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Performance studies is a growing field of academic study focusing on the use of performance both as something to be critically examined and as something which can be utilized to approach a better understanding of the human condition, of both society and self. This field of study engages performance as both an object of study and as something to be experienced, practiced, enacted. Events are more than their face value. A sporting event, a ceremony, a protest are all performances in their own right. Events have specific actors, costumes, settings and audiences. Within these performances are more minute performances of self: of gender, of societal role(s), of age, of disposition(s). Examining events as performance provides insight into how we perform ourselves and our lives.

Performance Studies is an academic discipline created in the 1960s by Richard Schechner, Brooks McNamara, Michael Kirby, and others. It incorporates theories of drama, anthropology and sociology. More can be found out by reading Schechner's book: Performance Studies: An Introduction. The first performance studies department was created at NYU. But, there is some debate that the joint-cradles of Performance Studies are Northwestern University and NYU.

Performance Studies is also an A-level (AS and A2) course consisting of the integration of the discrete art forms of Dance, Music and Drama in performing arts.

• Drama
• Anthropology
• Sociology