# School of Drama (The New School)

School of Drama at The New School is a multidisciplinary training program for theater arts, located at 151 Bank Street, and 55 West 13th Street New York City, It is a part of The New School's College of Performing Arts.

## History

The graduate program was established in 2005 and grants Masters of Fine Arts degree in acting, directing and playwriting. Its early predecessor was the Dramatic Workshop (1940–49).
The undergraduate program was established in 2013 and offers students a multidisciplinary, studio-driven program that combines courses in acting, directing and playwriting. The four-year program grants a BFA in the Dramatic Arts.

## Programs
### Masters Program

The New School's theatrical MFA program was established in 1994 in conjunction with the Actors Studio. Initially known as the Actors Studio Drama School, it operated under this name until 2005. Following the conclusion of its contract with the Studio, the program transitioned into an independent entity known as the New School for Drama, under the leadership of Director Robert LuPone. Spanning three years, the program grants Masters of Fine Arts degrees in Acting, Directing, or Playwriting, with a focus on fostering collaboration among students across these disciplines.

#### Faculty

Current faculty for the MFA program includes Christopher Shinn, Jon Robin Baitz, Daniel Aukin, Peter J. Fernandez and Michael Weller.

#### Artist-in-Residence

For the 2014–15 school year Mark Ruffalo was School of Drama's artist in residence. Previous artists in residence have included David Hare (2013-2014), Kathleen Chalfant, playwrights Jon Robin Baitz (2009–10) and John Patrick Shanley (2006–07), director Doug Hughes (2007–08), and actor John Turturro (2008–09).

### Undergraduate Program

School of Drama's undergraduate program welcomed its inaugural class in August 2013. The inaugural class of 2017 comprises fifty young artists studying the disciplines of acting, directing, playwriting, and the Creative Technologies.

#### Curriculum

The BFA in Dramatic Arts is a comprehensive, studio-centered program that integrates instruction in acting, writing, directing, aesthetic exploration, and creative technologies. Emphasizing artistic training and project-based learning across diverse mediums, students develop essential skills in collaboration and artistic decision-making. The program offers a range of elective courses in these varied disciplines, allowing students to tailor their studies according to their interests and career goals. Students have the option to specialize by focusing their elective selections on a particular discipline, or they may opt for a broader curriculum by exploring courses across multiple theatrical disciplines.
Professional Training
The professional training provided by the program includes foundational courses, theater electives, general electives, research methods studios, reflective learning opportunities, performance and production opportunities, and a collaborative capstone experience.
Global Perspectives
BFA students make connections between concept and practice, and gain an increased familiarity with the works and intentions of playwrights, directors, and performers in both the Western and non-Western worlds.
Part of The New School
BFA students at School of Drama can take classes at Parsons and Eugene Lang College. Students can also choose a minor at Lang.

### Productions

* The Hot L Baltimore by Lanford Wilson, directed by Shelly Wyant (Fall 2013)
* New Works Play Festival (Spring 2013)
* An Enemy of the People by Henrik Ibsen, translated by Arthur Miller (Spring 2014)