The Theater-Directing MFA program recruits students through the National Unified Auditions and Interviews conducted by the University Resident Theatre Association (URTA) in New York and Chicago.
Interested students are encouraged to apply with the URTA when appropriate. Students intending to pursue the degree must complete both the Temple University Graduate Application, and the URTA application and interview process.
Please note: Students intending to pursue the degree must complete both the Temple University Graduate Application and a portfolio interview. The applicant can interview with appropriate faculty, either through URTA at audition sites in Chicago or on Temple University's Main Campus.
The Theater-Design MFA program recruits students through the National Unified Auditions and Interviews conducted by the University Resident Theatre Association (URTA) in Chicago. Interested students are encouraged to apply with the URTA when appropriate.
To apply, submit Temple's online graduate application along with an online application fee of $60. You will also need to provide the following general supporting materials.
Number required: 3
From whom: Letters of recommendation should be obtained from college/university professors and professionals in the field who are familiar with the applicant's work.
Coursework in theater, typically completed as part of an undergraduate major in theater, is required.
The BA in theater or BFA degree in acting, design or directing is preferred.
Introduce yourself in approximately 500 words by relaying your relevant experience, values and areas of interest. Proper essay form should be used, but it may be in a personal style.
Applicants who earned their baccalaureate degree from an institution where the language of instruction was other than English, with the exception of those who subsequently earned a master’s degree at a U.S. institution, must report scores for a standardized test of English that meet these minimums.
Current résumé is required.
The applicant meets with appropriate faculty, either through URTA at audition sites in New York and Chicago or on Temple University’s Main Campus.
In addition to a baccalaureate degree, applicants must have a body of professional or semi-professional experience in directing.
Admissions deadlines are determined by candidate interview schedules.
Fall: March 31, 2027
This program will next be admitting applicants for the fall 2027 semester.
