Fall 2027 National Theater Institute Semester

Whether you're a student looking to expand your education or an artist seeking unique supplemental training, the NTI Semester provides individuals at any stage of their creative journey exploratory immersion in all aspects of the craft. In the 13 week immersive theater training program, you'll be encouraged to join the O'Neill's longstanding legacy of creative risk-taking and bold collaboration.​​ 

With focuses in Performance (20 Credit Hours), Directing (16 Credit Hours), and Playwriting (16 Credit Hours), you’re able to specialize in the area that interests you most while undertaking this rigorous exploration of what it means to be a complete theater artist. By broadening your horizons, you will cultivate your curiosity, discover new passions, and become a more empathetic and aware collaborator.
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During your NTI Semester, you'll gain experience with various methods, styles of text, and approaches to the work. At the O'Neill, you'll be exposed to the larger professional landscape and a wide network of creatives. You’ll collaborate across disciplines as a close-knit ensemble. The relationships forged with both your peers and your teachers will carry into your professional career, leading to lifelong collaborations.

THE NTI SEMESTER EXPERIENCE:
- CLASSES & MENTORSHIP FROM INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS​: ​At NTI, you’ll take classes each week from professional working artists who are masters of their craft. Classes vary by focus but include subjects like Droznin Movement, Script Analysis, Crafting a Character, Stage Combat and Intimacy, Solo Work, and more. These teachers will also provide mentorship that goes beyond the classroom, offering advice for your future career.

- THEATER LABS: Each week, Theater Labs challenge you to put what you are learning in class on its feet. Under the mentorship of a professional guest artist, you’ll have just 15 hours to stage a series of scenes with a group of peers. You’ll develop your creative instincts and gain practical experience with a wide range of classical and contemporary plays and musicals.

- PLAYWRIGHTS AND LIBRETTISTS WEEK: Drawing on the O'Neill's legacy of new work development, Playwrights and Librettists Week is dedicated to the staging of original one-act plays and musicals written, directed, designed, performed, and produced by your NTI ensemble under the mentorship of professional playwrights. This collaborative week supports and amplifies the voices of the next generation of American theater writers and exposes you to the process of developing new work.

- NYC OR LONDON RESIDENCY: During a week-long residency in an epicenter of theater, you will train with professionals in a series of workshops, master classes, and Q&As. You'll also see exciting new work on and off-Broadway or the West End, exploring the flourishing cultural landscape these vibrant cities have to offer.

- THEATER ATTENDANCE: As an NTI student, you’ll take trips to NYC and to prominent regional theaters such as Yale Repertory Theatre, Trinity Repertory Company, and Hartford Stage. You may also attend workshops and performances by artists in residence on the O’Neill’s campus. Often NTI students have exclusive opportunities to learn more about the artistic process with the cast and creative teams.​

- COMPANY PROJECT: As the culmination of your NTI Semester, you’ll devise a piece of theater unique to your ensemble. Through public performances, you showcase what you have learned and what has inspired you throughout your time at NTI.

PROGRAM FEE: $29,500 (Includes: Tuition, Housing, Three Meals Daily, Two Official Transcripts, A Week Long Residency in NYC or London, and Theater Tickets to approx. 20 shows) *Scholarships are available

FALL 2027 APPLICATION DEADLINES:
Priority Application Deadline: April 5, 2027 - Apply by this date to receive $2,500 off your program fee. 
Regular Application Deadline: May 24, 2027 - Apply by this date for best consideration for admission and scholarship.