One of the most innovative and progressive curriculums in the country.
The Dramatists Guild Institute Certificate in Dramatic Writing
Our certificate program is a rigorous, 40-credit progressive curriculum designed to prepare playwrights, composers, lyricists, and librettists for fruitful careers as professional dramatists.
The Certificate in Dramatic Writing is one of the most innovative and progressive curriculums in the country, with online and in-person classes each semester that offer everything from foundation classes in dramatic structure to master classes in writing comedy.
The certificate program not only focuses on helping you hone your craft, but will help professionalize your relationship to the theater industry.
Methodology
Students call The Dramatists Guild Institute “invaluable,” “a godsend,” and “a forum unlike any other.” We offer flexible payment plans, including a pay-as-you-go option. Through the DGI Certificate Program, students learn to: develop their craft via writing workshops/masterclasses, structural fundamental courses; understand the business of writing for the stage; position themselves as writers in the field by developing an individualized career path
The courses offered under this program have been conceived by experienced and respected teachers, then tested and refined by incorporating student feedback into the course design. The core curriculum is flexible enough to accommodate students at all levels of development, but consistent enough to promote a coherent educational ethos: the simultaneous nurturing of both craft and career.
Past and current students can receive credit for courses completed prior to the establishment of the Certificate Program. Certificate track students choose from a wide range of DGI courses and exclusive opportunities for independent study and mentorship to complete their 40 credits.
Cost and Logistics
We know student loan debt can be crippling, particularly for artists. The Dramatists Guild Institute Certificate in Dramatic Writing offers flexible payment plans, including a pay-as-you-go option. Pricing options: ONE PAYMENT of $4500 or a MONTHLY payment plan will also be available January 2020. The certificate program does not require relocation to New York. Thanks to our online courses, the certificate can be successfully completed remotely, on a part time basis, throughout a two year period (or longer, if needed). Applicants are accepted on a rolling admissions basis.
Required Courses
All students are required to take Architecture of plays/musicals, Artist as CEO, 4 Writing Workshops/Master Classes, complete a Plays in Progress, participate in a career coaching session, and attend 12 plays/readings/performances.
Current DGI students will receive credit for courses completed prior to the establishment of the Certificate Program. (If you do not remember which classes you have taken, please feel free to email us.) Attendees of past DGI intensives and DG conferences will be eligible to receive credit for those as well. In certain instances, credit will also be provided to students who took similar classes through other writing programs.
Plays In Progress (2 lab credits)
Career coaching (2 lab credits)
Attend 12 plays/readings/performances (3 lab credits)
Architecture of plays/musicals (4 credits)
Artist as CEO (3 credits)
4 Writing Workshops/Master Classes (min 16 credits)