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OWEN PELESH "I can think of no other place I'd rather be studying theater than Temple University. Whether interested in one specific area of the art or seeking to gather knowledge and skill in many areas, Temple's Theater Department presents outstanding resources and opportunities while providing a strong academic university education. In just my first two years, I have had the opportunity to perform in two mainstage musicals (including "Rent"), a mainstage farce, and both Chekhov and Shakespeare graduate directing projects. I have studied acting and speech with nationally known masters. I have acted professionally during and in between semesters. I have learned how to build, sew, and design sound. I have made professional connections and seen easily 30 shows in Philadelphia. And I still have two years to go! Come to Temple and tailor your theater education to what you want it to be - it will be worth it!"
CASSANDRA NARY "The opportunities, both in the classroom and on-stage at Temple’s Theater Program have helped me grow into the kind of artist and human being I always knew I could be. Professors Nancy Boykin and Peter Reynolds recognized this potential in me as a freshman when I auditioned for and was accepted into the Musical Theater Concentration. They are both working theater professionals in the Philadelphia area, but always manage to make time to work with me and help me in any of my artistic endeavors. I truly feel that they have a personal investment in my success, and care about me as a person as well as a student. Several other fantastic professors as well as my colleagues continue to support and inspire my work, both in and outside of the classroom. I couldn’t have asked for a better atmosphere in which to explore and fine-tune my craft and prepare myself for a life in the theatre."
RICHARD MAGEE "Choosing to attend the theatre program at Temple University for my undergraduate education has proven to be a truly excellent decision. The department has afforded me so many opportunities that I could have only dreamed of when I was a senior in high school. On top of the excellent theatrical training offered by the department's incredible faculty comprised entirely of working professionals...the opportunities to work and study outside of the classroom are endless. Since coming to Temple I have performed in mainstage musicals, acted in student film projects, assistant directed for professional directors, and traveled to Southern California to shadow the company managers of the national tour of The Lion King--all thanks to Temple's amazing program."
SEAN GIBSON "Temple's faculty teaches with an untraditional generosity that I have only seen in the closest of family and friends. If their mentality were to be put into words it would sound something like this: “I am not a master at this and we are not perfect people. I just happen to know this skill, or this technique, or this approach, and I want to share it with you.” Graduate students instruct and work alongside undergraduates, opportunities to gain experience are in abundance, and everyone is willing to work together to keep our passions alive. We have an opportunity to learn from the strongest theater artists in the northeast. Dedicated students are given the same respect professional colleagues and fellow artists receive because this is where the future is built. We are treated as their own. In the end, we’re all family."
ALEXCIA IRIZARRY "When I first started at Temple University my major was nursing with a minor in theater. That changed within my second semester as a freshman. I took Acting 1 with Cheryl Williams and realized my heart was in performing. From then on I knew I was going to be extremely close with her because she really only wanted the best for her students. She helped me figure out what I had a passion for. When I switched my major to Theater, the Musical Theater concentration had just begun. In my eyes another door opened. I auditioned for it and in May of 2011 I will be the first class graduating in that concentration. Through my 4 years here I have had the pleasure of working with amazing faculty members, performing in main stage shows and other projects, and getting to work alongside successful theater professionals. Temple’s theater program really prepares you for the real world by giving each student numerous opportunities in all of the aspects of theater! Thanks for such a great college experience you all will be missed!"
VONDEXTER MONTEGUT II "What I love most about Temple University's Theater Department is the passion of the faculty. The professors are talented, wise and inspiring professionals. Not only do they walk the walk, but they also talk the talk, being cast in major theaters in the city and having numerous other profession credits. Working with them has instilled a sense of drive, hunger and passion for the art that I would not trade in for the world."
HARRISON LAMPERT "There are so many things about Temple Theaters that have helped me grow as a performer and as a person. I think that one of the most important aspects to mention about this department is the community. Everyone in the department, whether they be an actor, designer, or director is here to collaborate with one another to create great work. There is so much support from the Temple Theater community that it makes it easy to learn as much as possible and have a blast doing it."
