophomore or first term of their junior year. What they took from this could be applied to their choices in the remainder of their liberal arts studies. It really was in service of liberal education." SHARE WITH US Have any pictures, mementos, or memories from your time at the National Theater Institute? Share them with us at NTI50@theoneill.org GIVE BACK Support NTI scholarships! Every year, alumni give back to ensure opportunity and access to the transformational, intensive experience of NTI for those who follow in their footsteps. JOIN US Stay tuned for upcoming events! Be the first to know by updating your contact information. MAKE A DONATION