American Theatre is at a transformative moment — be a part of that change.

The Master of Fine Arts in Dramatic Writing (MFADW) at the USC School of Dramatic Arts provides students with the foundation to not only build a fruitful career, but to further discover and develop their own authentic voice.

At the heart of this program, the MFADW teaches playwriting first and foremost, then expands into adaptation, screenwriting, television writing, digital media and beyond. Presentations occur each year as part of a yearly New Works Festival, presented in conjunction with prominent local and national theatres most recently including The Hero Theatre, The Latino Theatre Company and Pasadena Playhouse.

Our conservatory-style MFA program offers artists the opportunity to engage with other artistic students and develop a skill-set that extends their curiosity and challenges their imagination in a supportive environment.

For complete curriculum requirements, please visit the USC Catalogue.

We break the mold on career preparation by being the first drama school with a dedicated professional development center, a one-of-a-kind support office devoted to supporting our students and recent graduates as they establish successful careers as performers, creators and cultural innovators. Additionally, a wide range of distinguished talents and industry leaders of the stage, screen and digital media lead professional development sessions, lectures and master classes.

As a major center of American theatre and, of course, a world center for film and television production, the city is home to an unmatched community of artists upon which the School draws for its faculty and guest artists. By working with professionals, our students receive practical insights into their art and the crucial experience of performing in “real world” conditions. They also make professional contacts that are critical for starting a career.