School of Arts and Interdisciplinary Studies
Playwriting, Directing, and DramaturgyBFA
Program starts in the fall. Review deadlines.
Learn every step of the theatrical process, and understand how to turn an idea for a story into an opening night debut. Emerson’s Playwriting, Directing, and Dramaturgy BFA program will prepare you for a career in creating theatrical productions that meaningfully connect with audiences.
At a Glance
- Learn how to analyze theatrical texts, narratives, and social systems.
- Test your ideas in rehearsals and workshop environments, and learn real-time decision making in the performing arts space.
- Collaborate with other Performing Arts majors on their productions, and join one of Emerson’s many student-run performance organizations.
- Learn from Department of Performing Arts faculty who have spent their careers creating, directing, and producing theatrical performances.
- Study theatre at Kasteel Well in the Netherlands and Chile.
Create Impactful Performances
Theatrical productions start with an idea. But bringing that idea to life requires creativity, collaboration, and a deep understanding of how stories connect with audiences. Emerson College’s Playwriting, Directing, and Dramaturgy BFA will show you how to master every step of theatrical production—from developing new work or interpreting older texts, to leading rehearsals and guiding productions.
You’ll study storytelling, dramatic literature, directing, dramaturgy, and theatrical production, as well as learning the cultural, historical, and ethical aspects of creating a new production. You’ll analyze texts and social systems, workshop original ideas, and test creative choices. As you move into upper-level coursework, you’ll take on ambitious projects that will test your leadership, adaptability, and collaboration skills.
Outside of the classroom, you’ll participate in Emerson Stage productions, join student-run performance organizations, and have the chance to engage with professional artists through ArtsEmerson. Emerson also offers students the chance to study theatre abroad, with programs in the Netherlands and Chile. You’ll develop original works, direct productions, and build your portfolio. By the time you graduate, you will have a wealth of hands-on experience, a body of creative work, a network of peers and industry professionals, and the ability to create performances that make an impact.
Emerson College owns more performance space than any other institution in Boston. You’ll have the opportunity to see your productions performed on both historic stages and newer, state-of-the-art venues.
Students bring stories to life through productions, workshops, and collaborations that extend far beyond the classroom. Emerson boasts numerous student-run theatrical organizations, such as BlueJay Theater Collective, RareWorks Theatre Company, Student Theatre Alliance, and more. Boston is also home to a rich theatrical scene, offering students the chance to intern and work professionally on productions happening in and around the city.
Artistic Direction on the Global Stage: Experiencing Santiago A Mil
Help produce one of the largest theatre festivals in the world: Chile’s Santiago A Mil festival. Attracting millions of visitors over the years, the festival highlights groundbreaking works that comment on social and cultural issues happening in the world today. Work alongside the team that puts this festival together, speak with performers and organizers, and learn the business side of festival production.
Barcelona: Art, Theatre & Culture
Spend four weeks studying visual arts and theatre in the vibrant city of Barcelona. You’ll attend performances at the Grec Festival de Barcelona, a showcase of theatre, music, and dance from international companies in the city’s storied venues. Visit Barcelona’s historic museums, attend lectures by Catalan scholars, and immerse yourself in the city’s rich cultural heritage.
Learn from Masters of Theatre Production
Department of Performing Arts faculty are seasoned professionals in the theatrical production space, spending their careers creating performances and connecting with audiences.
Take a Performing Arts Tour
Explore Emerson’s theatres, rehearsal spaces, and production studios, then stay for an informational session about the Performing Arts programs and Artistic Review process.
Apply to Emerson
On any given day, you’re creating something. You’re writing, performing, filming, designing, or building an idea from the ground up. Whatever it is, you care deeply about the work, and you want to see where it can take you.
Our Undergraduate Admission team is here to find the path that fits your goals, answer your questions, and prepare you for a life in the creative world. Learn more about applying to Emerson on our Application Process page.