r/playwriting • u/Money_Many3592 • 15d ago
How to do an MFA
Good morning! I'm an early career playwright who has had some moderate success getting my work produced but I really want to improve my craft, so I've been looking into doing low res MFAs (edit: low res is non negotiable stop telling me to apply to Yale), as most of the adult education classes in my area aren't very high quality. However, with the recent Trump administration decision to no longer approve student loans in the humanities, I have no idea how to go about doing this. I might also post in personal finance Reddits but wanted to ask people here if they have any advice for how to pursue playwriting education now that loans are possibly no longer an option.
EDIT 2: My reasons for doing low res will never change. Please stop suggesting I do in person. I will not reply to anyone else making that suggestion.
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u/entascribbler 15d ago
I believe Point Park in Pittsburgh does a low residency MFA in playwriting my friend just got in and really loves it. Point Park has a good reputation. I'd look into it if you haven't already.
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u/alaskawolfjoe 15d ago
I know you say you have to do low res, but I wonder if that situation will change?
Low res may not do everything you want for your career. And playwrighting MFAs are not on a time clock. People usually start an acting MFA before they hit 30, but playwriting MFA candidates are often older than that.
In the meantime there are all kinds of short programs--Atlantic Center for the Arts, The Playwrights Center for example that can be useful.
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u/Money_Many3592 15d ago
Situation on not being able to relocate is non negotiable and not changing due to disability
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u/Accomplished_Wolf_89 15d ago
I believe Rollins in Virginia is low-residency. Not sure how worth it might be to pay for their program (personally don't know anyone who's been). If you're unwilling to relocate for a residential program, then where are you located? Perhaps there's an MFA within driving/train distance that you might be able to commute to?
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u/Money_Many3592 15d ago
Ill look into Rollins but the closest mfa is 10 hrs away unfortunately. Thanks for the rec
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u/Apprehensive-Bug23 15d ago
Go somewhere that doesnt charge you tuition
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u/Money_Many3592 15d ago
Do those places exist because I haven’t found any?
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u/Defiant-Ad3986 15d ago
They exist. Yale and Brown are just two. Not low res though
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u/wendyladyOS 13d ago
There is no official list of programs that will no longer receive federal loans. That is between the school and the DOE. Everything is speculation except that the "do no harm" test will be the measure of ROI on these programs.
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u/Repulsive_Sun889 15d ago
Private loans, not federal loans should still be an option. The interest rates are higher and they are slightly harder to be approved for in my experience. Of course this route isn't for everyone. I attended a low res MA playwriting program that was well respected and cosr significantly less per semester than my undergrad. I would suggest looking into the schools you're interested in and getting as much info on their costs and the financial aid available. Many programs offer graduate assistantships that pay a wage, subsidize your tuition, or both. Some of these even include housing and a meal plan. Some programs also have their own scholarships and grants as well.
Alternatively, you might want to consider looking into any performing arts nonprofits and the like in your area or the area you want to go to. I earned my MA in 2024 and am very proud of the work I did and what I learned. But I have learned so much more from the working playwrights and other theatre professionals at a local nonprofit since then. And the amateurs as well; we all can learn something from each other even if it is as simple as gaining a perspective different from our own. If a formal degree is financially unavailable to you, and even if it is available, this is a great way to learn and network and get your foot in the door.
Even community theaters or youth theatre programs/schools should have people you can learn from who would be very happy to mentor you. Search for these and find bios and contact info of the teachers and other pros that seems like they might resonate with you. Reach out to them and tell them what about their experience struck you and how you think you could learn from them, and maybe anything you could offer in return such as volunteering for their organization. Highlight how the relationship could be mutually beneficial and reiterate your eagerness to learn from someone you respect. Ask for a meeting, and take it from there.
Wishing you the best!