Academics

Eligibility Requirements

  • Minimum GPA of 3.0
  • Drew student with junior or senior standing; priority given to seniors
  • Students must have completed a minimum of eight credits in the Department of Theatre and Dance
  • Be in good academic and disciplinary standing

Program Directors

Lisa Brenner, Chair, Professor of Theatre

LEARN MORE ABOUT PROFESSOR BRENNER

Kimani Fowlin, Assistant Professor, Dance

LEARN MORE ABOUT PROFESSOR FOWLIN
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Semester on New York Theatre

Apply Now - Applications are due March 10

This program is offered in alternate years and requires a full-year commitment. The fall semester consists of weekly classes and experiences in New York City as the student ensemble devises an original show. In the spring semester, the ensemble rehearses and performs the piece on Drew’s campus. When the show closes, students return to NYC for meetings and workshops with theatre professionals as they prepare for their careers after college.

nycTREC Information Session: Semester on New York Theatre (Full Year – Fall & Spring)

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Big Experiences Lead to Bold Futures

Under the Launch career development platform, all students graduate with at least two experiential learning opportunities on their transcripts. Guaranteed.

This nycTREC program will count towards this out-of-the-classroom requirement in Drew’s rigorous curriculum.

Travel

See today’s hottest stage productions and hear directly from industry professionals​ about their careers—from actors, directors, producers, to those who make it​ all happen behind the scenes. Hone your technique in hands-on workshops.​ Collaborate with your fellow students to create an original ensemble performance​ piece under the guidance of a major professional theatre company—and experience​ the thrill of premiering it onstage at Drew.

Rethink

Discover internships and opportunities as you research​ American theatre organizations and institutions. Attend​ performances, hear from notable guest speakers, and​ study with Tectonic Theater, a professional company​ “dedicated to developing works that explore theatrical​ language and form, fostering​dialogue with audiences on​ the social, political, and human issues that affect society.”​ Reflect on these experiences by creating your own theatre​ manifesto that outlines your vision for the performing arts.

Explore

Work with the internationally renowned Tectonic Theater Project, a leading company in devised theatre and producer of The Laramie Project, one of the New York Times’ 25 most important American plays in the last 25 years. Tectonic’s plays have been performed around the world. Train with Tectonic artists as you create and produce an original production.

Connect

Spend one day a week during the fall semester in New York City—the undisputed center of the theatre world—observing, learning, and creating. Then, rehearse your ensemble show with the support of professional theatre mentors before performing the piece on Drew’s mainstage as part of the Department of Theatre and Dance spring performance season. Network with theatre professionals through panel discussions and workshops.

Costs and Financial Assistance

Each nycTREC has an associated program fee, which is posted each semester in the Course Catalog. Students receive a grant to cover round-trip transportation to New York City from Madison and program-related events and activities.

All of your Drew University financial assistance, whether merit or need-based, may be applied to all Drew-sponsored semester programs.

 

Required Courses

THEA 391 – Theatre Arts Fall: New York Semester Colloquium

THEA 391 – Theatre Arts Fall: New York City Colloquium

4 Credits

Research the major American theatre organizations and institutions.  Attend cutting-edge live performances.  Hear from notable theatre guest speakers.  Attend intensive workshops with professional theatre company.  reflect on these experiences to create your personal theatre manifesto and work with your peers to develop a concept for an original ensemble piece that will be produced in the spring. Offered as THEA 400 prior to Fall 2021. Enrollment limited to approved juniors and seniors only, with priority given to seniors.

Permission of instructor required. 

Prerequisite: 8 credits in the Theater & Dance Department

CLA-Off Campus Experience, CLA-Capstone

THEA 401 – NY Semester Theatre Practicum

4 Credits

Create and perform a devised show as an ensemble under the mentorship of a renowned New York City theatre company. Stage the show at Drew, using advanced skills in acting, directing, design, technology, dramaturgy, dance, and more. After the show closes, students have the opportunity to create a short, original piece guided by professionals to be shared in NYC. Enrollment limited to approved juniors and seniors only, with priority given to seniors. Students must have completed a minimum of eight credits in the Department of Theatre and Dance.

Permission of instructor required. 

Prerequisite: 8 credits in the Theater & Dance Department & THEA 391

CLA-Off Campus Experience, CLA-Capstone