Overview

The Performance Studies programme at New York University offers a comprehensive academic exploration into the meaning and impact of performance across various cultural contexts. Students investigate how enactments in theatre, dance, activism, and everyday life function as powerful tools for social change and critical expression.

Why Performance Studies at New York University?

Established in 1980 as the first department of its kind, this programme is situated within the prestigious Tisch School of the Arts. It benefits from a prime location in New York City, providing students with direct access to a robust creative repertoire and world-class artistic institutions. The department is recognised for its pioneering research and is led by internationally-renowned faculty who specialise in fields such as sound studies, performance curation, and feminist theory. Students learn to bridge the gap between theory and practice, developing a sophisticated understanding of how performance shapes the modern world.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 72082 per year
National fee: USD 72082 per year
Local fee: USD 72082 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is designed to challenge traditional boundaries between the performer and the critic, encouraging deep analytical thinking. Modules may include:

Performance Studies
Performance of Everyday Life
Experimental and Protest Theatre
Feminist, Queer, and Trans Theory
Dance Studies
Sound Studies
Performance Curation
Race and Ethnicity Studies

Careers with Performance Studies

Graduates from this programme are equipped with versatile analytical and research skills suitable for a wide range of professional paths. The curriculum prepares students for roles within the arts and sciences, focusing on critical thinking and social analysis. Potential career destinations include positions in performance curation, arts administration, cultural research, and professional activism. By engaging with the diverse creative landscape of New York City, students build a professional foundation that supports careers in theatre, visual arts, and digital media environments.

Programme Structure

Curriculum:

The Department of Performance Studies at NYU Tisch School of the Arts was established in 1980 as the first of its kind, and is ranked #1 for doctoral programs in Theater and Performance Studies by the National Research Council.

Our B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. programs are taught by internationally-recognized faculty in fields ranging from experimental and protest theater, feminist and queer theory, dance studies, sound studies, performance curation, and critical race theory.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-05 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

135

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TOEFL^® IBT

100

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

7.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

New York City, United States

Disciplines

Liberal Arts Drama View 1333 other Bachelors in Drama in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

135

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

7.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Standardized test scores (see NYU’s standardized testing requirements). Standardized testing is optional for the upcoming application term.

A Self Reported Academic Record (SRAR). All applicants will be invited to complete this after submitting their application.

An audition or portfolio for specific artistic program applicants to the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development and Tisch School of the Arts.

English language testing if you have not completed at least 3 years of study where English is the sole language of instruction at the time of application submission and English is not your native language.

Records of all college work that you have received academic credit for.

The Common Application Mid Year Report with updated academic record if mid-year grades are available.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

72082 USD / year

≈ 72082 USD / year
Out-of-State

72082 USD / year

≈ 72082 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

72082 USD / year

≈ 72082 USD / year

Living costs

New York City

United States

1819 - 3968 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Performance Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

New York City

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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