Theatermakers Admission Requirements
Theatermakers looks for students with a proven ability to handle the demands of disciplined theater work and for individuals who will be positive and contributing members of an ensemble. All members of the Theatermakers company will take the required Collaborative Experience course, and will elect one of the three focus courses. Experience in areas other than your special focus is desirable. All participants must demonstrate a clear understanding of the opportunities and challenges of an intensive program of study, and a determination to complete the program in a conscientious manner. In the preliminary admission process, special attention is paid to your essay and to the required letters of evaluation.
All applicants are welcome, including post-graduates.
THE FIRST STEP - SUBMIT AN APPLICATION PACKAGE
The Theatermakers application package includes an application form, an essay, two letters of evaluation, and some supporting materials. Please check the list below thoroughly, as an incomplete application will delay our response to you. The annual submission deadline is April 10. Only submissions complete per these guidelines and postmarked on or before April 10 of the year for which you are applying will be considered.
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 a semester at Theatermakers can help you fulfill them. Please address your experience in or commitment to the discipline you want to focus on: acting, directing or playwriting.
- Two (2) letters of evaluation from 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:
THEATERMAKERS
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 Choosing a Focus
Applicants are asked to choose between Acting, Playwriting, or Directing as your "focus" for the program. More details as to what each focus entails can be found on the Theatermakers General Information page.
Details Regarding the NTI Application Form (download NTI Application Form, PDF)
Theatermakers should apply using the Application Form for National Theater Institute Programs. Be sure to mark the appropriate sections for Theatermakers. The forms can be printed out before being filled out, signed, and mailed. All information included on this website regarding applying to the Theatermakers program 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, 128k)
It is required that each 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, or mailed directly to us by the evaluator. There is now built-in functionality to the form that allows the evaluator to e-mail the form directly to us as an additional option.
THE SECOND STEP - SELECTION AS A FINALIST
When all application materials are received, you will be notified by phone and/or email that your file is complete. Your initial application will be reviewed. If you are chosen as an applicant finalist, you may be contacted to submit additional materials, and for an interview and/or audition. If you are contacted, please have the following materials prepared, relative to your chosen focus:
Acting: Three (3) contemporary monologues, and one (1) classical monologue. Your selections should be no longer than two minutes each.
Playwriting: A portfolio of writing samples to include: one (1) scene or dialogue, one (1) monologue, and one (1) creative selection of your choice.
Directing: A portfolio of a project(s) or production(s), and/or a proposal for a university level production of one (1) classical or contemporary play.
THE FINAL STEP - ACCEPTANCE INTO THEATERMAKERS
Those accepted into the program will be notified on or around May 15. Congratulations! Further details as to preparation will be given at that time.
QUESTIONS REGARDING YOUR APPLICATION?
Please call Jean Routt , NTI Administrator at (860) 443-7139 with any questions regarding your application.
NOTE: Early applications are encouraged, and will result in early notification.
