While you’ve probably heard of Yale University, how about the Yale School of Drama? In fact, it’s become one of the top Drama Schools in the entire world. The more you know about the program, the more likely you’ll be to become a part of it.
It all began in 1924. That’s when Yale University founded its Department of Drama within its School of Fine Arts. It was the result of a donation from Edward S. Harkness, who had earned a B.A. from Yale in 1897. The Department of Drama’s first class began taking classes in 1925. Later, Yale began offering a Masters of Fine Arts, in 1931. And in 1955, the Yale School f Drama became an individual professional school of Yale University. By this time, the school was offering both a Masters and Doctorate in Fine Arts.
Here are some of the biggest features of the Yale School of Drama
1. Repertory Theatre
This is certainly one of the drama school’s most prominent features. For decades, the theatre has featured the productions of both classic and original plays. Interestingly, it was one of the first resident theaters whose works were later transferred to the world of commercial theatre-including Broadway. This practice has made the Repertory Theatre one of the most innovative ones in the USA.
2. Faculty
Another forte of the Yale School of Drama is its outstanding faculty. Its most notable faculty members have trained their students in areas such as Design, Playwriting, Directing, and Acting. The School of Drama’s faculty members are the essence of the school, as they’re responsible for shaping future professionals in the industry.
3. Alumni
Several renowned professionals in the theater, TV, and movie industries have graduated from Yale University’s School of Drama. Some of the most notable alumni include:
Angela Bassett: Boyz n the Hood (1991), Malcolm X (1992)
Paul Newman: Hud (1963), Cool Hand Luke (1967), Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969), The Sting (1973), Slap Shot (1977), The Color of Money(1986), Road to Perdition (2002)
Ed Norton: Primal Fear (1996), American History X (1998), Fight Club (1999)
Sigourney Weaver: Alien (1979), Aliens (1986), Wall-E (2008), Avatar (2009)
Meryl Streep: Too many to list!!!!!
4. Tradition
Not only is the Yale School of Drama one of the top drama schools in the USA, but it also has the nation’s second-oldest theater association in colleges. In fact, the Yale Dramatic Association was founded over a century ago, in 1900. Afterwards, the association put on several Dramacool , including both classic and original plays.
5. Structure
This is yet another of the main features of the Yale School of Drama. Students of the school spend their mornings taking classes. Then in the afternoons, the students prepare for productions of the School of Drama and Yale Repertory Theatre. The students also spend time watching productions of their colleagues. While the schedule is hectic, it helps to produce outstanding professionals in the industry.
Not only is Yale one of the oldest university’s in the USA, but it also boasts of one of the oldest and best Drama Schools as well.