FAQ About Our Department

What are the distinctive strengths of the Tisch Department of Drama?

The Department of Drama at Tisch School of the Arts combines rigorous conservatory training with a challenging and enriching academic education.  Using the incomparable theatrical resources of New York City as well as the superb intellectual assets of New York University, the department has created a B.F.A. (Bachelor of Fine Arts) program that aims to establish the artistic and intellectual foundations for a successful and sustained life in the professional theatre and allied disciplines. top

Who makes up your faculty?

Internationally recognized theatre studies scholars and accomplished, working teaching artists provide a rich, vibrant and diverse curriculum for our students.
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I have heard about “the studios” in the Drama department. Can you please explain the studio system?

Upon acceptance into the department, students are placed into one of seven different primary studios where they begin intensive conservatory training towards a strong foundation in technique.  Students remain in their primary studio for two full years (four consecutive semesters).

It is important to understand that candidates apply to the Department of Drama at Tisch School of the Arts and not to a particular studio.  The studio placement decision lies with the Department of Drama. Once primary training is completed, students have many options for advanced training (see question below).  

The following are the seven primary studios.  Six are acting studios and one is dedicated to production and design.  Our directing program is housed at the Playwrights Horizons Theater School.  Our concentrated musical theatre training program lives at the New Studio on Broadway. 

Stella Adler Studio of Acting

Atlantic Acting School

Experimental Theatre Wing

The Meisner Studio 

New Studio on Broadway: Music Theatre and Acting

Playwrights Horizons Theater School (also directing)

Production & Design (design, production, stage management)

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Do the primary studios only offer classes in acting?

No. All performance-based primary studios offer foundations in areas such as acting technique, vocal technique, dance and movement, script analysis, scene study, improvisation and often singing.  In addition, we have studios for directing, music theatre, and design, production and stage management. top

Do I choose my primary studio?

No.  It is important to remember that you are applying to the Department of Drama at Tisch School of the Arts and not to a particular studio.  The studio placement decision lies with the department. top

Do I stay in one primary studio for four years?

No.  Students are required to remain in their primary studio for the first two years of the program.  Once primary training is completed, students have many options for advanced training.  These are outlined below. top

What are my professional training options after primary studio?

Once primary training is completed, students have many options for advanced training.  They may stay in their primary studio to delve deeper into the technique or they might try advanced training at another primary studio to learn a different approach to creating performance.  Some studios are only available at the advanced level, as they are more specialized in training.  Focus areas include: classical training, Viewpoints theory and acting for the camera.  A student may also choose to do an internship or study abroad to continue their professional training. top

What kind of performance opportunities does the department offer?

Each year, the department provides over 200 performance opportunities, including departmental productions, studio workshops, independent directing projects and student-generated work.  The department offers a proposal-based system of choosing the season, with projects ranging from full-scale, fully-realized productions to smaller workshops and even more intimate cabaret and avant-garde performances.  The season is an extension of the curriculum, providing learning opportunities for students as both participants and audience members.  Please note the restrictions on performing for first-year and transfer students below. top

May I audition for shows as soon as I begin at Tisch?

No.   Freshpeople must wait one year before they are eligible to audition for departmental or studio productions. Transfers must wait one semester to audition.  We think it is important for you to take time to embrace the new techniques of your primary training and to adjust to college life and living in New York City.  You must be in good academic standing in order to audition.