Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Dramaturgy/Criticism

The Dramaturgy/Criticism program the only one of its kind in the United States will help you explore your critical thinking and writing skills for a variety of roles within theatre and other art forms. You’ll develop skills in script analysis, dramatic theory and new play development. This program exposes you to both the broad-based education of a liberal arts program and the hands-on training of a conservatory. You will gain additional experience through educational outreach programs in museums, community centers, and schools. You will learn from a distinguished and award-winning faculty of professional dramaturgists, directors and arts writers both in the classroom and through individual guidance and advising. In addition, you have the opportunity to study with professional dramaturgs, critics, and literary managers from Chicago's vibrant theatre community. Learning Outcomes - Students will be able to: Write with competency in a variety of writing styles from casual to formal. Fully engage with knowledge through the ability to access, analyze, and evaluate information and ideas from multiple sources in order to identify underlying arguments and assumptions and to formulate conclusions. Utilize existing knowledge to generate and synthesize ideas in original, creative, and imaginative ways. Articulate clearly the process of transforming the written text into the theatrical event. Design, develop, and execute a noteworthy intellectual and/or creative project. Develop a profound understanding of the role of the artist in society. Develop an understanding of the cultural and sociopolitical context of theatre from the perspective of both historical and contemporary practice. Develop strong self-discipline, self-motivation, and an ability to work independently. Work collaboratively and effectively within a group process and with creative artists from all theatrical disciplines. Understand the interrelationship of what it means to be human and what it means to be a theatre artist. Evaluate ethical issues with respect to theatrical analysis, concept, and practice. Contribute artistically to communities through socially responsible engagement and leadership. Develop an understanding of and a respect for a multiplicity of cultural and artistic perspectives that may be different from their own. Understand the availability and/or scarcity of global resources for a sustainable future. Set goals for future work that is the result of rigorous self-appraisal and reflection. Articulate their skills and knowledge as they represent themselves to external audiences. Work both independently and collaboratively. Use technology to create, communicate, and synthesize their ideas. Career Options: Broadway production, Criticism, Directing, Film production, Literary management, Playwriting, Production dramaturgy, Television production, Theatre history, Workshop educator.