Name

Angelica Nutt

School

Columbia University

Degree Program

Second year Master of Fine Arts student in Playwriting

Previous Degrees

Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from University of California, Los Angeles School of Theatre, Film and Television, 2009

Thesis Topic

Family relationships

Research Interests

History of slavery in New York

Advisor

Kelly Stuart

Advisor’s Research Focus

Cultural relationships; Turkish theatre

Hobbies

Acting, modeling, dancing, traveling, poetry

Graduate School – Application Process

How did you select your graduate school and program?

I selected Columbia University’s MFA program for playwriting based on location and program structure. After graduating from University of California, Los Angeles with my bachelors degree, I knew I wanted to move to New York to attend graduate school. As a result, I researched different theatre programs by exploring different schools’ websites. I was drawn to Columbia, in particular, because their theatre program offered a lot of creative freedom to students.

In addition, I visited schools in-person to help solidify my decision. I met with admissions staff, program heads and professors to learn more about their theatre programs. This way I was able to ask detailed questions and see the program structure firsthand, which really made a difference.

What did you do to prepare yourself for graduate school?

In order to prepare myself for graduate school, I developed several creative projects in order to stay active in theatre and playwriting. For example, I put together a small children’s play for my community.

In addition, I focused on compiling a portfolio of plays for my graduate school application. I wanted to include work that reflected my writing style and interests.

Did your application requirements include standardized test scores?

No, my application requirements did not include standardized test scores.

What kind of information did you include in your personal statement?

In my personal statement for Columbia University, I discussed my personal motivations for writing, my interest in theatre as opposed to television and film and my reasons for selecting their specific theatre program. I also mentioned my creative plans for the future.

How did you choose faculty to approach for letters of recommendation?

I chose faculty to approach for letters of recommendation who knew me and my playwriting work well. As a result, I decided to ask my undergraduate playwriting professor, my playwriting mentor and my world culture professor whom I had developed a strong relationship with.

Do you have any other tips for a student who is considering applying to graduate school in playwriting?

I would tell a student interested in applying to graduate school in playwriting to make sure that the structure of the program is a good fit for them. Students should look for a MFA program that suits their artistic needs and interests and provides them with a good working environment. They should take into account factors such as the length of the program and the pacing of coursework.

Graduate School – The Program

How long is your program and how is the curriculum distributed?

My 3-year program is composed of playwriting classes and creative projects. In the first year, students take classes in drama, theatre and core playwriting classes. They also collaborate with playwrights, actors, directors and stage managers to work on creative projects as well as begin work on their individualized projects.

In the program’s second year, students take classes tailored to their own playwriting interests such as television writing. In addition, students produce a full-length play in the second semester.

In the third and final year of the program, students don’t attend classes and instead focus on writing their thesis project. In a masters program in playwriting, students are required to complete a thesis play, which involves finding a professional playwright to mentor them and writing a full-length play. In addition, students usually complete their 2 internship requirements in the last year because they have more room in their schedule.

What is the focus of your masters research?

My masters research is focused on the history of my family. I am writing my thesis play on my father and aunt’s relationship with their stepfather as teenagers. After my father’s father passed away, his mother remarried a man who was quite a piece of work. So I am taking that situation and dramatizing it into a play.

Can you describe the process of researching for and writing your thesis?

The research component of my thesis play is limited because most of it involves creative writing. However, I am conducting a little bit of research on the history of my family by calling some relatives and getting information from them.

After I finish researching, I will begin the process of writing my thesis play. This entails writing my play as well as casting and working with actors and finding a director, set designer and lighting designer. By the end of the program, I am required to put on a full-scale production of my thesis play in order for industry agents to see my work.

Does your program have an internship component?

Yes, my program has an internship component. Students are required to intern with a professional theatre company so that they can get experience reading and reviewing plays or working with the management team or artistic director.

In order to secure an internship, students utilize internship listings provided by the university as well as personal connections in the field. For me, I have a good relationship with a theatre company in Los Angeles, so I might intern with them this summer.

What role does your advisor play in your education?

Although I don’t have an official advisor, I consider Kelly Stuart my unofficial advisor. She helps me develop my craft as well as network and make connections in the playwriting community. She has introduced me to people in the field who might be interested in the types of plays I write.

Does your masters program require comprehensive exams prior to graduation?

No, my MFA program does not require comprehensive exams prior to graduation.

How does a masters program differ from undergraduate study?

A masters program differs from undergraduate study in the types of classes that students take. While a graduate student takes specialized classes, an undergraduate student takes general education classes in humanities and other disciplines.

Another main difference is the nature of the program requirements. My undergraduate program did not require a final project or play, or give students the opportunity to collaborate with other actors and directors in a classroom.

Graduate School – Paying for It

How much does your masters program cost?

My masters program costs about $45,000 per year. I don’t spend too much money on textbooks because most of my classes are writing based.

How are you funding your education?

I am funding my education through loans, grants, scholarships and research assistantships. I received a combination of university grants for the first semester of the first year as well as a small outside scholarship of $1,000. In addition, I work as a research assistant, which covers half of my tuition for the year.

In addition, I don’t have to worry about funding for the last year of my program. Because students don’t attend classes, they don’t have to pay tuition, other than a thesis fee.

Graduate School – Living Life

What are the time commitments for a masters degree in playwriting?

My time commitments for a masters degree in playwriting are varied. I spend about 20 to 25 hours per week in class as well as about 8 to 20 hours per week writing. Despite my obligations, I try to make time for leisure.

How has graduate school affected your personal life?

Graduate school has not affected my personal life because I make time for myself as a person. It is important to cultivate personal interests aside from an academic program in order to remain balanced and maintain my identity as a writer.

In addition, I utilize good time management skills to help balance my academic and personal life. I set and prioritize deadlines as well as store reminders and notes in my phone.

Graduate School – After Graduation

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In the next 5 years, I hope to secure a position as a writing assistant on a television show. I also hope to complete a feature film as well as publish several plays, poetry and children’s books.

Graduate School - Advice

What insights can you offer a student who is interested in pursuing a masters degree in playwriting?

I would advise a student interested in pursuing a masters degree in playwriting to avoid becoming overly trained. Students should try not to get too overwhelmed with writing rules and should instead make an effort to retain their own personal writing and storytelling style.

In addition, I would encourage students to evaluate their reasoning for attending graduate school. Students should figure out whether or not a masters degree in playwriting will help further their career goals.

Lastly, I would tell students that the best way to earn money as a playwright is to become a television writer.