Hofstra University
Hempstead, NY
Hempstead, NY
This is your next leap
Whether you want to command the stage under the spotlight or master the technical artistry behind the scenes, Hofstra University offers a vibrant home for your creative journey. Located just a short train ride from the global stage of New York City, the University combines the rigor of professional training with a supportive, liberal arts community.
Professional training in a creative community
Academics at the University are designed to be both versatile and deep. You can choose from a Bachelor of Arts for a broad exploration of the field or dive into a Bachelor of Fine Arts for intensive, conservatory-style training in performance or production. The curriculum ensures you aren’t just a "one-trick pony"; performers learn the basics of set construction and lighting, while technicians gain an appreciation for the performer's craft. This well-rounded approach ensures that when you enter the professional world, you understand every moving part of a production.
Life on and off the stage
Student life here is high-energy and collaborative. With six dedicated performance spaces, including the iconic John Cranford Adams Playhouse and the intimate Joan and Donald Schaeffer Black Box Theater, there is always a show in progress. Outside of the classroom, you can join student-run groups like Masquerade Musical Theatre or the Spectrum Players to produce your own work. Plus, being so close to Manhattan means your "classroom" often extends to Broadway workshops and internships with world-class production houses.
The edge you need
What truly sets the University apart is its faculty of working professionals and its impressive alumni network. From Oscar and Tony Award winners to industry-leading designers, the people you learn from are the same people shaping the industry today. You will graduate not just with a degree, but with a professional-level portfolio and the connections needed to navigate the competitive world of the performing arts.
Now in its eighth decade, this annual tradition is one of the most prestigious of its kind. Students have the rare opportunity to perform on the Hofstra Globe Stage, a detailed reconstruction of the original theater where Shakespeare’s plays were first seen. It is a one-of-a-kind experiential program that allows actors and designers to engage with classical texts in an authentic, historically-inspired environment.
“Being at Hofstra has given me a support base bigger than I could have ever imagined. It has led me to work with the best in the industry in news, sports, and beyond.”
“I chose Hofstra because I wanted a university close enough to easily access Manhattan, yet far enough to experience distinct campus life. This vibrant community has enriched my college experience and created a supportive environment for personal and academic growth.”
“Hofstra University offered me the best team of professors, mentors, and leaders that the Physician Assistant (PA) profession has to offer. They are just out of this world!”
“The best thing about Hofstra is the people—from the faculty and staff, to your fellow students—everyone is welcoming and supportive. Plus, there are so many clubs and activities available at Hofstra that you can easily find like-minded people.”
