Overview

The Applied Theatre programme at The City University of New York is a groundbreaking Master of Arts degree that utilises drama as a powerful tool for community development and social change. As the first of its kind in the United States, this course integrates rigorous academic theory with hands-on creative practice to address complex social issues.

Students engage in a collaborative ensemble environment, fostering a supportive space for artistic risk-taking and professional growth. The curriculum is carefully sequenced to ensure that theoretical frameworks directly inform practical applications in the field. This approach allows learners to develop a deep understanding of how theatre can serve as a medium for education and advocacy.

Why Applied Theatre at The City University of New York?

This institution offers a unique opportunity to study within the CUNY School of Professional Studies, home to the renowned Creative Arts Team. Students benefit from direct collaboration with this professional organisation, gaining invaluable experience in devising and performing theatre-in-education interventions across New York City schools.

The university provides a diverse and inclusive environment where students from various professional backgrounds can thrive. Facilities and partnerships support a wide range of artistic and social theories, ensuring that the teaching remains at the forefront of progressive practice. Distinctive features include the chance to participate in international projects, such as Project Rwanda.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 855 per credit
National fee: USD 855 per credit
Local fee: USD 470 per credit

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum consists of ten core courses and two elective options, totalling 36 credits. Modules may include:

Community, Culture, and Diversity
Playbuilding
Teaching through Theatre
Theatre of the Oppressed
Co-intentional Director
Creating Meaning Through Community Drama

Careers with Applied Theatre

Graduates are well-equipped for a variety of professional roles within the cultural, educational, and social service sectors. Many find success as teaching artists working with museums, hospitals, and community-based organisations. The skills gained are also highly applicable to roles such as education directors for cultural institutions and facilitators of youth development programmes.

The programme prepares individuals for specialised careers in creative ageing, health and wellness theatre, and conflict resolution. Additionally, alumni often work with aid agencies, refugee support programmes, and social service agencies as activities specialists. The focus on social justice and community engagement ensures that graduates can pursue meaningful work in both local and international contexts.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Community, Culture, and Diversity
Playbuilding
Teaching through Theatre
Theatre of the Oppressed
The Co-intentional Director
Creating Meaning Through Community Drama

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-28 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-01-25 00:00:00

Application deadline not specified.

Language

English

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

36 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

New York City, United States

Disciplines

Area & Cultural Studies Drama View 256 other Masters in Drama in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

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IELTS

6.5

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Other requirements

General requirements

Applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
Applicants are required to write a personal statement, upload a resume, and provide two letters of recommendation. An individual interview may be necessary.

We encourage applications from people with a variety of undergraduate majors and professional backgrounds. Theatre experience, formal or informal, is expected. Applicants who meet the basic eligibility criteria may be asked to take part in an artistic review.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

30780 USD / year

≈ 30780 USD / year
Out-of-State

30780 USD / year

≈ 30780 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

16920 USD / year

≈ 16920 USD / year

Additional Details

$5,545 per semester for New York residents

Living costs

New York City

United States

1819 - 3968 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Applied Theatre.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Living costs

New York City

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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