Graduate Admissions

Application Deadlines:

• MA applicants: January 15
• Ph.D. applicants: January 15

Admission to the Master’s program in Performance Studies is based on an evaluation of previous academic achievements, presence of a clear scholarly focus, and compatibility with the philosophy of the program. 

In addition to the general Tisch Graduate Application, we ask that you prepare the following:

1. A statement of purpose (three to five double-spaced pages, maximum) that addresses:

   a) your specific research interest in the field of Performance Studies (opening paragraph)

   b) why you are applying to this program (and not a more traditional program such as anthropology, dance, or theatre)

   c) how your academic, professional, and/or artistic background make you an ideal candidate for the program. 

2. A writing sample (10-15 double-spaced pages, maximum) that reflects your ability to carry out sustained academic research and writing, preferably one that relates to the field of Performance Studies.

3. Two letters of recommendation, preferably from faculty who are familiar with your recent academic work.

4. All academic transcripts

5. A professional résumé listing academic background, relevant work experience, honors, affiliations with professional organizations, papers presented at conferences, published work, etc.

The résumé, statement of purpose, writing sample, and recommendations should be attached to your online application for admission. GREs are not required. Ideally, academic credentials will be uploaded as scanned documents along with the application for admission. They also may be transmitted electronically through a secure third-party service. Check with your school's records or credential-issuing office to see if this kind of service is available. You also can mail, or instruct your school to mail, one copy of your educational record to:

Office of Graduate Admissions 726 Broadway, 2nd Floor New York, NY 10003

(Please note that you may upload transcripts or have them mailed in. You do not have to do both.)

The Ph.D. program in Performance Studies is small and rigorous. It offers intensive training for students who wish to become the new leaders of the field. The Tisch Performance Studies program accepts up to four new students a year. Ph.D. students begin full-time enrollment in September.

A previously earned master’s degree is required for applicants wishing to enter directly into the doctoral program. A completed M.A. or M.S. is required for consideration.  

In addition to the general Tisch Graduate Application, we ask that you prepare the following:

1. A statement of purpose (three to five double-spaced pages, maximum) that addresses

   a) your specific research interest in the field of Performance Studies (opening paragraph),

   b) why you are applying to this program (and not a more traditional program such as anthropology, dance, or theatre), and

   c) how your academic, professional, and/or artistic background make you an ideal candidate for the program.

   d) A brief description of your proposed dissertation topic and how the department/faculty will help you achieve your academic goals.

2. A critical writing sample (10-15 double-spaced pages, maximum) that reflects your ability to carry out sustained academic research and writing, preferably one that relates to the field of Performance Studies.

3. Two letters of recommendation, preferably from faculty who are familiar with your recent academic work.

4. All academic transcripts

5. A professional résumé listing academic background, work experience, honors, affiliations with professional organizations, papers presented at conferences, published work, etc.
6. PhD finalists will be contacted for a zoom interview.

The résumé, statement of purpose, writing sample, and recommendations should be attached to your online application for admission. GREs are not required.  All finalists will be contacted for an interview. Ideally, academic credentials will be uploaded as scanned documents along with the application for admission. They also may be transmitted electronically through a secure third-party service. Check with your school's records or credential-issuing office to see if this service is available. You also can mail, or instruct your school to mail, one copy of your educational record to:

Office of Graduate Admissions 726 Broadway, 2nd Floor New York, NY 10003

(Please note that you may upload transcripts or have them mailed in. You do not have to do both.)

In addition to the general MA/Ph.D. application requirements, international applicants must demonstrate strong English language proficiency. Please visit the Tisch Graduate Admissions International Applicant page for more instructions.