Here is a brief directory of full-time physical theatre training programs in the United States, loosely ordered by the age of the program. Know of something that should be on the list, but isn’t already? Send an e-mail to jordan@jordanrosin.com.
Note that this list only includes full-time programs in accredited academic institutions in the USA. However, much valuable physical theatre training is also taking place in unaccredited short-term workshops, through intensives, and in private studios. To learn more about opportunities like those, check out the Physical Theatre Workshops group on Facebook, my physical theatre homepage, or subscribe to my newsletter.
Dell’Arte International
Blue Lake, CA
The oldest accredited school of physical theatre in North America, Dell’Arte International offers a 1-year Professional Training Program (certificate), a 3-Year Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Ensemble-Based Physical Theatre, a 2-Year Advanced Ensemble Program, a 3-week Summer Intensive, and a 4-Week Study Abroad in Bali, Indonesia. Founded by Carlo Mazzone-Clementi (a contemporary of Jacques Lecoq) and Jane Hill in 1971, the training is founded on observation and identification with nature, the physical investigation of the body and its poetry, and an imaginative inquiry into the forms of culture and theatre.
Pig Iron School
Philadelphia, PA
The Pig Iron School is a physical theatre school rooted in Lecoq pedagogy and ensemble theatre practice. The school offers MFA and certificate programs in Devised Performance through a partnership with the University of the Arts, as well as workshops, residencies, and other training opportunities.
Naropa University
Boulder, CO
Naropa offers an MFA in Theater: Contemporary Performance. (Note that, as of December 15, 2019, they are undergoing curricular revisions and will not be accepting new MFA cohorts for the foreseeable future. Check their website for updates.)
Coastal Carolina University
Conway, SC
Coastal Carolina University offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in Theatre Arts with an optional concentration in Physical Theatre. The first three years of the program take place on the campus of Coastal Carolina University, focusing on a thorough regimen of acting technique, script analysis, theater history, criticism, voice and movement. The final year of the program takes place in residence at the Accademia dell’Arte in Arezzo, Italy.
Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, LA
LSU offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in Theatre with an optional concentration in Physical Theatre. The Physical Theatre Concentration trains students who are interested in physical approaches to theatre. Training ranges from aerial work to stage combat to the creation of devised theatre. Highlights include study abroad programs available in France and Edinburgh, Scotland with a focus on devised theatre, along with a state-of-the-art aerial silks studio.
Columbia College Chicago
Chicago, IL
Columbia College Chicago offers a 2-year Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree in European Devised Performance Practice and a 1-year Master of Arts (MA) degree in Devised Performance Practice. Drawing inspiration from dance, visual arts, and traditional theatre, the programs emphasize collaboration as the main expressive tool for the creation of original work and are largely inspired by the ideas of Jacques Lecoq.
Moravian College
Bethlehem, PA
Moravian College offers a 2-year Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree in Performance Creation, designed to promote creative self-discovery through individually charted paths through the creation of multiple performances–solo, ensemble, site-specific, community-based, international.