The Honors Seminar in theatre studies has taught me theatrical research, synthesis, and argument development, and honed my ability and style as a writer. These skills are for every young theatre maker who is interested in making work that matters and stands the test of time. Theatre artists have the responsibility to develop a full-bodied academic understanding of how the work we create interacts with the greater traditions and theories of theatre—past, present, and future. The honors program taught me the importance of being both an academic and a creator and sparked a desire in me to pursue both with fervor. — Lucas Kernan (Class of 2020)
I took an Honors Seminar at NYU because I craved the challenge of studying in-depth and the thrill of sharing space and ideas with peers and professors who were eager to do the same. At first the Seminar, I was a little daunted but I quickly realized how refreshing it was to be introduced to challenging new material. Everyone around you wants to see you succeed; there was never a doubt about that for me. I recommend the Honors Program for all passionate students. I took a course called "Theatre of the Real," and with multiple opportunities to interact with pioneers of the field through guest speakers coming into class and lectures from the professor. There were only feelings of excitement about my research paper which I proudly wrote on the function of the female voice in theatre of the real. — Josca Moore (Class of 2020)
The Honors Seminar I took was the highlight of my academic experience at NYU Tisch. For my final paper, I researched imprisonment in America and South Africa and related it to black subjectivity in different plays. As an African American woman, artist, and activist, completing my research paper was a form of expressive performance analysis to protest political and personal inequity. The Honors Seminar provided me with the tools to be critical about history and theatre, and to understand how both relate to the future. — Kristina Paul (Class of 2019)
I take Honors Seminars because the work is focused on a single subject allowing the class to have extremely engaging conversations with deeper analysis of the plays and theoretical articles being studied. Since students apply to be in the seminars, everyone has a passion for the subject matter. Honors Seminars have given me skills to use beyond the class room and have helped me obtain a greater understanding of who I am as an artist. — Rachel Deutsch (Class of 2017)
The professors I've studied with in the Honors Program have generously encouraged me to develop my critical thinking and expand my technique of literary analysis. The classes I've taken draw on compelling theatre and drama, which have enabled me to understand history and current events from new perspectives. Course material has not only been extremely illuminating but also an absolute joy. I consider the Honors Program to be one of the best parts of my studies in Tisch and at NYU. — Zennie Trieu (Class of 2017)
After taking two Honors Seminars, I've found that I am able to think, write, and speak about art on a deeper level—and with a more scholarly framework than I could before. I've gained an ability to engage critically with my own work, and an awareness of those who came before me, which allows me to work as an artist much more thoughtfully. I love the seminars and their focus on high level discussion and have learned a great deal from both my professors and my peers. — Isabelle Fenn (Class of 2016)
Writing an Honors Thesis was one of the most valuable experiences of my undergraduate career. As an Asian American actor, I chose to write about the representation of Asian Americans in mainstream theatre. Researching this subject was both illuminating and inspiring as I came to understand how I will be viewed as an Asian American actor within the business. Since graduation, I have already performed with a few of the communities I studied and have become part of the effort to create change for generations to come. — Kelsey Schergen (Class of 2015)
My experience writing a thesis was equal parts trying and elating. Everything that was written was rewritten, reread, and then rewritten again. The process of revision not only produced a better thesis, but also made me a better editor, writer, researcher, and critical thinker. I am proud to have undertaken this project and I wouldn't trade the experience for anything. It truly was the most rewarding work of my four years at the university. — Isabel Dollar (Class of 2015)