Published November 04, 2025
So…What Exactly IS Educational Theatre At NYU?
The TL;DR
- Curious about life as an Educational Theatre student, I'll show you my favorite parts of my experience.
- Here are classes and programs within the Educational Theatre Program.
SO…WHAT EXACTLY IS EDUCATIONAL THEATRE AT NYU?
When I tell people that I am going to school to study Educational Theatre at NYU, they usually take a breath and reply with something like “So…you want to be an acting teacher?” That definitely is a possibility with this degree, but the truth is Educational Theatre is much more than that. At its core, Educational Theatre is about using theatre as a tool for learning and connection. It blends education, performance, and social engagement and explores how theatre can teach and create change in the world.
NYU’s Program in Educational Theatre, part of the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, has been leading the field for six decades. Celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, this program continues to train the next generation of theatre professionals, artists, educators, and community leaders ready to make a difference, both in the classroom or beyond.
Inside the Classroom
1. Intro To Educational Theatre
If you want to rediscover your inner child, this is the class to do it! As one of the most popular classes in the department for non-majors, Introduction To Educational Theatre invites students to explore all aspects of the field from how to teach Shakespeare inside of schools, to how to use theatre in prison for rehabilitation. It is essentially a buffet of all that Educational Theatre has to offer.
2. Acting Classes (especially for non-Tisch majors)
Want to still take acting classes but you are not a Tisch major? You’re in luck! Educational theatre offers an array of acting classes that focus on fundamentals, scene study, character study and more! It’s a supportive space where you can challenge yourself and have fun! Some of our current professors are Tony Nominee Crystal Lucas-Perry, and Catherine Russell, who currently stars in Perfect Crime Off-Broadway, the longest running show in New York City!
3. Dramatic Activities within the Elementary Classroom
Another popular class within the department, students explore teaching in an elementary classroom through hands-on activities. Students learn how to integrate drama into the K-5 curriculum, and is ideal for anyone who wants to work with young learners through play!
4. Stagecraft
If you want to peek behind the curtain, Stagecraft is the class for you. Taught by Daryl Embry, this class is an introduction to the technical side of theatre, from building sets, to stage lighting and sound, and so much more! You will spend time in the scene shop and gain hands-on experience in the technical side of theatre.
Outside the Classroom
Of course Educational Theatre doesn’t end when classes stop. The department offers countless opportunities to perform, direct, design, and connect with the NYC theatre scene. Here are just a few examples of how Educational Theatre students bring learning to life:
1. Shakespeare To Go
Program in Educational Theatre’s signature outreach effort, Shakespeare To Go is entering its 21st year of inspiring thousands of our city’s young people, many of whom will see Shakespeare (and in some cases, live theatre!) performed for the first time in their own school buildings. Each spring, a troupe of NYU students bring an abridged Shakspeare production to schools all across NYC. The performance is usually followed by a talkback and a post-show workshop. Follow @nyushakespearetogo to learn more!
2. Mainstage productions
Every semester the department produces a Mainstage production open to all students. They are usually directed by a member of the full-time faculty and allow students to explore their interest in a large-scale environment.
3. Lamplighters
Lamplighters is a student run club that a lot of our Educational Theatre students love to get involved in. In the fall, they typically produce a cabaret or student written play, and in the spring, a Theatre For Young Audiences (or TYA) musical! Students get opportunities to direct, design, perform, and take on many different roles within their 4 years. Follow @lamplightersnyu to learn more.
4. Uproar Theatre Corp.
Uproar Theatre Corp is back and better than ever! This student run company produces 24 hour play festivals, plays, musicals, and more! It is a perfect outlet for students to try a whole bunch of different things. Follow @Uproartheatre to learn more.
5. Verbatim Performance Lab
The Verbatim Performance Lab (or the VPL) uses real people’s words, drawn from interviews, news clips, debates, and more, to create documentary-style theatre. Performances often explore bias, truth, authenticity and social awareness. Follow @verbatimperformancelab to learn more.
Why It Matters
For me, Educational Theatre is way more than just a major. It’s a community where I have found both collaborators and friends who care deeply about what they do. Every class, rehearsal, and program we do reminds me that Educational Theatre at NYU is a place where there is an emphasis on process and collaboration, and each student is valued for their individual capacity and capabilities. The faculty are always in your corner and rooting for you, and the Educational Theatre program helps you find community at such a big school.
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