Rutgers - Mason Gross School of the Arts

Rutgers University's Mason Gross School of the Arts traces its origins to 1976, when the school was formally established as the professional arts school of Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey. Named in honor of Mason Welch Gross, the 16th president of Rutgers who was a scholar of philosophy and the arts, the school brought together existing programs in music, visual arts, and theater into a cohesive arts conservatory within the public university system. The theater program, which offers both BFA and MFA degrees in Acting, has grown into one of the most respected actor training programs on the East Coast, known for its rigorous classical technique and its proximity to New York City. The MFA program, in particular, has earned a reputation as one of the strongest graduate acting programs in the country, producing consistently working professionals who move seamlessly between theater, film, and television. Rutgers' position as a major public research university means that Mason Gross students benefit from the resources and infrastructure of a large institution while receiving conservatory-caliber training. The school's New Brunswick, New Jersey campus is approximately one hour from Manhattan by train, giving students access to the New York industry while maintaining a focused training environment.

In 2025, the Mason Gross theater program continues to build on decades of excellence, with the MFA in Acting program standing as one of the program's crown jewels. The training is built on the Meisner technique, with additional emphasis on classical texts, Shakespearean performance, voice and speech, and Suzuki/Viewpoints movement — a combination that produces actors who are technically grounded in truthful behavior and physically dynamic on stage. What distinguishes Mason Gross from many comparable programs is the depth of its classical training and its unique partnership with Shakespeare's Globe in London through the Rutgers Conservatory at Shakespeare's Globe study abroad program. The program also regularly co-produces professional productions with regional and Off-Broadway theaters, giving students professional-level experience before graduation. The school's proximity to New York brings a steady stream of industry professionals to campus as guest directors, visiting artists, and workshop leaders. Sebastian Stan, one of the biggest movie stars of the current era, is among the program's most prominent recent alumni, demonstrating the career heights that Mason Gross graduates can reach.

Admission to Mason Gross requires a talent assessment — essentially an audition — that evaluates an applicant's acting ability, vocal quality, physical expressiveness, and potential for growth. BFA applicants prepare audition materials that typically include two contrasting monologues, and those who advance may be invited to callbacks that include additional exercises and interviews with faculty. MFA applicants follow a similar process but are expected to demonstrate more substantial prior training and professional experience. All applicants who complete the talent assessment are automatically considered for merit scholarships, making the audition not only an evaluation of talent but also an opportunity for financial support. Academic credentials are also considered, as Rutgers is a competitive public university with genuine academic standards. The FAFSA priority deadline is December 1 for first-year students and February 1 for graduate and transfer students, and prospective students should file early to maximize their financial aid eligibility.

The training at Mason Gross progresses through a carefully sequenced curriculum that builds fundamental skills in the first year and expands into increasingly complex performance challenges over three to four years. The Meisner technique forms the core of the acting training, teaching students to live truthfully under imaginary circumstances through exercises that develop genuine listening, spontaneous response, and emotional availability. Classical text work — particularly Shakespeare — is a major emphasis, and the opportunity to study at Shakespeare's Globe in London is one of the program's most distinctive features. Voice and speech training draws on established methodologies including Linklater and Skinner, while movement training incorporates Suzuki Method and Viewpoints to develop physical expressiveness and stage presence. Students perform in multiple productions each year, including co-productions with professional companies that provide Equity-adjacent experience. The program culminates in a New York City showcase that connects graduating students with agents, managers, and casting directors, and the school's reputation among East Coast industry professionals ensures strong attendance.

Mason Gross attracts serious, dedicated actors who want rigorous training with strong classical foundations and a clear pathway to professional work, particularly in the New York market. The program's alumni include Sebastian Stan, Calista Flockhart, Jane Krakowski, Kristin Davis, and numerous other working professionals in theater, film, and television. Sebastian Stan's recent Oscar nomination and Golden Globe win have brought significant new attention to the program. Mason Gross graduates are particularly well-represented on Broadway, in Off-Broadway productions, and in New York-based television, reflecting the school's strong connections to the East Coast industry. The MFA program tends to attract actors with several years of professional experience who want to deepen their training, while the BFA program draws talented high school graduates and transfer students. The program's Meisner foundation means that graduates share a common training vocabulary that facilitates collaboration and mutual support throughout their careers.

As a public university, Rutgers offers tuition that is significantly lower than comparable private institutions, though exact rates vary based on residency status and program. Out-of-state undergraduate tuition is approximately $35,000 per year, while in-state rates are considerably lower — typically around $16,000-$17,000 per year. Graduate tuition follows a similar pattern with reduced rates for New Jersey residents. All applicants who complete the talent assessment are automatically considered for merit scholarships, and additional need-based financial aid is available through FAFSA. Graduate assistantships and teaching positions can further offset costs for MFA candidates. Compared to private programs like NYU Tisch, Columbia, or Carnegie Mellon, Mason Gross offers comparable training quality at a fraction of the cost, particularly for New Jersey residents. The combination of public university affordability and genuine conservatory rigor makes Mason Gross one of the strongest value propositions in actor training.

Mason Gross is an excellent choice for actors who want serious classical training with a strong Meisner foundation and easy access to the New York market, particularly for New Jersey residents who can take advantage of in-state tuition rates. The MFA program is especially well-suited for actors with professional experience who want to deepen their technique without incurring the debt associated with private programs. If you are drawn to classical theater and want the unique experience of studying at Shakespeare's Globe in London, Mason Gross offers an opportunity that is genuinely unavailable elsewhere. Actors who prioritize being physically located in New York City during their training may prefer programs at NYU, Columbia, or The New School. If you want a broader range of training methodologies rather than a primarily Meisner-based approach, NYU Tisch's studio system offers more variety. For actors seeking the absolute lowest cost, UNCSA provides comparable conservatory training at even lower public university rates.

If you are an out-of-state student, research New Jersey residency requirements early — establishing residency can dramatically reduce your tuition costs over the course of the program. Take full advantage of the Shakespeare's Globe study abroad opportunity, as it is one of the most distinctive features of the program and provides training that will set you apart from graduates of other schools. Build relationships with the New York-based guest artists and visiting directors who regularly work at Mason Gross — these connections often lead directly to professional opportunities. Use the proximity to New York to see as much theater as possible, attend industry events, and begin building your professional network while still in school. Prepare for the NYC showcase thoroughly, as Mason Gross's reputation among East Coast casting directors means the showcase is well-attended and generates real results. Connect with the alumni network early and often, particularly recent graduates who are actively working and can provide practical guidance about navigating the transition from school to the profession.