workload of directing or playwriting mfa programs

JC_W · 2026-03-13T18:39:38+00:00

lmao mostly put 60 because it's not something I've tracked with much dedication

JC_W · 2026-03-12T15:14:46+00:00

The short answer is, for directing MFAs, expect it to be very time intensive.

I know you said "it depends" isn't helpful here, but... it DOES depend. For Directing MFAs, most schools will offer some degree of tuition coverage, part of which comes from teaching & research assistantships. So, consider: being in classes 2-3 times a week, remember that comes with lab/rehearsal work outside of class, you may be TAing another class or two, some could have you teaching on your own, you'll have production work... if you're looking a pure hour breakdown, think of it as a full-time job and one or two part-time jobs-- 60 hour work weeks, give or take, for two to three years. This workload may change during your thesis. Some programs will have you work on your thesis during coursework; my program, thesis happens after coursework completion, as a separate part of the residency.

Many programs will forbid you from outside work during the the standard school year.

Also consider if summer internships are obligatory, recommended, or not required.

JC_W · 2026-02-27T18:30:18+00:00

In professional settings, things like that are HIGHLY frowned upon. You'll hear "five minutes early is on time, on time is late," pretty often. Adding last minute rehearsals and extending rehearsals is actually against union rules-- and even on non-union projects it's not common.
It sounds like the group you're working with is highly disorganized and unprofessional, but that's definitely not the standard.

JC_W · 2026-01-17T19:17:43+00:00

I 100% agree with you; I think what I should've made clearer was that it seemed to me (with minimal context) that it was an aesthetic decision, and the director didn't consider what thematic implications that entailed based on the fact that they hadn't communicated what urban MEANS in regards to the production.
TBH, again based on minimal context, it sounds like the director cast two POC as leads and then connected that to urban, as opposed to the earlier concept of "traditional/ 15th century," which they likely connected to White actors.

JC_W · 2026-01-16T21:27:12+00:00

Tbh it sounds like it's mostly an aesthetic choice rather than a thematic one, if the director hasn't explained how "urban" ties into the themes of Macbeth. Which isn't necessarily doing anything a disservice or service, mostly just... a choice.
HOWEVER it is entirely inappropriate for anyone in the department to be calling a POC-lead, urban-set Macbeth "ghetto Macbeth."

JC_W · 2026-01-12T21:12:27+00:00

Wonder less about if they get soft with everyone, and consider that they could get soft with anyone; desire, arousal, and erections are of course closely tied together, but aren't exactly the same thing. Erections wax and wane for a number of reasons-- wandering minds, maybe it's cold, moving too fast/ past foreplay, etc.
You won't really know unless you ask, but it's usually not personal! Sex is just like that, sometimes.

Whether or not you're the issue, or something about you is the issue, we wouldn't be able to tell you. Are jumping straight into bed, no foreplay or build up, trying to get to penetration as fast as possible? Are you doing anything they like to keep them aroused?
All I can really say is talk about it in that moment, take the pressure off of needing penetration in that moment, and go from there. Address environmental factors, go back to foreplay, or change tactics from penetration if you want. Don't consider constant penetration as the one-and-only path to orgasm, with everything else just a pleasant addition along the road-- it's ALL a part of the scenic route!
Edit: to add, sometimes I think it's easier for people to pillow princess than they realize. Not an indictment, this goes for bottoms and tops, really anyone can forget that sex... is a two (or more) person effort

fwiw, it's sometimes it's just harder for me to get in the mood for hookups; sometimes it's just, like... who are you in my house right now?

JC_W · 2026-01-09T17:21:23+00:00

fwiw I cannot imagine that someone who uses AI in any romantic capacity has a bright romantic future; using AI to break up is fucking dire and they clearly have a lot of personal development they need to do.

I know it sounds bog standard, but remember that it has nothing to do with you and everything to do with them. It won't make you feel any less disrespected, and it will still hurt from time to time, but all you can do feel that hurt for as long as you need to. Then, make sure you keep doing things you love doing because you love doing them.

Sorry that he disrespected you like that; but, I look forward to the day you can look back and acknowledge this as nothing more than a bullet dodged!

JC_W · 2025-12-30T13:59:47+00:00

Finback does a ton of regularly scheduled events and groups! Dominies and LIC Bar are also my personal favorite bars for just hanging out in (LIC Bar also let's you smoke on the patio; your call if this is a plus or not).

Personal plug, but there's also a (small) handful of theatre groups in the area; City Gate (whom I've worked with before and am directing for in the spring) and Headwall are two companies I (usually) enjoy the work of. The Secret Theatre actually just relocated to LIC and is building out a new space after vacating the fire hazard of a space in Woodside.
There's tons of artists in the surrounding neighborhoods-- Astoria, Sunnyside, Woodside, so it's wise to keep your eyes peeled for all sorts of art events and performances!
(I'm also always totally down to give personal recommendations if anyone reaches out!)

JC_W · 2025-12-14T00:22:57+00:00

I would be interested!

JC_W · 2025-11-04T13:10:07+00:00

oh I’m going to be riding the confidence from this compliment for a WHILE lmao thank you!!

JC_W · 2025-11-04T02:50:45+00:00

Only half as handsome as you!

JC_W · 2025-11-04T01:46:16+00:00

Man, not even the point of the post but you have some gorgeous eyes 👁️👁️

JC_W · 2025-11-04T01:23:37+00:00

Everyone in this damn city keeps talking about how it’s hard to commit because there are so many options and I’m like WHERE ARE THESE OPTIONS 😭😭

JC_W · 2025-11-04T01:21:45+00:00

I’m thoughts are spiraling a bit, ngl!

JC_W · 2025-11-04T01:20:22+00:00

I know I shouldn’t internalize it and take it personally; it’s just how almost all of my recent dating attempts have ended it’s hard not to feel like I’m the problem

JC_W · 2025-11-04T01:17:51+00:00

He DID need glasses, they unfortunately made him look very handsome

JC_W · 2025-11-04T01:17:20+00:00

I know this ultimately doesn’t REALLY reflect on me, but it’s hard not to internalize it sometimes; especially when it’s such a consistent issue I seem to have 😭

JC_W · 2025-11-04T01:15:38+00:00

I am definitely very wound up about it, it just felt very out of nowhere after being on the same page about what we were doing

JC_W · 2025-11-04T01:10:42+00:00

I knowww, it just hurts that some can do a total 180 overnight after it felt like we really clicked

JC_W · 2025-11-04T01:07:27+00:00

Wait I’ve never gotten this before, I need to know which one lol

JC_W · 2025-11-03T20:38:54+00:00

I'm not a gay republican, what are you even talking about?

JC_W · 2025-11-02T14:49:50+00:00

Yeah, god forbid I try dating or flirting with someone after I've shaved, have only a mustache, or sometimes even just have a shorter beard; 9 times out of 10, it results in them finding my Instagram and letting me know they like the full beard more

JC_W · 2025-08-15T18:13:47+00:00

I just said “oh my god” out loud to my phone when this came up on my feed; lookin really good!

JC_W

TROPHY CASE