The O'Neill National Theater Institute

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.) All applicants are welcome, including post-graduates.

Finalists for each program will be notified by phone and/or an email to schedule a campus or phone interview.
Directions to NTI

Completed Application Packages Should Include:

Signed and dated NTI Application Form (more information) -- NOTE: The deadline has been extended until October 27.
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 your desired National Theater Institute program can help you fulfill them. When applying for MATS, note any experience with Russian language and culture. When applying for Theatermakers, 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:

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)
Note: The deadline has been extended until October 27. 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, 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, mailed directly to us by the evaluator, or e-mailed using the built-in e-mail function by the evaluator.