How to Apply - Graduate

On this page you'll find a checklist of required application materials for our Master of Fine Arts program in Contemporary Theatre and Performance.

The MFA Contemporary Theatre and Performance admissions process consists of two rounds. An invitation to participate in the second-round portfolio conference will follow receipt of a complete application and portfolio, both of which must be received by the listed priority deadlines. Applications and portfolios received after the priority deadline will be considered for the second round on a rolling basis.

Application Deadlines

First-Round Application and Portfolio
Fall Applicants: December 1

FAFSA (U.S. Citizens and Eligible Non-citizens)
Fall Applicants: February 1

Second-Round Portfolio Conferences
Invitations for second-round portfolio conferences will follow receipt of a complete application and Artist Portfolio. Available dates and details can be viewed on our Audition Schedule page.

Please email us at performingarts@newschool.edu with any questions.

Prior Degree Completion

Graduate degree applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university or the equivalent degree from a foreign college or university. Applicants in the process of completing the bachelor's degree may apply for admission. Admission to the program requires completion of the bachelor's degree before the start of the term.

Applicant Profile

The MFA in Contemporary Theatre and Performance is designed to advance artists whose work thrives at the intersection of acting, writing, directing, devising, and other multi-hyphenate practices. Applicants may come from a variety of backgrounds, including theatre, performance, film and media arts, writing, directing, and design-related fields. Competitive applications will demonstrate either prior experience working across disciplines or a clear commitment to developing a multi-hyphenate creative practice.