Why Study Playwriting/Dramaturgy at the University of Houston?

The Playwriting/Dramaturgy program offers students extensive practical experience in both disciplines, in a combined approach that is unique in the nation. Students learn not only how to write for the stage, but also for television and film. They build simultaneous skills in research, revision, theatre history and literature, dramatic structures, acting and theatre production. The program also features one-on-one guidance from top-notch faculty, including Broadway playwright and Hollywood screenwriter Theresa Rebeck. It also welcomes nationally prominent guest instructors each year, such as Pulitzer Prize winner Suzan-Lori Parks, Tony Award nominee Robert Askins, Rajiv Joseph, Will Eno, Chana Porter, Mickle Maher and many others.

There are opportunities to have original work fully produced as a part of UH’s theatre season, as well as an annual 10-minute play festival. Students also participate as dramaturgs for the season’s shows, while taking a rotating series of specialized workshop classes, including Comedy, Realism and Myth & Ritual.

Juniors will complete a full-length play with Rebeck. In their senior year, students write either a second full-length play or a TV pilot and series guide as their capstone project.

Throughout the program, students become part of a tightly knit, supportive community of theatre artists in Houston’s thriving professional scene. Our students have gone on to win dozens of regional and national playwriting awards, internships and premieres.