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Graduate Acting Program
The M.F.A. program in Theater/Acting provides classical training and is based on the concept of a conservatory. The objective of the graduate acting program is to produce creative, skilled and knowledgeable professionals in the various disciplines of Theater, television and film. We are interested in students for whom the desire to act is so strong that it denies the power of any practical fears. Our M.F.A. candidate is committed to developing as an artist and dedicated to mastering the crafts and techniques necessary to express himself clearly. A physical, emotional and intellectual strength is essential for the actor, as well as the willingness to use it by risking himself imaginatively. When the body, mind, spirit and imagination are trained to be fully engaged, the transformation into character can occur; the artist satisfies his initial hunger to act... an instinct to pretend, to play, to interpret the life around him and to open the hearts of the audience to recognize, respect and love the humanity in each character.
For more information, please see the Graduate Bulletin.
COURSE OF STUDY
Candidates will achieve an MFA in Acting with an emphasis in voice, speech or movement and with a specialization in an acting topic. The actors are encouraged to pursue internships, to attend symposia in their areas of interest, and to earn certification or recognized expertise in a craft. The School of Communications and Theater, as well as Temple University, provide the interdisciplinary resources and framework that will allow for an in-depth study of performance topics. Candidates will be trained in specific acting pedagogies and gain practical experience teaching in our Undergraduate Acting Emphasis Program. The curriculum includes performances in two Temple Theaters productions each year.
The completion of 60 credits is necessary for the MFA in Acting. The degree can be completed over the course of two years and two summers or over three years. A course of study, or degree emphasis, is designed for each candidate, and, with approval of the Graduate Acting Faculty, may allow for the continuation of professional work. Graduate Assistantships are available.
INDIVIDUAL STUDENT PROGRAMS
Each student’s program is developed from the following courses:
• Acting Practicum I, II, III
• Seminar in Dramatic Literature
• Vocal Production for the Actor
• Speech for the Actor
• Movement for the Actor
• Rehearsal & Performance
• Projects in Acting
• Research Thesis
Classes are small and allow for individual instruction. Students may choose to take elective courses from the resources of the entire university. While enrolled at Temple, qualified students may, with approval from the Graduate Acting Faculty, receive credit for the following: projects in professional theater, television and film; and workshops, symposia and internships with master teachers.
REQUIREMENTS AND APPLICATION
If an audition and interview are scheduled by the Department of Theater, the following applies during the recruiting cycle for the class entering September, 2009:
• For admittance to the program, one must have extensive national credits as a professional actor. An audition and interview are required.
• Auditions and interviews are customarily held in Philadelphia, New York City, and San Francisco in January and February of the recruiting year; the next recruiting year is 2009. One must hold a bachelor’s degree; an undergraduate degree in theater is not required. G.R.E. scores are not required.
• One must hold a bachelor’s degree; an undergraduate degree in theater is not required. G.R.E. scores are not required.
• Students are accepted into the program on a rolling admission basis. To be considered for admission to the program, the following must be submitted by March 15, 2009:
1- Completed university application form available on-line at http://www.temple.edu/admissions.html. PLEASE DO NOT FILL OUT AN APPLICATION UNTIL YOU ARE GIVEN AN AUDITION TIME.
2- A statement of purpose
3- A resume
4- Portfolio of work (programs, reviews, photos, press)
5- Three letters of reference
6- Official transcripts reflecting a bachelor’s degree
7- An audition and interview with the Graduate Acting Faculty
8- $50 application fee payable to Temple University
For more info, please visit http://www.temple.edu/grad/admissions/index.htm