This seven-week intensive program is designed for serious acting students who seek to deepen their existing technique and be exposed to a wide range of approaches to live performance and the creation of original work.
“It was the best thing I have ever done for myself and my career as an artist.” — Elena Falkow
Participants receive training in scene study (contemporary or classical), physically based acting (Viewpoints and early Grotowski), action-based script analysis, postmodern dance (technique, improvisation, and choreography), commedia, clowning, Lecoq mask work, self-scripting and image-based original theatre, real time narrative acting (Brecht), singing and extended voice work (Roy Hart), and Shakespeare. The creation and showing of original work are integral aspects of the program.
The Experimental Theatre Wing of the Department of Drama, Undergraduate, conducts the International Theatre Workshop (ITW) in Amsterdam.
Summer 2019 International Theatre Workshop Photo by Mary Bitel
Curriculum
Students will enroll in the following 8-unit course.
Please Note: Students studying abroad on a Tisch track are not eligible to pursue an internship (except for Theatre in Ghana and Television Writing in London). Tisch programs do not provide work visas.
An accomplished faculty of international theatre artists including master teachers from the Experimental Theatre Wing and European companies and conservatories teach classes. Regular faculty include: Kevin Kuhlke (founder and director of ITW), Mary Bitel (founder of Girlspace), Richard Armstrong (founding member of the Roy Hart Theater), Andrew Wade (head of voice, Royal Shakespeare Company, resident Shakespeare coach at The Public Theater and Julliard), Paul Binnerts (Dutch director and playwright, faculty of Amsterdam Theater School), Karelmaria DeBoeck (former lead mask/acting teacher, Utrecht Conservatory and De Kleine Akadamie, Brussels), Orlando Pabatoy (Master Clown Teacher) Muriel Herault (former lead dancer and dance captain, Ultima Vez Brussels),Nora Heilmann (Jivamukti Yoga Center) and Fabian Santarciel (Het Veem Theater and Amsterdam Theater School).
Further instruction by visiting guest artists has included master classes with Bill Irwin, Kristin Linklater, Steve Wangh (author of Acrobat of the Heart), Paul Langland (Meredith Monk’s The House), Mary Overlie (originator of the Viewpoints), Saskia Hegt (Manhattan Theater Project), Miriam Goldschmidt and Bruce Myers (both from Peter Brook’s International Company), Katie Duck (founder of Magpie Dance Company), Ivo van Hove (Toneelgroep Amsterdam) Chris Bayes (Clowning), Annie Piper (Yoga), Franc Bruyere (lalala Human Steps), and Erhardt Stiefel (Théâtre du Soleil).
During the program students will also attend several performances and talk backs with the directors including new work at the Over Het Ij Festival, Company Vis a Vis as well as internationally acclaimed work at the Julidans Festival and the Toneelgroep Amsterdam.
Student Arrival: Sunday, June 22, 2025 Student Departure: Monday, August 11, 2025
Arrival and departure dates are subject to change.
Admissions
Summer 2025
The summer 2025 application is closed.
Prerequisites:
Tisch Drama Majors - Strongly encouraged to complete 4 semesters of Primary Studio Training before participating in this Advanced Studio option.
NYU and Visiting students - One year of college or professional training.
Application: Please read the following application requirements before starting your application.
Students who are currently on a study visa or have a question about applying for a visa to this location, should be in contact with the Office of Global Services regarding their visa needs and the process.
Note: Students should wait to receive their admissions notification and confirmation that the program is running prior to purchasing airline tickets. Students accepted to the program should purchase refundable airline tickets and/or travel insurance in the event the program is canceled or program dates are changed due to world events. It is strongly recommended that students purchase insurance for trip cancellation, flight cancellation, luggage loss or damage, as well as medical and accident coverage.
Expenses
Summer 2025
Undergraduate summer 2025 tuition: $15,328
Lab Fee: $677
Program Fee: $730
Housing: $4,800
Students are responsible to arrange their own transportation to/from the program.
For the length of the program, students will be enrolled in GeoBlue Health Insurance. Students traveling beyond the dates of the program are encouraged to enroll themselves in GeoBlue Health Insurance.
Housing for this program is mandatory. Please note: Your choice of room preference or residence hall preference (if available) is not guaranteed.
Students live and attend all classes in the center of Amsterdam, with easy access to concert halls, theatres, and museums. For most of the program stay, students are placed in singles with their own bathroom and share a large, fully furnished kitchen. Amsterdam is a truly cosmopolitan city where English-speaking visitors have no difficulty communicating. NYU assigned housing is mandatory.
There is no meal plan in Amsterdam. Students prepare meals in the apartment kitchens or eat out at the numerous restaurants in the nearby neighborhood.
