MFA Screenwriting and Playwriting at Point Park University
Graduate
Shaffer is a current student in the MFA Screenwriting & Playwriting program at Point Park University, which focuses on both screenwriting and playwriting courses designed to hone creative storytelling skills.
Spring 2026 classes include...
Dramatic and Cinematic Theory: Throughout history, the human race has been drawn to and lived through its stories. Cultural and societal norms are played out in stories for the screen and stage. Students in this screenwriting program will research and create theories that can be used to explain the phenomena of story.
Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:
(1) Explain the historical significance of story.
(2) Identify stages of story development and complexity.
(3) Formulate theories of the importance of screen versus stage work.
(4) Appraise the storytelling approaches in new media.
(5) Investigate the importance of story in communities versus universal stories.
(6) Research and formulate theories for the future of storytelling.
Advanced Writing for Screen and Stage: Students will develop and complete a full-length feature screenplay or stage play. These playwriting courses expect students to formulate and execute a draft with feedback from their advisor and selected classmates. Students will meet creative milestones throughout the semester. Prerequisite: MWSS 530.
Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:
(1) Create pitch ideas for a full-length stage play and/or feature film.
(2) Prepare a treatment/synopsis for a full-length stage play and/or feature film.
(3) Prepare an outline of the full-length stage play and/or feature film.
(4) Write a full-length stage play and/or feature film script. (95-125 pages).
(5) Revise a full-length stage play and/or feature film script.
(6) Prepare for the writer’s life through readings, assignments, etc.
(7) Heighten the ability to formulate cinematic stories and/or stories for the stage.
Contemporary Playwriting: Students will engage with a diverse selection of important voices in modern playwriting and playwriting theory. From Eugene O'Neill to Susan-Lori Parks, from David Mamet to David Henry Hwang, from Edward Albee to Paul Vogel and beyond, all writers hoping to master the craft of writing for screen and stage must read and learn from the artists that have come before. Over the course of one semester, students will read plays and in-depth interviews by a selection of the most relevant, innovative, and diverse dramatists working in America today.
Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:
(1) Analyze how the form, craft, and tradition of playwriting have evolved over the last six decades.
(2) Evaluate and discuss important works of American drama.
(3) Dissect the lives and thought processes of modern dramatists.
(4) Examine issues of diversity, accessibility, representation, and patriarchy in modern theatre.
Exploring Creativity: During this residency, students will engage in activities to develop skills, disciplines, and a plan for ensuring creativity in stories and in life. This course will introduce the habits of creative historical figures and current artists and writers, while also allowing students to develop roadmaps to ensure their productive creativity. Students will workshop stories, attend seminars, and work with a number of guest lecturers. Lastly, students will work closely with advisors and fellow students to assess, pitch, and develop stories for their thesis projects.
Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:
(1) Understand new ways to kick-start story ideas.
(2) Engage in exercises that illustrate creative problem-solving.
(3) Describe how other creative minds develop new ways of thinking.
(4) Predict ways in which people or audiences will react and develop options of surprise and suspense.
(5) Explain psychology and the flow of creativity.
(6) Develop and engage in exercises to allow the flow of creativity.
(7) Compose a plan for thesis work.
Previous Education
Undergraduate
Shaffer graduated from Commonwealth University- Bloomsburg on May 17th, 2025 with their BA in Theatre Arts, focusing on an Integrated concentration. Throughout their undergraduate career, Shaffer expanded their knowledge across an array of theatrical disciplines, including directing, playwriting, dramaturgy, acting, stage management, and sound design. They also held various leadership positions, such as President of Delta Epsilon Beta, Vice President of Delta Epsilon Beta, Academic Leader of Delta Epsilon Beta, Treasurer of BUPlayers, President of Alpha Psi Omega, Treasurer of Alpha Psi Omega, and served on the Student Advisory Board for the KCACTF Region 2 2025 Festival. Notable classes they took included playwriting courses that enriched their understanding of the craft. The courses encompassed directing, advanced directing, playwriting, advanced playwriting, new play development, advanced new play development, dramaturgy, stage management, intermediate acting, and advanced acting. Notable collaborative processes include serving as the playwright and producer of Earth, I Want to Stay by Emmett Shaffer, a student-driven project that was part of the BUPlayers 2024-2025 MainStage Season, led by Emmett Shaffer and Colin Search. Additionally, Shaffer was the director and playwright of You Make Your Own Family by Emmett Shaffer, another student-driven project in the BUPlayers 2022-2023 MainStage Season. They also acted in the Plays in Bloom: New Play Development Residency during the years 2022, 2023, and 2024, and served as the dramaturg for Anti-Hero: Revenge of the Sw*fties, a MainStage production of the BUPlayers 2024-2025 season. Furthermore, they participated as Chorus 8 in These Women of Troy, another MainStage production for the same season. More of their work can be found on the Previous Work tab. In April of 2025, Shaffer made history as the first student from Commonwealth University- Bloomsburg to attend the KCACTF National Festival at the Kennedy Center in DC. Shaffer was among 11 students nationwide nominated for the ASPIRE Arts Leadership program, one of KCACTF's initiatives. During the week in DC, they collaborated with their 10 fellow cohort members and engaged with working professionals, including artistic directors and founders of various theatre companies, enhancing their theatre arts education.