SETH SCHMITT-HALL "When I chose to go to Temple, I was really only thinking about the Marching Band. But in the past four years, I have learned skills in acting, carpentry, props, technical direction, scenic, lighting, and sound design! And because so many of my professors work professionally around Philadelphia, I have had the opportunity to work as well during my four years here. I have even gone to London through SCT's study abroad program and had the time of my life seeing countless shows! If you want a well-rounded theater education from top-notch professors, come to Temple! Go Owls!"
CHELSEA DRUMEL "As a theater major at Temple University, I have been able not only to hone my craft in acting, but also to gain valuable experience in other areas such as house management, prop and set building, and sound design. Temple's program will provide you with the chance to learn about every aspect of the theatrical profession, which will only serve to make you more skilled, artistic, and employable. The classes that I have taken here have challenged me and forced me think outside of the box. Additionally, my training and my connections at Temple have led to great opportunities with professional theaters in and around Philadelphia such as the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, Delaware Theatre Company, and Philadelphia Young Playwrights. The professors here invest in you and inspire you to realize your fullest potential not only in your development as an artist but also as a person."
RICHARD SKLAR "Coming to Temple was probably one of the best decisions I could’ve made. I feel like I’ve grown tremendously as a performer and as a person thanks to the incredible faculty on staff in the Theater Department. Being in the Musical Theatre Concentration has offered me some unbelievable performance opportunities, such as master classes with Philadelphia actors and singing in a cabaret of new musical theatre composers. I’ve also had the opportunity to perform student written and directed children’s shows at elementary schools in the area for students whose exposure to theater itself is limited. Temple Theatres has given me many amazing opportunities, on the main stage and off, to really experience different types of theater and become a much stronger performer."
MERCI LYONS-COX "I began college as a music major. At the end of my sophomore year, I auditioned for the new musical theater concentration at Temple and was accepted. In my past two years with Temple Theaters, I have grown exponentially as a performer and as a person. From performing to organizing and directing a show with a fellow student, I have been given numerous opportunities to explore theater. I have been able to better myself in singing, dancing, and acting with the help and expertise of my professors. The Temple theater staff is a team of experienced professionals who sincerely care about their students and do everything within their power to assess the needs of each individual. The theater program itself is always searching for new ways to assist in the success of its students. Temple has connections all over Philadelphia, a city that possesses a great theater community. Graduates can be seen performing all over the city!"
LJ NORELLI "The Temple Theater program provides a plethora of opportunities for anyone who wishes to be a part of a theatrical, artistic community. It strives to enrich the lives of artistic individuals by instilling in them a sense of pride and dedication for the work they do and the passions they pursue. Jam-packed with an expert faculty, Temple provides a rare opportunity to work with not only professionals in the field, but human beings who want nothing more than to see their students and the art of theatre thrive! Be sure that when you choose Temple, you've made the choice to dedicate yourself to a community that nurtures learning and personal growth."
LYNDSEY BUTLER "“It was until my junior year when I had my first premier on Temple Theater’s stage. I played the role of Elaine in, The Belly: An American Tale, written by G. Lloyd Morris, and directed by L. Kenneth Richardson in the fall of 2010. My role in the play landed me an Irene Ryan nomination at the 2011 Region II Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF). I left the competition as an Irene Ryan finalist, and though I didn’t win, I still walked away as a winner because all sorts of accomplishments have been piling on top of each other since then. It is absolutely true that ‘good things come to those who wait.’ Many thanks go out to Cheryl Williams, Nancy Boykin, and L. Kenneth Richardson, for seeing my potential and pushing me closer to becoming a stronger actress. My time at Temple University and the theater dept. has been a life lesson. I have faced many obstacles while trying to advance in my career, and on the same token, I can say that I have overcome those same obstacles (by taking another route perhaps). So, on that note, for the potential students: stay true to yourself, because when all else fails, you have yourself and the ones who truly love you FOR you to fall back on.”
LEN LUVERA "Temple's theater department is the perfect place to either find your
niche in theater or hone your skills in a craft that you already love. Because of the structure of the department, students have the ability to work in any area of theater, including ushering, set construction, lighting work, acting, building costumes, stage managing, and everything in between. The faculty consists of theater professionals who have worked across the country. They offer great help and amazing insight for each job you do. The program and it's faculty together will provide you with a well-rounded education and fundamental knowledge of every job ultimately making you the most marketable person for the real world.