Performance Studies faculty are internationally-recognized leaders in the field. Their research and teaching interests range from experimental theater and performance art to the aesthetics of everyday life, sound studies, affect studies, queer and feminist critique, and critical race theory, theories of dance/movement, the performance of politics, and beyond.
Performance Studies staff and administrators are one of our greatest assets—extremely knowledgable and happy to provide information and academic support, they are a valuable resource for faculty, students, parents, prospective applicants, and anyone seeking information about the department.
Administrative Staff
Laura Elena Fortes
Administrative & Academic Services Director; Adjunct Instructor
lf65@nyu.edu
Laura provides leadership and oversight for all aspects of the department, ensuring excellence in academic programs, student support, and faculty development. Laura also oversees the department budget, curriculum development, and teaching initiatives, advises graduate students and teaches in the undergraduate program. She leads information sessions for prospective M.A and Ph.D. students. For general inquiries about the department and admissions, please contact Alysha Casnellie, Administrative Aide II.
Alejandra Rodríguez
Student Services Administrator & Advisor
ar4784@nyu.edu
Alejandra advises M.A. and B.A students on academic and administrative matters, helping them navigate their academic journey from enrollment to graduation. Alejandra also leads information sessions for prospective undergraduate students. She also works with alumni to maintain connections and build a strong departmental community.
Nicole Cusick
Department Administrator
nmc337@nyu.edu
Nicole manages the department's communications, including the website, social media, and newsletters for students and alumni. To share your news or for event information, contact Nicole. She also oversees event planning and execution, manages department budgets, and provides facilities and technical support.
Alysha Casnellie
Administrative Aide II
abc337@nyu.edu
Alysha provides prospective students and applicants with information about our academic programs, application instructions, and general inquiries. She is your first point of contact for exploring opportunities within the department.
Core Faculty
-
Professor, Director of Undergraduate Studies
-
Assistant Professor
-
Assistant Professor
-
Professor
-
University Professor Emerita
-
Professor, ASSOCIATE CHAIR, & Associate Dean, Center for Research & Study
-
PROFESSOR AND PROFESSOR OF COMPARATIVE LITERATURE
-
Professor and Chair
-
Editor TDR, University Professor Emeritus
-
Associate Professor, Director of Graduate Studies
-
Assistant Professor
-
University Professor, Founding Director of the Hemispheric Institute of Performance and Politics
-
Distinguished Teacher
"When I went to the open house, I heard people like Richard Schechner, Ann Pellegrini, and Barbara Browning speak, and I made appointments to meet with them one-on-one and talk more about what I was interested in learning. In a few short minutes, these people managed to show me new ways of using my brain and inspired me to expand what I quickly realized had been a limited frame of reference in terms of performance."—Sarah Bess Rowen, MA 2011