Over Spring Break, students will travel to Rio de Janeiro to study the work of legendary political theatre activist Augusto Boal with members of the Escola de Teatro Popular (ETP).
This course is an introduction to the sociopolitical activist forms that make up the arsenal of the Theatre of the Oppressed (TO): a collection of games, techniques, and exercises for using theatre as a vehicle for personal and social change. It is a method of harnessing the laboratory of the theatre as a powerful tool for exploring power, transforming oppression, and finding community-building solutions to the problems of inequality, conflict, and injustice. Students will participate in workshops and community-based performances and the course will engage students with contextual knowledge about Rio and the history of the ETP, foundational theories in TO through the writings of both Freire and Boal, and give them a sound exposure to the interactive games and exercises that form the bedrock of this work.
Photo: Members of the Escola de Teatro Popular (ETP) lead a workshop with participants from the Movimento dos Trabalhadores Sem Teto - the Homeless Workers Movement.
Location:
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Program Dates:
Travel component: March 16-23, 2024
Required pre- and post-travel class meetings: Nov. 30 from 4:00 - 5:00 pm & Feb. 8, March 7, and April 4, all from 4:55-6:35 pm EST
Faculty:
Nancy Smithner, Clinical Professor of Educational Theatre, Department of Music and Performing Arts Professions.
Nisha Sajnani, Associate Professor and Director, Drama Therapy Program, Department of Music and Performing Arts Professions.
Application Deadlines:
- Priority Deadline: September 19, 2023
- Regular Deadline: October 19, 2023 (admissions continue thereafter on a space-available basis)
Find the application link and instructions on the "How to Apply" page.
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Who can participate:
- NYU graduate students
- NYU undergraduate students who have:
- 96+ earned credits by course start date
- related coursework
- approval from the faculty director as well as their advisor
- Non-NYU graduate students and professionals who both:
- Are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
- Currently hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university in the United States
Related areas of study:
- Educational Theatre
- Drama Therapy
- Art Education
- Performing Arts Administration
This is not a complete list. We value diverse perspectives in our programs and encourage students from other majors and professions.
How to apply:
The application link and instructions, as well as the deadlines and notification timelines, can be found on the "How to Apply" page.
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This is a credit-bearing graduate Global course. Students self-register in Albert for the following course for a total of 3 credits:
- MPAET-GE 2102, Section 095 (Class# TBC): Applied Theatre II: Theatre of the Oppressed (3 credits)
This course is offered through the Department of Music and Performing Arts Professions.
Important Note: All program applicants must meet with their academic adviser to determine if and how this course may be applied towards their program requirements and degree completion.
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Direct Costs Billed by NYU
Participants will be billed for the cost of the graduate course following the standard per-credit rate for NYU Steinhardt Graduate Study Tuition and Fees. In addition, study abroad courses have a supplemental Housing & Activity Fee that covers the cost of housing abroad, program activities and visits, group transportation in-country, and international health insurance. Students can expect to be billed:
- Steinhardt Graduate Tuition (3 credits) - $6,303
- Steinhardt Graduate Registration and Services Fees - $700
- Housing & Activity Fee - $1,400
- GeoBlue International Health Insurance - Included
Estimated Direct Cost Total - $8,403
Tuition, Registration, and Housing & Activity fees will be due based on Bursar's Payment Schedule for the January term.
Out-of-Pocket Costs
Students are responsible for purchasing transportation and airfare to/from the program location. Students will be notified when to book flights. We recommend comparing tickets on multiple sites to ensure the best fare. Past participants have used the following flight search engines: Kayak, Google Flights, and Student Universe for student rates.
In addition to airfare, participants should budget for: daily meals (except for included welcome and farewell meals); transportation to and from the airport; passport and/or visa fees (if applicable); vaccination costs (if applicable); and other personal incidentals.
Students are encouraged to budget for study abroad programs based on individual needs. You may use online budgeting tools such as Numbeo, Expatistan, and Budget Your Trip to budget for your ideal study abroad experience.
Scholarships
NYU Steinhardt offers several graduate study abroad scholarships and maintains a list of additional external funding opportunities.
Study Abroad Budget Worksheet
Download and use this Study Abroad Budget Worksheet to estimate the cost of your study abroad experience.
PLEASE NOTE: This spreadsheet lists possible expenses and may not be all-inclusive of program costs. In addition, your costs may fluctuate based on changes in currency exchange rates, airfare, varying personal lifestyles, etc. While this is a good tool for reviewing study abroad expenses, the results should be considered to be an estimate of the total cost of participation. -
Housing Accommodations
Students stay in shared-occupancy housing arranged by the Office of Global Affairs. Your accommodation arrangements are included in your Housing and Activity Fees. Group accommodation dates correspond with the program dates listed above.
Flight, Travel, and Visa Information
Flight: Students purchase their own international travel to coincide with program dates. Please keep in mind that flights arriving in Brazil typically depart New York a day in advance.
Passport: All program participants are required to have a valid passport, which must be valid at least six months beyond the program end date.
Visa: A visa required for all U.S. citizens to enter Brazil. See the website of the Consulate General for more information. Further details and instructions for obtaining a visa will be provided during the program orientation.
All other passport holders should check their visa requirements on the embassy/consulate website respective of their nationality. For further guidance on visas and other non-immigration matters, contact OGS Outbound Student Services at ogs.outbound@nyu.edu.
Helpful links: U.S. State Department, Center for Disease Control, and Lonely Planet Guide (Rio de Janeiro).
Weather: In March, temperatures in Rio de Janeiro typically range from 70°F to 85°F. Visit BBC Weather to learn more about local weather conditions in Brazil.
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Pre-Departure Resources
Visit the Steinhardt Study Abroad Resources website and get a head start on preparing for your study abroad program experience.
Policies
All applicants should review the Office of Global Affairs Short-Term Graduate Courses Policies page prior to applying to study abroad.
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