Recent Updates: The New School has released its academic plan for 2020-21 and a phased reopening plan for its New York campus. Please check the Parsons Paris website for information about our Paris campus. Learn more.

  • Hero

    Academics

  • Combine rigorous training with creative experimentation. Our curriculum focuses on fostering artistic growth through courses in theory and technique, enhanced by consistent performance and production opportunities. In addition to exploring authenticity of expression, you will confront today's most pressing societal issues through the making of theater, film, and emerging media. Our unique, project-based curriculum nurtures the synthesis of intellectual, academic, and technical skills in the creative process.

    BFA in Dramatic Arts

    Our four-year BFA in Dramatic Arts prepares students as artists, creative thinkers, and engaged citizens. Students take foundation classes in acting, directing, playwriting, and creative technologies. After these required courses, students can choose a series of theater electives based on their interests, and broaden their horizons by selecting as electives a variety of courses in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and the arts in any undergraduate college of The New School.

    MFA in Contemporary Theatre and Performance

    The new three-year MFA in Contemporary Theater and Performance reimagines traditional conservatory training. The curriculum positions graduate students at the intersection of acting, directing, dramatic writing, and technology ensuring they are to thrive in a fast-changing performing arts industry. This integrated learning experience is ideal for leading-edge theater, film, and performance-based media makers who are interested in working in multiple contexts, genres, and disciplines.



  • Areas of Study

  • Undergraduate students at the School of Drama are able to pursue a five-year integrated bachelor’s-master’s dual degree, combining their BFA degree with the MA in Arts Management and Entrepreneurship. The master’s program enables you to deepen your abilities as a performer while gaining knowledge and skills in business, leadership, and entrepreneurship.

  • With our wide range of minors, explore interests outside of your core area of study across all of The New School's schools and colleges. Acquire new professional skills, develop an interdisciplinary outlook, and gain a competitive edge on job and graduate school applications.

  • Performance & Learning Opportunities

    Go beyond the edge of the stage. Discover new ways to unleash your talent and potential. Through our performance opportunities, you have the chance to bring your art to life while gaining hands-on experience through creative experimentation.

    PL OPP replacement
    PL Opp 1
    PL Opp 3

    Collaborative Partnerships

    Create bold, innovative theater under the guidance of industry leaders.

    Take devised collaborative theater production to new heights. Through the School of Drama's partnerships with companies like the Tectonic Theater Project, you'll have the opportunity to stage theater productions in new ways. Collaborate directly with teaching artists from these companies and our faculty as you develop skills outside of your discipline and learn how to employ every element of theater — including lights, props, costumes, and text — in creating narratives.

    Creative Café

    Where entrepreneurial drive and creative expression collide.

    Have a creative vision you want to bring to life? Creative Café is the spot. Creative Café offers BFA students the opportunity to propose and produce self-directed projects with resources from the School of Drama. Work under the close guidance of a faculty advisor, getting hands-on producing experience as you manage a project from start to finish. Develop the skills you will need as a professional artist while collaborating with undergraduate and graduate students from across the New School community to bring your studio performance to life. A creative and entrepreneurial spirit is required.

    MFA Cinema Project Workshop

    Narrative short filmmaking through interdisciplinary collaboration.

    Collaborate with fellow graduate students from the College of Performing Arts on the development, production, and completion of an original short film. The Cinema Project Workshop pairs MFA Drama writers, directors, and actors with producers, cinematographers, editors, and sound designers from the School of Media Studies. During the fall semester, you'll master the theories and principles of filmmaking through a series of short projects. In the spring, you'll join a student production team to bring an original screenplay, featuring scores by Mannes and Jazz composers, to life.




    View More Performance Opportunities

  • Take The Next Step

Submit your application

Undergraduates

To apply to any of our undergraduate programs (except the Bachelor's Program for Adults and Transfer Students and Parsons Associate of Applied Science programs) complete and submit the Common App online.

Undergraduate Adult Learners

To apply to any of our Bachelor's Program for Adults and Transfer Students and Parsons Associate of Applied Science programs, complete and submit the New School Online Application.

Graduates

To apply to any of our Master's, Doctoral, Professional Studies Diploma, and Graduate Certificate programs, complete and submit the New School Online Application.