Tisch or NYU Drama Therapy?

Graduate School
1

<p>I recently applied to two very different graduate programs at NYU. Performance Studies at Tisch and NYU’s Drama Therapy Program. I see any degree as a means to an end for me because I know in the end I am very driven and will use the tools to do what I want to do. Which is direct, teach, perform and create theater and film for audiences of color. </p>

<p>I have been accepted into Tisch and have been asked to interview with NYU’s Drama Therapy program next week. Now, as a theater artist I am trying to be wise and find something I enjoy (using theater as therapy – or to help people) to make money, because I don’t want to eat PB&J’s forever. I am torn, let’s say I get accepted into both programs – either way I’m at NYU, but which college?</p>

<p>Tisch:</p>

<p>PROS
I have believed Tisch has a reputation and has the top film school, so I feel that this could be helpful to rub elbows with such talented folk. The staff seems to really care about the students and take an interest in their success. The program is writing and research based, which means I will be well-prepared to do a variety of jobs upon graduation. Did I mention I absolutely LOVE performance studies? The idea of the theater as a social laboratory is like heaven on earth to me.</p>

<p>CONS
Even with financial aid it’s extremely expensive. It’s only a year – maybe this is not a con? Is it really that prestigious to go to Tisch? I wish I knew what day-to-day functioning is like. How different is attending Tisch from any other college at NYU? </p>

<p>NYU Drama Therapy:</p>

<p>PROS
The program is the best in the US for this field and I will be a registered therapist upon graduation. Most of my most meaningful work has been of this nature, even before I knew about DT. I feel like with this degree I will have something concrete that I can use to make money while still pursuing my theater gigs on the side. The program is likely to give me much more funding than Tisch. There is more money out there for minorities in psychology than the arts. There is a study abroad component included in the program (already paid for).</p>

<p>CONS
Is this a cop out from what I really want to do, or is this a wise decision? I feel more excited about Tisch, but like I should choose this program. It will be very difficult, but also very rewarding. Possibly my direct interest in creative theatrical work may take a backseat with this choice?</p>

<p>How much will choosing one option over the other affect my life ling-term? I know this is a loaded question but any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.</p>

2

<p>I think your analysis is very thoughtful and I greatly respect your ultimate goal. The sense I have from your post is that Tisch is actually your true first choice. Your heart seems to be with performance, not therapy.</p>

<p>To answer your questions, yes, I believe Tisch is very prestigious and I would view a 1 year program as a plus, assuming you will save a year of expensive tuition.</p>

<p>I am not sure there is more funding in psychology–I can imagine you attracting many foundation or government grants for your performance work and suspect Tisch can open a lot of doors.
You might still be able after Tisch to earn side money through drama therapy by getting a certificate through The New School in NYC.</p>

<p>Have you been accepted by the Drama Therapy Program since your original post? Did the audition process add anything to your thinking? When will you hear about Financial Aid from both programs?</p>

<p>Again, I wish you all the best–I think you will make a real contribution whichever road you take, but suspect your performance work might be closer to your heart and wind up allowing you to help larger audiences than one on one therapy would.</p>