Graduate Bulletin
Theater/Acting, M.F.A.
SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATIONS AND THEATER
Admission Requirements and Deadlines
Application Deadline:
Fall: March 1
Applications are only accepted from applicants who go through the U/RTA audition/interview process. Auditions are held every three years through U/RTA (2006, 2009, 2012). We visit all three sites: New York City, Chicago, and San Francisco. After candidates have auditioned and been interviewed through the U/RTA process at the sites above, those accepted are notified by letter by April 15.
APPLY ONLINE to this graduate program.
Letters of Reference:
Number Required: 3
From Whom: Letters of recommendation should be obtained from college/university professors and/or professionals in the field
who are familiar with the applicant's work.
Coursework Required for Admission Consideration:
Applicants must have a degree and/or practical experience through performance in plays.
Bachelor's Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline:
All applicants must present credentials that are the equivalent of the appropriate baccalaureate degree at Temple University.
Statement of Goals:
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. candidates should be committed to developing as an artist and dedicated to mastering the crafts and techniques necessary to express oneself clearly. A physical, emotional, and intellectual strength is essential for the actor, as well as the willingness to use it by risking oneself imaginatively. The Statement of Goals serves as an introduction to the applicant. It is an opportunity for the applicant to set forth her/his relevant experience, values, and areas of intense interest. It is to be in proper essay form, but may be in a personal style, and need be no longer than 500 words.
Standardized Test Scores:
Minimum TOEFL score needed to be accepted:
550 paper-based, 213 computer-based, or 79 internet-based.
Audition:
Requirements for auditions are determined by the University/Resident Theatre Association through whom we hold all auditions. Through 2003, the U/RTA requirement for the audition has been three minutes total, including a classical and contrasting contemporary piece. Check the most recent U/RTA requirements.
Interview:
In addition to the audition, applicants who are called back for an interview are required to bring transcripts, a head-shot, and a resume.
Resume:
A resume is required.
Program Requirements
General Program Requirements:
Number of Didactic Credits Required Beyond the Baccalaureate: 60
Required Courses:
THEA 5211: Speech for the Actor I
THEA 5221: Acting I
THEA 5222: Acting II
THEA 5231: Vocal Production for the Actor I
THEA 5241: Dance for the Actor I
THEA 8001: Seminar in Dramatic Literature
THEA 8221: Acting III
THEA 8222: Acting IV
THEA 9221: Acting V
THEA 9222: Acting VI
Projects in Acting
Rehearsal & Performance
Research Thesis
Teaching in Higher Education
Coursework by Semester:
Year 1/Semester 1: Voice/Speech Warm-up, Speech, Singing, Voice, Movement, Combat, Dramatic Literature, Text Analysis, Acting, Friday Scenes, Mainstage Production
Year 1/Semester 2: Voice/Speech Warm-up, Speech, Singing, Voice, Movement, Combat, Dramatic Literature, Text Analysis, Stanislavski Seminar, Acting, Friday Scenes, Mainstage Production
Year 2/Semester 1: Voice/Speech Warm-up, Speech, Singing, Voice, Movement, Combat, Text Analysis, Period Style and Movement, Stanislavski Seminar, Make-up, Acting, Mainstage Production
Year 2/Semester 2: Voice/Speech Warm-up, Speech, Singing, Voice, Movement, Combat, Text Analysis, Period Style and Movement, Stanislavski Seminar, Acting, Mainstage Production
Year 3/Semester 1: Voice/Speech Warm-up, Speech, Singing, Voice, Movement, Period Style and Movement, Acting for the Camera, Showcase Film Scenes, Career/Business Course, Acting, Acting Thesis, Mainstage Production
Year 3/Semester 2: Voice/Speech Warm-up, Speech, Singing, Voice, Thesis, Movement, Period Style and Movement, Acting for the Camera, Showcase Film Scenes, Career/Business Course, Acting, Acting Thesis-Showcase for Philadelphia, NYC, and LA, Mainstage Production
Internship: No internship is required.
Language Examination: No language examination is required.
Culminating Events:
Thesis:
A thesis presentation for showcases in Philadelphia, New York City, and Los Angeles is required. Through two contrasting scenes, the thesis should demonstrate the actor's range, skills, and craft as a performer, so that s/he can be showcased for the professionals in the entertainment industry with the goal of finding representation through talent and casting agents. The thesis is evaluated by the entire Graduate Acting Faculty and graded by the Master Acting Teacher.
Contacts
Program Contact Information:
www.temple.edu/theater
Department Information:
Tomlinson Theater
1301 West Norris Street
Philadelphia, PA 19122-6075
theater@temple.edu
215-204-8414
Department Contacts:
Admissions:
Nicole McKenna
nmckenna@temple.edu
215-204-1497
Denise Lannon
dlannon@temple.edu
215-204-8791
Head of Acting:
Dan Kern
dankern@temple.edu
215-204-9597
Chair:
Roberta Sloan
rsloan@temple.edu
215-204-3226
About the 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 oneself clearly. A physical, emotional, and intellectual strength is essential for the actor, as well as the willingness to use it by risking oneself 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.
Time Limit for Degree Completion: 2 years
Campus Location:
Main
Full-Time/Part-Time Status:
Students are required to complete the degree program through classes offered before and after 4:30 p.m.
Department Information:
Tomlinson Theater
1301 West Norris Street
Philadelphia, PA 19122-6075
theater@temple.edu
215-204-8414
Interdisciplinary Study:
Students are able to take some coursework with graduate students in Film and Media Arts and may participate, on a voluntary basis, in independent films directed by graduate and undergraduate directors in Film and Media Arts.
Affiliation(s):
Temple theater students have the opportunity to intern with many of the numerous professional theaters in Philadelphia, including the Arden Theatre, the Philadelphia Theatre Company, the Walnut Street Theater, and the Wilma Theater.
Study Abroad:
No.
Ranking:
The Temple University Theater Department's M.F.A. Program was rated 23rd for Graduate Theater Programs in 1997 by U.S. News & World Report.
Accreditation:
The Theater Department is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theater (NAST).
Areas of Specialization:
The actor is offered a well-rounded curriculum.
Job Placement:
The program is primarily focused on training our students for careers in the theater industry. Many are working in television, film, regional theater, off-Broadway, and Broadway.
Licensure:
Not applicable.
Non-Degree Student Policy:
The M.F.A. program does not permit non-matriculated students to take courses.
Financing Opportunities
Lab, studio, and classroom teaching opportunities are available for Teaching Assistants. Duties include assisting in grading papers for survey and literature classes. Assistantships carry a stipend and full tuition remission. Academic Internships are also available in production work, including rehearsal and performance of plays for the theater season.
Updated 7.2.10
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