Course Overview

The Performance Studies (Graduate) program at New York University is a pioneering academic endeavor that explores performance as a cultural, artistic, and social phenomenon. Housed within the Tisch School of the Arts, the program offers both MA and PhD degrees, focusing on interdisciplinary approaches to performance, including theater, dance, media, and everyday life. Students engage with theoretical frameworks and practical applications, examining performance through lenses of race, gender, politics, and technology.

Unique features include access to New York City's vibrant arts scene, which serves as a living laboratory for research and practice. The program emphasizes critical thinking and innovative scholarship, often integrating global perspectives on performance traditions and contemporary practices.

Career Prospects

Graduates of this program are equipped for diverse roles in academia, arts administration, curatorial work, and creative industries. The interdisciplinary nature of the degree prepares students for positions that require critical analysis, cultural insight, and creative problem-solving.

Key Faculty and Staff

The program features renowned faculty with expertise in performance theory, cultural studies, and artistic practice. Notable scholars include those who have published extensively on topics such as postcolonial performance, queer theory, and digital media in performance (specific names are subject to change and can be verified on the university's official department page).

Unique Facilities and Partnerships

Students benefit from NYU's location in New York City, with access to world-class theaters, galleries, and performance spaces. The Tisch School of the Arts provides state-of-the-art facilities for research and production. Additionally, the program fosters connections with cultural institutions and artists, offering opportunities for internships, collaborations, and fieldwork.