The Master of Fine Arts in Writing for Theatre and Media is a three-year terminal graduate degree designed for
students who are passionate about developing the professional-level skills necessary to create narratives from
concept to production. Students prepare for their careers as professional writers by learning how to think
critically about society and how to approach current issues such as diversity, inclusion, access and modern
theatre theory. With a focus on the collaborative process, students develop advanced storytelling techniques
through writing-intensive coursework and in co-curricular programming. Creating production-ready content is at
the core of this program and to this end, students have many opportunities to witness their work being brought
to fruition by AMDA’s student performers on the stage and screen. Graduates complete the program having created
a portfolio of professional pieces, preparing them to enter the business of writing for theatre and media.
In 250 words or less, please explain your goals for engaging with the program, if admitted. Please submit
your statement to graddocs@amda.edu or click the button below.
Please submit a sample of writing materials that includes examples of original dramatic work. A minimum
of two completed pieces, which could include written work from undergraduate degree or independently
written pieces. Please submit your documents to graddocs@amda.edu
or click the button below.
Once you have completed your application, an AMDA representative will reach out to you by phone to
discuss your interests, background, and experiences related to the focus of this program.
Reference letters +−
Three reference letters from people who have known the applicant for two years or longer, such as
instructors, directors or faculty advisors, or employers (but not a friend or family member). Reference
letters may be emailed to graddocs@amda.edu or mailed to the
address below and should note the relationship of the writer to the applicant.
Official transcripts +−
Please submit transcripts for completed undergraduate degree and any graduate coursework attempted or
completed.
AMDA Records
211 West 61st Street
New York, NY 10023
Program Learning Outcomes
AMDA students within the MFA in Writing for Theatre and Media program will achieve the following program learning
outcomes.
Advanced skills in dramatic construction: Demonstrate the ability to create texts that effectively incorporate
dramatic strategies and structures.
Concept to script:
Demonstrate the ability to cultivate an idea from concept to finished product.
Script to production: Demonstrate the ability to edit a script through the process of
collaboration to final production.
Interdisciplinary competency: Demonstrate a command of interdisciplinary research and practice
through written and oral presentation.
History, theory, and criticism: Acquire an advanced understanding of theatre history, theory, and
criticism as it reflects current and historical discussion and debate and apply knowledge to the
production of creative pieces.
Cross-cultural responsibility: Exhibit a command of cross-cultural analysis, demonstrating a grasp
of global perspectives and cross-cultural conversations.
Research: Engage in
original, focused research pertaining to their field of study.
Professional writing: Demonstrate key professional
capacities related to writing for performance, including effective communication skills,
technology literacy, and an understanding of professional ethics and best practices.
Curriculum
Sample curriculum
Year One
First Semester
THR521Theatre and Media Writing:
Film and Theatre Genre 3.0
WTM516Theatre and Media Writing:
Shorts and One-Acts3.0
WTM521Theatre and Media Writing:
Analysis and Ideation3.0
Second Semester
THR551Film and Media Theory:
Narrative Analysis3.0
WTM511 Writing Workshop/Lab
1
16.0
Summer
WTM581Writing
Internship3.0
Year Two
First Semester
THR560Seminar in Critical Race
Theory3.0
WTM531Theatre and Media Writing:
One Hour TV3.0
WTM512Writing Workshop/Lab
23.0
Second Semester
WTM552Theatre and Media
Writing: Sitcom Writing (30min Comedy)3.0
WTM513Writing Workshop/Lab
36.0
Summer
WTM582Writing
Internship3.0
Year Three
First Semester
THE570Seminar in Queer and Gender
Theory3.0
WTM562Theater and Media Writing:
Adaptation3.0
WTM514Writing Workshop/Lab
43.0
Second Semester
WTM572Theater and Media
Writing: Rewriting the Feature or Television Script 3.0
