Master of Arts in Performance Studies

The Master of Arts in Performance Studies offers students the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in this concentrated program and earn their degree in one year. Students whose long-range plans include doctoral-level training will receive excellent foundational preparation for not only theater, performance studies, and dance PhD programs, but also for advanced academic research in gender/queer studies, critical race studies, literary studies, visual/communication studies, American studies, etc.

The program targets not only those students aimed at advanced (doctoral) studies in performance or related fields, but those individuals engaged in, or headed towards, careers in art practice as well: choreographers, performance artists, directors, designers, etc. who seek to supplement their technical training with a deep engagement in performance theory will have an opportunity to consider their practice-based knowledge in relation to theories of performance. Graduates of the MA program may pursue careers in arts management/administration, education, grant-writing, and other arts-related media and policy work.

The MA Program in Performance Studies is administered by the Tisch School of the Arts and the degree is conferred by the Graduate School of Arts and Science at NYU.

Admission to the Master's program in Performance Studies is based on an evaluation of previous academic achievements, presence of a clear scholarly focus, and compatibility with the philosophy of the program.

In addition to the general Tisch Graduate Application, we ask that you prepare the following:

A statement of purpose (three to five double-spaced pages, maximum) that addresses:

a) your specific research interest in the field of Performance Studies (opening paragraph)

b) why you are applying to this program (and not a more traditional program such as anthropology, dance, or theatre)

c) how your academic, professional, and/or artistic background make you an ideal candidate for the program.

A writing sample (10-15 double-spaced pages, maximum) that reflects your ability to carry out sustained academic research and writing, preferably one that relates to the field of Performance Studies.

Two letters of recommendation, preferably from faculty who are familiar with your recent academic work.

All academic transcripts

A professional r'sum listing academic background, relevant work experience, honors, affiliations with professional organizations, papers presented at conferences, published work, etc.

The r'sum, statement of purpose, writing sample, and recommendations should be attached to your online application for admission. GREs are not required. Ideally, academic credentials will be uploaded as scanned documents along with the application for admission. They also may be transmitted electronically through a secure third-party service. Check with your school's records or credential-issuing office to see if this kind of service is available.

We accept test scores from the following:

TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test). We will accept results from the in-person version or the iBT Home Edition.
Duolingo English Test
IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)