When selecting students we look for a proven ability to handle the demands of disciplined theater work and to be a positive and contributing member of an ensemble. Applicants must demonstrate a clear understanding of the opportunities and challenges of an intensive semester of study at the O'Neill or Moscow, and a determination to complete the chosen program in a conscientious manner. Special attention is paid to the required letters of evaluation. (For MATS, Russian language experience is not required.)
Completed Application Packages Should Include:
- Signed and dated NTI Application Form (more information)
- 8x10 headshot and a theater resume
- Official college transcript(s). These may be included in your application package or sent directly to us by your college(s) to the National Theater Institute
- An essay describing in 500 words or less your aspirations in theater, and how you believe the Moscow Art Theater Semester will help you to fulfill them. Please address your experience in (or commitment to) multiple areas of theatrical work. When applying for MATS, note any experience with Russian language and culture.
- Two (2) letters of evaluation from two teachers or qualified professionals familiar with your theater work. These may be included in your application package or sent directly to us by the evaluator. Please use the Evaluator Form PDF (more information)
- $40.00 USD application fee, payable by check or money order only. Please make checks payable to "Eugene O'Neill Theater Center."
Mail Application and Materials to:
NATIONAL THEATER INSTITUTE
Eugene O'Neill Theater Center
305 Great Neck Road
Waterford, CT 06385
When all application materials are received, you will be notified by phone and/or e-mail that your file is complete.
Details Regarding the NTI Application Form (download NTI Application Form, PDF, 100k)
NTI applicants should apply using the Application Form for National Theater Institute Programs. Be sure to mark the appropriate sections for the National Theater Institute Semester. The forms can be printed out before being filled out, signed, and mailed. All information included on this website regarding applying to the National Theater Institute Semester is included on the form for your convenience. Adobe Reader® 7.0 is required. If you have questions or difficulty using these forms, please feel free to call or e-mail the National Theater Institute offices at (860) 443-7139 or nti@theONEILL.org.
Details Regarding the Evaluator Form (download Evaluator Form, PDF, 352k)
As a program of the O'Neill's National Theater Institute, fully accredited by Connecticut College, it is required that each MATS applicant submit two letters of evaluation from teachers or qualified professionals familiar with the applicant's theater work. Each letter should be completed using the Evaluator Form PDF. This evaluator form may be included with the application package, mailed directly to us by the evaluator, or e-mailed using the built-in e-mail function by the evaluator.
