In order to support our applicants doing their best work, for Regular Decision–Acting Artistic Reviews we conduct a focused two-phase artistic review process: Phase 1: Video Submission and Phase 2: Live Artistic Review (in-person or digital). Each phase allows the applicant to be seen by several members of the Drama faculty.
For the first phase, you will submit a video that will be reviewed by Department faculty members who will determine whether or not you will continue to the second, live phase of the artistic review process (either in-person or digitally). For the second phase, the applicant will meet with a member of the Drama faculty to present their prepared material and participate in a conversation.
PHASE 1–Video Submission
Please review the following information carefully, as submissions which do not adhere to these guidelines will be disqualified for consideration by the department. We recommend you watch your video to ensure it follows all requirements and you are satisfied with it before you upload it to your Drama Artistic Review Portal.
HOW TO RECORD
Your video must be no longer than 2 minutes (120 seconds) in total length. Videos which exceed 2 minutes cannot be considered.
Your video must be one continuous, stationary shot, without editing or splicing.
Record yourself so that you can be seen from the waist up.
Record in front of a simple, non-distracting background as much as possible.
Make sure we can hear you clearly and there are no distracting sounds or background noise.
Students are encouraged to use standard technology and recording devices that are readily available to them (i.e. smartphones, tablets, etc). No need for an elaborate technical set-up or background–simple is better!
WHAT TO RECORD
Your Phase 1 video submission will include three components:
Introduction
Story
Response
For the Introduction, quickly and clearly speak your name, pronouns, and where you’re geographically submitting from.
Example: “Hello, my name is Inigo Montoya. My pronouns are they/them, and I’m in the fictional country of Florin.”
For the second component, tell us a Story. We’ll be evaluating your clarity, honesty and ability to connect to your feelings in real time. Do this in whatever way best showcases your strengths and creativity!
You can:
Share part of a monologue or song
Share a personal story from your life
Share a series of sounds and movements
or whatever you would like to share with us!
However you connect confidently with your most authentic self is the appropriate choice for which story to tell and how to tell it! You have one minute.
The third and final component of the Phase 1 video submission is your candid Response to the following prompt:
How do you imagine your college education will enhance your ability to make theater?
No need for formalities! Use your remaining time to respond comfortably and as yourself.
Remember your video must be no longer than 2 minutes in total length.
Make sure you can be seen, heard, and clearly understood, and that your video does not exceed the time limit. Please visit this video here for further assistance!
PHASE 2–Live Artistic Review (In-person or Digital)
After your Phase 1 video submission has been reviewed, you may be invited to schedule a live artistic review, either in-person or digitally. Invitations will be sent on a rolling basis, starting October 5, 2025. If invited, you will receive an email by January 15, 2026 asking you to schedule your live artistic review there. If you do not receive an email by January 15, 2026, you have not been invited to schedule an artistic review. If invited, please make sure to schedule your artistic review by the posted deadlines!
Only applicants who are being invited for a Phase 2 artistic review will receive a notification if our evaluators require more information. Those who are not invited for a Phase 2 artistic review will not receive notification. Being invited—or not—is not an indication of a final admissions decision to Tisch Drama and NYU. If you do not receive an invitation by January 15, 2026, the next response will be in April 2026 from NYU Admissions regarding your admission decision.
The artistic review guidelines for the Phase 2 artistic review will follow the requirements as listed above in ACTING EVALUATION – EARLY DECISION I & II. Please note that these guidelines are different from those of Phase 1.
