BU Playwriting
The MFA Playwriting Program at Boston University is rooted in a deep respect for the written word and the role of the playwright as both theater practitioner and writer.
We see a play as an intimate conversation between its writer and the world; a conversation that grows and deepens as the playwright collaborates with their fellow theater artists to develop and present the work.
We are seeking playwrights who have exceptional talent, who write with urgency and generosity, who have a strong point of view about the world and their role within it, and who are ready to learn and grow as part of an intimate cohort. In writing with truthfulness, the playwright must be willing to reflect the human realities that they see and know. In writing for a public audience, the playwright’s craft must be informed by an abiding consideration for those who will gather to experience the play as it unfolds in real time.
MFA Playwriting is a program of the English Department in the College of Arts & Sciences, and works in close collaboration with the School of Theatre and College of Fine Arts. The program was founded by Derek Walcott and Kate Snodgrass, and is currently under the direction of Nathan Alan Davis.
Program Practices
MFA playwrights at BU write, workshop their plays, study theory, and gain insights about the profession in weekly seminars taught by the program’s faculty.
The MFA Program is three years long, requiring full-time residence in Boston during the Fall and Spring semesters each year. Their home base for writing seminars, practicums, play development workshops, and productions is Boston Playwrights’ Theatre.
In their first year, playwrights write multiple full-length plays under faculty mentorship. Workshop productions of short plays afford them the opportunity to see their work in front of a live audience.
In their second year, playwrights strengthen the foundations of their creative work with scholarly courses in literature and other fields (based on their interests), and begin teaching undergraduate playwriting courses.
In their third year, playwrights continue to follow their creative and scholarly interests in the classroom, gain additional teaching experience, receive a full production of their capstone play, and present a selection of their work in a showcase for industry professionals.
Throughout all of the above, the classroom is, quite literally, the stage: Playwriting courses typically meet in one of the two black box performance spaces at Boston Playwrights’ Theatre and professional actors are routinely brought in to read and respond to students’ works-in-progress.
MFA playwrights receive full tuition scholarships. Additionally, they receive a non-service stipend or teaching fellowship in every Fall and Spring semester of their enrollment. Please see the academic bulletin for course information and degree requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many playwrights do you accept into the program?
Beginning in 2026, the program will admit two (2) MFA playwrights each year.
Previously, the program only accepted applications every other year. Has that changed?
Yes. We now accept applications every year. The 2025 application window opens November 1.
What is the program’s teaching philosophy and who will my teachers be?
Our goal is to help each of our writers develop their innate voice with fullness, freedom, and precision. We believe in the study of both classical and contemporary plays as inspiration/foundation. We believe in provocations and experimentation. We believe in honest feedback. We believe you have a responsibility to honor your own truth, your collaborators, and your audience, and we will push you to embrace the challenge of serving them all at once. The program has four core faculty members, all of whom are playwrights: Nathan Alan Davis (program director), Hansol Jung, Melinda Lopez, and Ronán Noone. Our faculty are deeply and actively engaged in the field, and they bring their knowledge, experiences, and expertise into the classroom every week.
I’m trying to figure out which of my scripts to send with my application. Can you tell me what you’re looking for?
We are looking for playwrights with singular voices, who demonstrate a facility for the dramatic form. Send the play that you feel best represents you. Know that your personal statement is as important as the play you send. We want to understand where you’re coming from, what you hope for in a graduate school experience, what motivates you, and what inspires you.
I write musicals. Does the program offer training in musical theater and can I send a musical as a writing sample?
The program does not offer training in musical theater. A script that incorporates music or lyrics can most definitely be considered—but know that if you send a full musical it will be difficult for us to evaluate.
Can I visit a class to get a sense of what the program is like?
Finalists will be invited to visit and become further acquainted with the program. While we are not able to facilitate classroom visits for all prospective applicants, questions are welcome at any time and meetings may be arranged on a case-by-case basis.
I have just completed/am now completing my undergraduate degree, and I’m not sure if I have enough experience to be a competitive applicant. Should I wait for a year or two before applying?
Other than demonstrating the ability to write a full-length (i.e. approx. 60 pages or more) play, there is no particular experience threshold you need to meet. Taking some time between undergraduate study and MFA training is generally good advice, but it’s not a hard and fast rule.
I’m an older playwright, and I know that MFA programs tend to be populated with writers in their 20s and 30s. Will my application be taken seriously?
We recognize that a focused pursuit of playwriting can happen at any age. Your application will be considered on its own merits.
I have substantial playwriting experience and I’m looking to take my career to the next level. Is this the right program for me?
Readiness and willingness to focus on growth, craft, and development through mentorship is necessary to make the most out of what BU’s program has to offer. If you have a firmly established artistic practice and you’re mainly seeking the time/resources/advocacy to bolster the work you’re already doing, this program may not be the right fit for you.
I already have an MFA. Can I apply for a second MFA at BU?
If you have already received an MFA in Playwriting, you will not be able to enroll in BU’s program. However, if your MFA is in another discipline, you’re welcome to apply.
Does the program offer training in TV/feature film writing?
Supplemental instruction in screenwriting is typically given during the third year. Graduates who wish to pursue work in Hollywood will receive advice and mentorship from faculty toward that end.
I’m a multi-hyphenate theatre artist, and I work in more than one role/capacity (direction, acting, design, etc.) Will I be able to develop and explore some or all of these roles at BU?
Opportunities to direct, perform, design, etc., will be very limited during your time in the program.
I have another question, who should I ask?
Please email Program Director Nathan Davis: davisn@bu.edu