Course Overview

The Performance Studies (MA, PhD) program at Northwestern University is a pioneering interdisciplinary program that explores performance as a mode of inquiry and a cultural practice. Housed within the School of Communication, the program emphasizes the study of performance in various contexts, including theater, dance, media, and everyday life, with a focus on critical theory, ethnography, and artistic practice. Its unique approach integrates scholarly research with creative expression, preparing students to engage with performance as both an academic and practical field.

Career Prospects

Graduates of this program are equipped for diverse roles in academia, arts administration, cultural policy, and creative industries. The program fosters skills in research, critical analysis, and performance creation, enabling alumni to pursue careers as educators, curators, consultants, and artists.

Key Faculty and Staff

The program features distinguished faculty with expertise in performance theory, cultural studies, and artistic practice. Notable faculty include scholars and practitioners who have made significant contributions to the field, though specific names are subject to change and can be verified on the university's official department page.

Unique Facilities and Partnerships

Students benefit from access to state-of-the-art performance spaces, research centers, and archives at Northwestern University. The program also maintains strong connections with cultural institutions in the Chicago area, offering opportunities for internships, collaborations, and fieldwork in a vibrant arts community.