Non-Tisch Acting Opportunities at NYU: Yes, They Do Exist!

Yes, NYU outside of Tisch does theater, too! Each year, the Educational Theatre program in the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development produces two mainstage shows—one in the fall and one in the spring. I had the incredible experience of acting in the spring mainstage show, Everybody, written by Brandon Jacob Jenkins, directed by Nancy Smithner. I auditioned right before Winter break, attended weekly rehearsals in the Spring, and finally performed at the historic Provincetown Playhouse, which made the experience feel even more special.

Something cool about the Educational Theatre shows is that they are open to undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students, regardless of majors, so I was able to work with such a diverse cast. One of my good friends and coworkers, Zach (Steinhardt ‘28), notes, “When you audition for an Educational Theatre show, it’s not just about getting a role, but rather joining a community that values storytelling as a tool for change. You grow both as an artist but also as an educator and a human being, all while creating theatre that matters.” I totally recommend auditioning for their shows in the Fall.

If you’re more into comedy, there’s no shortage of laughs at NYU. I’m a proud member of The FalseSettos, a musical improv troupe that puts on at least three shows a year. What I love most about these clubs? They’re filled with students from all over NYU, not just students from Tisch. For example, in my troupe alone, I have teammates who study in Steinhardt, Liberal Studies, and the College of Arts and Science.

Beyond performing, I love attending other campus comedy shows to support my fellow comedians and friends. What’s nice about these teams is that they have weekly rehearsals, so you are constantly working out your funny bone. Follow my troupe, @thefalsesettosnyu, and see what we are doing in the fall!

Want to get in front of a camera? NYU’s student film community is thriving. One of the core parts of being a film student at NYU Tisch is constantly creating. Students produce short films, scene studies, and final projects regularly as part of their curriculum. Due to this, there is a robust, established casting network for these various projects. I have done many student films ranging from comedy, drama, and even a few experimental projects. What’s also nice about these projects is that you have chances to do scenes from already well-known, established pieces.

For example, I have done scenes from Birdman by Alejandro González Iñárritu or even Everything Everywhere All At Once by Daniel Scheinert and Daniel Kwan. These projects are open to anyone at NYU, regardless of major. My favorite place to look for castings is @tischtalentguild. These opportunities are an amazing way to gain experience, build your reel, and work with up-and-coming directors, writers, and producers.

While I haven’t personally performed with Lamplighters NYU, I have many friends who have—and I always attend their shows. Lamplighters is NYU’s student-run musical theatre organization, and they put on high-quality productions each semester. So far, during my time at NYU, they have performed two incredible musicals: Footloose and Bye Bye Birdie. It’s a welcoming, passionate, and talented group of students who really care about telling stories on stage.

One of my friends, Yohann (Tisch ’26), who is heavily involved in the club, stated: “Lamplighters is the perfect opportunity to bring together your love for theatre and youth advocacy. Our spring musicals are open to anyone on campus and are the talk of the town.” You can learn more about their shows and casting through their Instagram at @lamplightersnyu.

Whether you’re a Tisch student looking to broaden your performance horizons, or a non-major who just loves to act—Non-Tisch Acting opportunities at NYU make it easy to find your place. These are just a few examples of the many communities, clubs, and productions that make the NYU performance scene so vibrant and accessible.

So go ahead—take that stage (or screen), no matter your major.