The B.A. program in Performance Studies is a very exciting, innovative, and interdisciplinary liberal arts major that trains students to think and write critically and creatively about “performance” – across media, genre, or platform. We study performance in the arts as well as culture more broadly – “on the page, stage, and street” – and we train students to understand, write about, and analyze it.
We’re looking for smart, curious students with strong writing and critical thinking skills, who are interested in performance as an object of study: this might include students who have done performance (theater, dance, music, etc.) but it also includes students who enjoy thinking and writing about performance as well.
We are not a performing arts department – we don’t train students to do performance – but we welcome students who are excited about analyzing and understanding it in an interdisciplinary context that includes anthropology, ethnic and gender studies, religious studies, philosophy, etc.
Undergraduate applicants must complete the NYU Common Application online, and a Written Supplement ("Portfolio") submitted via SlideRoom. All materials should be received by the dates listed below.
| PLAN | PORTFOLIO DEADLINE | COMMON APP DEADLINE |
| Early Decision 1 | November 1 |
November 1 |
| Early Decision 2 | January 1 | January 1 |
| Regular Decision | January 1 | January 1 |
| Spring Transfer | November 1 | November 1 |
| Summer/Fall Internal | March 1 | March 1 |
| Summer/Fall External | April 1 | April 1 |
To apply to the Department of Performance Studies, applicants must complete both the New York University common application online, and submit a statement of purpose ("Portfolio"), which is accessible through the Common Application.
For the Portfolio, please submit a 750-1000 word statement that addresses your interest in performance studies, why you think you are a good fit for this department, and what you hope to gain from the experience of studying with us. What do you hope to study and write about in the field of Performance Studies? Why are you applying to this program and not a more traditional program such as anthropology, dance, or theatre?
Admission is based on previous academic achievement and evidence of strong skills in writing and cultural analysis.
To internally transfer to the Department of Performance Studies, apply here.
To externally transfer to the Department of Performance Studies, apply here.