Pace University
About
Pace University’s School of Performing Arts in New York City offers a comprehensive mix of Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in fields like Acting (both traditional and for Film/TV/Voiceovers/Commercials), Musical Theatre, Directing, Stage Management, and Production & Design for Stage & Screen. These programs combine conservatory-style training with a strong liberal arts foundation, preparing students as disciplined, well-rounded artists ready to enter the industry immediately after graduation.
Students experience rigorous studio training taught by working theater professionals, participate in numerous mainstage and workshop productions each year, and benefit from Pace’s strategic location in the heart of New York City. With over 50 productions annually, including musicals, plays, readings, and ensemble-devised works, students gain practical experience across all theatrical disciplines.
The BFA in Acting program is intentionally small—about 30 students per cohort—allowing for personalized mentorship and strong ensemble dynamics. Training spans Shakespeare, verse work, dialect, movement, voice, stage combat, and on-camera technique. Fourth-year students also travel to Los Angeles for an intensive industry immersion, working with casting directors, agents, and production professionals.  Graduate programs include the Actors Studio Drama School MFA, offering tracks in Acting, Directing, and Playwriting. As of October 2024, the program is scheduled to conclude in 2027. MFA students train under casting-approved instructors and graduate with the distinction of Actors Studio “Finalist,” opening doors to industry sessions and lifelong professional circles.
Pace stands out for its strong alumni presence on Broadway and in film/TV, frequent master classes with industry leaders, and industry showcases. Students frequently participate in Inside the Actors Studio tapings and benefit from connections with guest artists ranging from casting directors to showrunners. These opportunities, combined with comprehensive career services, support successful transitions from campus into professional practice in New York, Los Angeles, and beyond.
Degrees & Programs
Degrees
BA, BFA, Minor
Majors / Emphases
Acting, Directing, Playwriting, Musical Theatre, Stage Management, Dance, Design and Technical
Audition requirements
Undergraduate
All prospective students to the Sands College of Performing Arts must submit an Application for Admission to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions before beginning the audition or interview process.
Once prospective students have applied for academic admission to Pace, they should create a profile on Acceptd and upload the pre-screen requirements to all programs in which they wish to audition/interview.
In order to be considered for admission to Pace Performing Arts, students must to attend one of our auditions or interviews. The audition incorporates elements beyond the requirements of the pre-screen and faculty are not able to make admission decisions without seeing all candidates live. The School of Performing Arts does not audition or interview any student privately or outside of the pre-arranged schedule.
Graduate
To apply to one of our three MFA programs you must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university or the equivalent degree from a foreign college or university. Applicants in the process of completing the bachelor's degree may apply for admission.
The admission process consists of two steps:
- Submitting required materials: including Academic Records and Artistic Review
- Audition callback for a selected pool of MFA Acting applicants or Portfolio Review for selected MFA Directing and MFA Playwriting applicants.
Contact Information
- Website URL
- Programs Website
- Phone
- 1-212-346-1517
- performingarts@pace.edu
Social Media
Alumni
Alumni profiles
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Videos
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