Tisch Drama Survival Guide: In and Out of the Classroom

Every drama studio at NYU is equipped with an affinity group. Affinity groups are made for students of color and allies to create a safe space to share, create, and have fun! My studio affinity group was essential for me to find a diverse group of artists. I feel like I can share anything with them. I’m also copresident of my affinity. We organize community circles, showcases, staged readings with playwrights of color, potlucks, dance events, and so much more!

Beside affinity groups within studios, there are tons of performing arts clubs Drama majors of color can join! For example, The Collective is a club that highlights Black art and collaboration within Tisch. And even if you’re not a student of color, it’s easy to find a community for you with the amazing performing arts clubs!

After primary training at your home studio, you will start your advanced training! Whether it’s continuing your studies at your home studio to learn even more about that acting method, studying abroad in London as a part of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, studying film acting at Stonestreet Studios, or even taking an academic semester to focus on your studies—it’s up to you!

Typically, studios will stress the importance of performance during the third and fourth year of training. For example, in the Atlantic Acting School, students start their own theatre company and put on a production that is selected, produced, directed, and designed by themselves. At Stella Adler, your advanced training curriculum will essentially be your rehearsal for your third year shows and classes to accompany what you’re building in rehearsal as an ensemble. There are even two studios that are specifically only open to students in advanced training: Stonestreet and The Classical Studio.

Every studio will be different with their expectations, curriculum, and variation of schedules. So I’ll cover what I know from my own experience!

You’re usually in studio training from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. three days a week. This can vary slightly from studio to studio.

You’ll want to wear things that you can move in and make you feel comfortable. Some studios are more firm on dress code, but it is always in best interest of the student success! For example, at Stella Adler, the faculty have a big emphasis on costumes and props when exploring scene work. I got used to exploring clothes and props that would propel me into my scene work.

One piece of advice is to get ready to share your voice! The drama curriculum has a big emphasis on voice work and putting your voice into the room. I also find that collaboration is a big part of the day-to-day for a drama student. So, get used to being open to ideas and get ready to share with not only with fellow students but also your teachers.