• What do you look for in an applicant?
• How many pieces should be in my portfolio?
• Who are the students?
• Do you have international students?
• Is it true that you "weed out" students and not everyone finishes the program?
• Are there opportunities outside the University for students to design? Is this encouraged? What about internships?
• Can I come visit?

Prospective Design Students

What do you look for in an applicant?

We are looking for applicants who display creativity, intellectual curiosity, an ability to communicate both visually and verbally, and who possess a passion for the performing arts and a commitment to developing themselves to becoming professional designers.

How many pieces should be in my portfolio?

There are no rules or requirements for what should be in your portfolio. Each of you is individual as an artist so each portfolio will be different. Put in only your best work, that which you are comfortable showing and discussing. We are interested in your potential as a designer. The work you show does not have to be realized work or even theatre related. Quality is more important than quantity.

Who are the students?

Our students come to us from diverse backgrounds. We welcome MFA applicants from all disciplines of undergraduate study not just those who have specialized in theatre design. A broad-based undergraduate education is often the best preparation for a career as a designer. History, architecture, English literature, and psychology are just of few of the areas of study our recent students have pursued as undergraduates. Our students come from all across the United States as well as from abroad, some directly from undergraduate school and others after working professionally for some time.

Do you have international students?

We encourage applications from students from around the world. Students have come to us from Korea, Japan, Puerto Rico, Greece, Ukraine, Colombia, Israel, India, Argentina and Taiwan. We do require a TOEFL score of 620 or better (paper-based format) or 260 or better (computer-based format) for all international students before we can schedule an interview. Upon arrival at New York University, accepted students will be tested by the American Language Institute and may be required to enroll in English courses.

Is it true that you "weed out" students and not everyone finishes the program?

This is totally untrue. We expect each student who enrolls to finish the program. We have a midway review of each student's work but this is to assess individual strengths and weaknesses and enable us to offer additional guidance to insure each student's ultimate success.

Are there opportunities outside the University for students to design? Is this encouraged? What about internships?

We discourage outside work during the school year because of the amount of time it takes away from school work. Each student's development over the three years at NYU is carefully orchestrated. It is complex and virtually impossible to juggle outside work without it interfering with this development. There is plenty of time for you to gain outside design experience in the summer and over the winter break. We are developing a program of "observerships" for lighting designers where students spend time in the theatre learning and watching the production process with noted Broadway designers.

Can I come visit?

We encourage prospective students to come visit. We can arrange for you to sit in on a class, meet with a faculty or staff member and talk to current students. It's really the best way for you to learn about the department. Contact Barbara Cokorinos to schedule a visit ( barbara.cokorinos@nyu.edu or (212) 998-1950 ).