Program Overview

MFA in Creative Writing and Writing for the Performing Arts

The University of California, Riverside, offers a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) program in Creative Writing and Writing for the Performing Arts. This program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in creative writing, with a focus on both the craft of writing and the practical skills needed to succeed in the industry.

Program Overview

The MFA program in Creative Writing and Writing for the Performing Arts is a two-year, full-time program that offers students the opportunity to work with a diverse range of faculty members who are all actively engaged in their own writing careers. The program is designed to provide students with a rigorous and supportive environment in which to develop their writing skills, with a focus on both the artistic and practical aspects of writing.

Yefe Nof MFA Residency at Lake Arrowhead

The Yefe Nof MFA Residency is an opportunity for one graduating student from the MFA program to spend two weeks in the solitude of Lake Arrowhead, working on a major writing project. The residency is designed to provide students with a peaceful and supportive environment in which to focus on their writing, with the goal of completing a major project.

Residency Schedule and Goals

The Yefe Nof Residency takes place for two weeks in late June and early July. During this time, students are encouraged to see their work differently, think more diversely, and be more open to advancing their own material within a more spontaneous context. The residency offers students a space conducive to focused, goal-oriented work, with full use of living accommodations and workspace with modern conveniences.

Application Process

To apply for the Yefe Nof Residency, students must submit an application that includes:

• A project description
• A work plan
• Short-answer questions
• A curriculum vitae or narrative bio
• A work sample
• References

Selection Process

The selection process for the Yefe Nof Residency is competitive, with a panel of judges reviewing all applications. The judges will take the strongest work with the project plan that is most likely to be implemented within the time constraints. Each submission is considered by several judges, and only submissions that meet all terms and conditions will be considered.

Residency Policies

The Yefe Nof Residency has a number of policies in place to ensure that residents have a productive and successful experience. These policies include:

• Awards: A rotating committee of experts and professionals in the arts and humanities independently review applications and supporting materials.
• Children: Accommodations for children and family members are provided, but residents are expected to use the two weeks for working alone without any hindrances.
• Pets: Dogs are allowed at Yefe Nof, but must remain outside at all times.
• Visitors: Accommodations for visitors are available at local hotels, motels, and lodges.
• Location: The Yefe Nof Residency is located in the San Bernardino Mountains, eighty miles east of Los Angeles.
• Facilities: Residencies offer a space conducive to focused, goal-oriented work, with full use of living accommodations and workspace with modern conveniences.
• Financial Support: No stipend is awarded to residents, who are responsible for their own transportation, personal living expenses, food, and beverage.
• Contract: All residents will be asked to sign a standard residency contract to cover the house.
• Deposit: A $500 deposit is due in two installments after notification, which will be returned within two weeks of departure from the residency program.
• Cancellation: If a resident cancels a residency reservation more than 21 days before the residency start date, they forfeit the $250 registration deposit.
• Smoking: Yefe Nof is a smoke-free environment.
• Privacy: All application materials and work samples are confidential and retained for use of the Yefe Nof Residency only.
• Legal: Compliance and liability are assured by the applicant, who certifies that they are in compliance with all related YNR regulations and will maintain records and submit reports as necessary.
• Release: In the event of personal harm during the stay, the Soltz family, selection committee, or anyone associated with the organization of YNR are not responsible for covering costs to redress the situation.