MFA Screenwriting: Writing for Film & Television

The Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting: Writing for Film and Television is a two-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 screenwriting for film and television.

AMDA students within the MFA in Screenwriting: Writing for Film and Television 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.