Pace University

What you'll study

The programme blends practical studio work with academic inquiry. Core areas typically include acting technique (text work, improvisation, method and contemporary approaches), vocal work and speech, movement and stage combat, scene study, and devising theatre. You will also study dramatic literature, dramaturgy, directing fundamentals, theatre history, and the theory and practice of contemporary performance.

Students participate in production practicum and mounted performances, allowing you to apply rehearsal-room skills in front of public audiences. Additional modules commonly cover stagecraft and technical theatre (lighting, sound and stage management), audition technique for stage and on-camera work, arts leadership and producing, and methods of theatre research. Most students undertake a capstone project, thesis or final performance portfolio that demonstrates professional and scholarly development.

Teaching formats include conservatory-style studios, seminars, workshops, supervised production credits and one-to-one coaching. Small-group tutorials and collaborative projects with other performance disciplines are often used to simulate professional rehearsal environments and cross-disciplinary practice.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor’s degree in theatre, drama or a closely related discipline. Candidates with substantial professional theatre experience or an undergraduate degree in another field may also be considered, especially when presenting a strong audition and a clear artistic statement.

• Academic transcript from a recognised institution.
• Portfolio of creative work or showreel where relevant (for directing, design or practice-led candidates).
• Audition or interview — typically an on-campus or video audition consisting of prepared monologues and/or movement work and cold reading.
• Personal statement outlining artistic goals and reasons for undertaking graduate study.
• Letters of recommendation, usually two academic or professional references.
• Curriculum vitae detailing relevant training and experience.

English language proficiency is required for non-native speakers. Specific entry conditions and audition requirements should be confirmed with the department prior to application.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue a wide range of careers across stage, screen and cultural sectors. Typical roles include professional actor (theatre, film and television), director, dramaturg, stage manager, theatre-maker and deviser, playwright, and designer. The programme also prepares graduates for roles in casting, production management, arts administration, producing and venue programming.

Many alumni combine freelance practice with teaching or workshop facilitation in community and educational settings. The programme’s location and industry links support transition into internships, Off‑Broadway and regional theatre employment, and entry-level positions in related fields such as casting, rehearsal direction and production coordination.

Why study at Pace University

Pace is located in New York City, offering immediate access to a dense professional theatre ecology—including Broadway, Off‑Broadway, independent companies and screen production opportunities—so students can build industry networks while they train. The university provides conservatory-style studio training alongside scholarly modules, allowing students to develop both practical craft and critical thinking.

Pace’s School of Performing Arts offers small class sizes, regular public productions and opportunities to work in the university’s performance spaces. Faculty are practising professionals and educators who bring current industry practice into the classroom. In addition, Pace’s career services and established internship connections in the city support placements with theatre companies, casting offices and cultural organisations.

For applicants seeking a graduate experience that balances rigorous studio work with academic depth and direct access to one of the world’s leading theatre scenes, Pace provides a supportive environment to develop as a versatile, employable theatre practitioner.