“I’ve been fortunate to have my dream job right here for nearly 23 years. I feel a near-overwhelming sense of gratitude.”
Directing
The Directing program admits talented and disciplined artists who have demonstrated the potential to become professional directors. Each year, three directors are admitted to the program on the basis of demonstrated artistic ability and capacity for collaborative leadership. They bring to the School a wide range of sensibilities, but share some crucial qualities. They are generators of ideas and projects. They have lively imaginations, an appetite for hard questions, and a robust curiosity about, and respect for, the world beyond their own cultural borders. They are not afraid to take risks, and they take responsibility for the philosophical and political implications of their work. Above all, they have a deep respect for the colleagues with whom they work and are eager, in coming to David Geffen School of Drama, to contribute to a mutually supportive community of fellow learners. Our goal is to train directors whose future work will advance human understanding and compassion through the infinitely expressive interplay of image, action, and word unique to our art form. Our graduates go on to play significant roles in communities around the world as directors of theater, opera, television, and film; as founders of opera and theater companies; as artistic directors of theaters and community arts organizations; and as arts educators.
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.

Liz Diamond, Chair, with students, David Geffen School of Drama at Yale, 2017. Photo by Joan Marcus.

Bradley James Tejeda (’16) and Shaunette Renée Wilson (’16) in WOMEN BEWARE WOMEN by Howard Barker and Thomas Middleton, directed by Leora Morris (’16), David Geffen School of Drama at Yale, 2016. Photo by T. Charles Erickson.

Jake Ryan Lozano (’18) and Amandla Jahava (’19) in IN THE PALM OF A GIANT by Christopher Gabriel Nύñez (’19), directed by Jecamiah M. Ybañez (’19), David Geffen School of Drama at Yale, 2017. Photo by Elsa GibsonBraden (’20).

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM, directed by Lucie Dawkins (’18), David Geffen School of Drama at Yale, 2017. Photo by Elizabeth Green (’16).

TENT REVIVAL by Majkin Holmquist, directed by Rory Pelsue. Carlotta Festival of New Plays, David Geffen School of Drama at Yale. Photo by T. Charles Erickson, 2018.

Kineta Kunutu (’19) and Stella Baker (’18) in ROMEO AND JULIET by William Shakespeare, directed by Em Weinstein (’19), David Geffen School of Drama at Yale, 2018. Photo by Brittany Bland (’19).

Patrick Madden (’18), Stella Baker (’18), and Steven Lee Johnson (’18) in PENTECOST by David Edgar, directed by Lucie Dawkins (’18), David Geffen School of Drama at Yale, 2017. Photo by T. Charles Erickson.

DEATH OF YAZDGERD by Bahram Beyzai, translated by Manuchehr Anvar, directed by Shadi Ghaheri (’18), David Geffen School of Drama at Yale, 2017. Photo by T. Charles Erickson.


Program News

Aug 19, 2024
Alexis Kulani Woodard (’25) Receives 2024 Princess Grace Award
The Princess Grace Award supports, elevates, and nurtures extraordinary early career artists.
The Princess Grace Award supports, elevates, and nurtures extraordinary early career artists.