Drama Therapy

Founded in 1983, Drama Therapy at NYU Steinhardt offers you world-class training with leading drama therapists in New York City. Graduate students complete a final thesis or performance focusing on clinical research.

The program is approved by the New York State Education Department and qualifies graduates for Licensure in Creative Arts Therapy (LCAT) in New York State after 1500 hours of post-graduate supervised practice and licensing exams. Those wishing to pursue licenses outside of New York should contact Ellen Smittle, Program Administrator (ecs485@nyu.edu).

Develop Research Skills and Focus Your Studies on Drama Therapy

Deepen your understanding of drama therapy and become a competent researcher in the field. There are three options for doctoral study in drama therapy at NYU.

Doctor of Philosophy

Rehabilitation Sciences

Prepare for a fulfilling academic career in research and teaching in the rehabilitation sciences through interdisciplinary study across health fields.

Doctor of Philosophy

Educational Theatre in Colleges and Communities

Conduct cutting-edge and innovative research that addresses the most pressing questions in the cultural and educational arenas of theatre.

Doctor of Education

Educational Theatre in Colleges and Communities

Prepare for roles such as principal, curriculum developer, and policy analyst in this practice-based doctorate with an emphasis on arts-based research methods.

Adam Stevens Named Disruptor of the Year

Adam D-F. Stevens (MA ’18, Drama Therapy) has been named NYU Steinhardt's 2024 Disruptor of the Year as part of the inaugural cohort of Spirit of Steinhardt alumni award winners. Stevens is a Registered Drama Therapist and Board Certified Trainer who works with queer, people of color, and neurodivergent youth in transforming their loss, grief, and trauma into joy and empowerment.

Robert J. Landy Archive and Scholarship

Dr. Robert Landy, Ph.D., RDT-BCT, LCAT, founding Emeritus Professor of the NYU Program in Drama Therapy, has been a key figure in the development and widespread use of drama therapy for nearly four decades.

News and Events

NYU Holds 20th MLK Spoken Word Contest; Steinhardt Student Takes 3rd Prize

Communicative Sciences and Disorders graduate student Shabathyah Charles and other students submitted pieces on the theme “Legacy Begins with Me.”

Jameel Arts & Health Lab Partners with Lincoln Center on Art and Well-Being Series

The Lab hosted a series of panel discussions about the connection between the arts and well-being.

Alum DJ Cuppy Creates Fund for Grad Students

The Cuppy Africa Steinhardt Scholars Fund will help Steinhardt graduate students thrive during their education.

Healing, Bridging, Thriving: A Reflection from the Arts and Health Caucus

Dr. Nisha Sajnani and her co-conveners share their reflections from "Healing, Bridging, Thriving: A Summit on Arts and Culture," hosted by the White House Domestic Policy Council and National Endowment for the Arts.