The Herb Alpert Award recognizes experimenters who are making something that matters within and beyond their field.
Playwriting
David Geffen School of Drama’s Playwriting department is one of the oldest in the country. Its deep history and legacy can only be strengthened by continuing to stay at the forefront in readying early career playwrights toward leadership in our field. The program seeks to engage artists who possess singular voices and who can, with their command of language, set forth imaginative circumstances that entice audiences and challenge current forms. We are interested in students who are eager to learn and grow within a community of fellow artists, with many of whom they will form lifelong bonds.
100%
All students in degree and certificate programs receive full tuition scholarships.
67% of current students receive need-based aid for living expenses.
30+
Production Opportunities
Students apply theory to professional practice in production work at the School, Yale Rep, and Yale Cabaret.
8
Affinity Groups
Coalition-building and networking among students who share common interests, goals, and/or a self-identified background.
Playwriting classroom. David Geffen School of Drama, 2025. Photo © T. Charles Erickson 2025.
A scene from THE CARE AND KEEPING OF YOU by Emily Breeze, directed by Destyne R. Miller. Langston Hughes Festival of New Work, David Geffen School of Drama at Yale, November 11–16, 2024. Photo © Maza Rey
A scene from OTHER PEOPLE by Aaron Magloire, directed by Amanda Whiteley. Langston Hughes Festival of New Work, David Geffen School of Drama at Yale. November 10–15, 2025. Photo © Maza Rey.
A scene from PROMOTER HOUSE by Nia Akilah Robinson, directed by Héctor Flores Komatsu. November 10–15, 2025. David Geffen School of Drama at Yale. Photo © Maza Rey.
A scene from RENT FREE by Danielle Stagger, directed by Sammy Zeisel. The Carlotta Festival, May 2–10, 2024. Photo © T. Charles Erickson.
A scene from SORT by Ida Cuttler, directed by Alexis Kulani Woodard. The Carlotta Festival, David Geffen School of Drama. May 6–14, 2025. Photo © T. Charles Erickson.
A scene from YOU CAN TELL A TREE BY ITS FRUIT by comfort ifeoma catchy, directed by Juliana Morales Carreño. The Carlotta Festival, David Geffen School of Drama. May 6–14, 2025. Photo © T. Charles Erickson.
Program News
Feb 27, 2025
James Bundy ’95 will conclude record-breaking run June 30. 2026
“I’ve been fortunate to have my dream job right here for nearly 23 years. I feel a near-overwhelming sense of gratitude.”
“I’ve been fortunate to have my dream job right here for nearly 23 years. I feel a near-overwhelming sense of gratitude.”

