Course Overview

The Performance Studies program at Northwestern University is a pioneering interdisciplinary field that explores performance as a mode of inquiry and expression. Offered through the School of Communication, the program emphasizes the study of performance in various contexts, including theater, dance, cultural rituals, and everyday life. Students engage with theoretical and practical approaches, examining how performance shapes and reflects social, political, and cultural dynamics.

Unique Features

This program stands out for its integration of critical theory with creative practice, encouraging students to develop original research and performance projects. The curriculum fosters collaboration across disciplines, with opportunities to work with faculty and peers in theater, anthropology, and media studies.

Career Prospects

Graduates of the program are equipped for diverse career paths in academia, arts administration, performance creation, and cultural advocacy. The skills developed—critical analysis, creative problem-solving, and communication—prepare students for roles in both artistic and scholarly environments.

Key Faculty and Staff

The department features renowned scholars and practitioners in performance studies, though specific names are subject to change. Faculty expertise spans areas such as performance ethnography, digital media, and global performance traditions.

Unique Facilities and Partnerships

Students have access to state-of-the-art performance spaces and research centers at Northwestern, including facilities for experimental theater and multimedia production. The program also benefits from connections with cultural institutions in the Chicago area, providing opportunities for internships and collaborative projects.