Northwestern University MFA in Writing for Screen+Stage

What does it mean to be "at the center of writing"? It means defining yourself not as a playwright, screenwriter, or television writer, but as an artist who seeks to tell the best story possible, to fit that story to the most appropriate form, and to pursue writing opportunities wherever they present themselves. Today more than ever, an ability to demonstrate versatility in all mediums is invaluable, as now screenplays are written by playwrights, TV shows are developed by screenwriters, and theatre is created by TV writers.

Being at the center means being associated with Northwestern University: From indie films to hit sitcoms and dramas to Tony Award winners and Oscar nominees, from John Logan (The Aviator) to Greg Berlanti (Everwood) to Zach Braff (Garden State) to Janae Bakken (Scrubs), Northwestern entertainment alumnae, faculty, and visiting artists are at the forefront of stage, film, and television. This is a particularly exciting time to become part of the NU community, as we're in the middle of an interdisciplinary renaissance. With programs like this MFA in Writing for the Screen and Stage, as well as the undergraduate Creative Writing for the Media module, the PhD in Screen Cultures, the Minor in Sound Design, and the American Music Theatre Project, NU offers a deep commitment to breaking down boundaries and allowing students to explore subjects from all directions.

Being at the center of writing also means being in a city devoted to the art of writing: our Chicago location offers a unique melting pot of activity, connected to but somehow different from Los Angeles or New York, with opportunities to experience not only film and TV, but theatre, improv, cutting edge installations, experimental performances, and every form in between.

We've designed our MFA Program around six core courses, which introduce you to a set of "transportable" media writing concepts, as well as specific idioms/genres. You'll build a significant portfolio -- at least a short screenplay, play, TV episode, and full-length thesis project of your choosing. You'll understand not just the art and craft of media writing, but also the business of media writing as we'll practice pitching, taking meetings, writing query letters, and understanding contracts. You'll choose from a range of topics courses, such as developing the pilot, writing the teen film, experimental adaptation, and interactive narrative. Along the way, you'll meet artists and executives from TV, stage, film, and new media.

We've also included amazing production opportunities, from Radio-TV-Film mediamaking courses to a $5000 grant to help you bring to life your play, screenplay, or teleplay.

Want to know more? www.write.northwestern.edu

Applications due January 15.