Mission, Vision, & Values
Who We Are
The Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama is the first degree-granting drama institution in the U.S. and is consistently ranked among the best in the world. The school combines established practice with progressive pedagogical and technological advancement across all disciplines. The school is committed to enriching a myriad of arts practices, championing interdisciplinary collaborations, and exploring new forms of creative expression. We strive to create an environment that encourages a diversity of opinions, voices, perspectives, and experiences, and honors the identities (inclusive of race, gender, class, sexuality, religious belief, and ability) of all members of our community. We seek to promote the creative theatrical storytelling of a variety of cultures. The school’s conservatory program within the university is one that prepares students intellectually, artistically and practically to be leaders in their chosen professions, whether it be on stage, in film, television, or within the expanding realm of new media.
Our Core Values
We seek to be a community of educators, learners, leaders, and artists who cultivate an equitable, diverse, open, and inclusive community based on empathy and integrity in order to:
- Promote artistic and individual growth through exploration, experimentation, iteration, and creative play.
- Pursue rigorous collaborative and artistic creation, synthesizing histories and innovation.
- Foster courage, curiosity, resilience, adaptability, and the joy of work.
- Nurture and maintain wellness through sustainable personal, professional, and ecological practices.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
As an institution, the School of Drama is committed to the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion for people of all identities. We condemn all forms of racism, bias, and racial injustice.
In 2020, the School of Drama created a DEI action plan with initiatives to create a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive community committed to anti-racism in which every member has agency, space, and support to flourish.
Robert Ramirez was appointed the Head of the School of Drama in 2022 with an articulated commitment to uphold the values of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion as one of his priorities.