Temple University MFA

Temple University's Division of Theater, Film, and Media Arts has offered graduate-level actor training in Philadelphia since the mid-twentieth century, building on the university's long tradition of accessible public education in one of America's most historically significant cities. Temple was founded in 1884 by Russell Conwell with the explicit mission of providing educational opportunity to working-class students, and this commitment to access and affordability has defined the theater program throughout its history. The MFA in Acting program was designed as an ensemble-based, cohort-model training experience that admitted small groups of actors every three years for an intensive three-year course of study, reflecting a philosophy that deep artistic development requires sustained work with the same group of collaborators over an extended period. The program's Philadelphia location has historically been one of its strongest assets, situating students in a city with a vibrant professional theater scene anchored by companies like the Wilma Theater, Arden Theatre Company, People's Light Theatre Company, and the Philadelphia Theatre Company. However, it is critical to note that as of 2025, the Temple MFA in Acting program is not currently accepting applications and its future status is uncertain — prospective students should contact the Division of Theater, Film, and Media Arts directly for the most current information about program availability. Temple's broader theater offerings, including undergraduate programs, continue to operate within the university's College of Liberal Arts.

When active, the Temple MFA in Acting operated as a three-year graduate program emphasizing ensemble-based training, classical and contemporary technique, voice and movement, and devised work within the context of a major urban research university. The program's cohort model — admitting a new class approximately every three years — created an intimate, intensive training environment with very small class sizes that allowed for deep individual attention from faculty. Training covered a comprehensive range of skills including Stanislavski-based technique, classical text work, Linklater voice, Viewpoints and Suzuki movement, stage combat, and on-camera technique, with an emphasis on developing versatile actors who could work across multiple styles and media. Students performed in multiple productions per year in Temple's Tomlinson Theater and other performance spaces, working with both faculty directors and guest professional artists from Philadelphia's theater community. The program's integration with Philadelphia's professional theater scene provided students with opportunities to observe, intern with, and occasionally perform alongside working professionals at major regional companies. The university's North Philadelphia campus location, while grittier than some academic settings, placed students in an authentically urban environment that informed the socially engaged artistic work the program valued. The program historically attracted actors who were drawn to its ensemble philosophy, affordable tuition, and the rich cultural landscape of Philadelphia.

When the program was actively admitting students, the application process required a standard graduate school application through Temple University plus an artistic audition that typically included two contrasting monologues, a cold reading exercise, and an interview with faculty. Because the program admitted cohorts every three years, the application timeline did not follow the standard annual admissions cycle, and prospective students needed to verify which admission years were open before applying. The cohort model meant that only 6-10 students were admitted in each cycle, making the program highly selective during its active admissions periods. The program sought actors with some professional or advanced training experience who were ready for the intensity of a graduate-level conservatory program and who would contribute positively to the ensemble dynamic of the cohort. Academic credentials including undergraduate transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose were considered alongside the audition, though artistic potential was the primary factor in admission decisions. As of 2025, the program is not currently accepting applications, and prospective students interested in MFA acting training in the Philadelphia region should explore alternatives while monitoring Temple's announcements about the program's future. Contacting the Division of Theater, Film, and Media Arts directly is the best way to get current information about the program's status and any plans for future admissions.

The three-year MFA curriculum, when active, was structured to develop actors progressively through foundational technique, advanced application, and professional integration. The first year focused on building core acting technique, voice and speech foundations, and physical training through movement disciplines including Viewpoints and stage combat. The second year deepened the work with classical text, advanced scene study, and more challenging performance assignments, while also introducing specialized skills like on-camera technique and dialect work. The third year was heavily performance-focused, with students taking on leading roles in departmental productions and beginning the transition to professional work through showcases and industry connections. Throughout all three years, the ensemble-based philosophy meant that students worked intensively with the same cohort of classmates, developing the deep collaborative relationships and shared artistic vocabulary that characterize the best ensemble training. The program's connection to Philadelphia's professional theater community was woven throughout the curriculum, with guest artists from local companies teaching masterclasses, directing productions, and mentoring students. The combination of rigorous studio training with regular exposure to professional work in one of the country's strongest regional theater markets created a training experience that prepared graduates for the practical realities of a professional acting career.

The Temple MFA attracted actors who valued ensemble-based training, affordable education, and the cultural richness of Philadelphia's theater community. Students tended to be slightly older and more experienced than those entering some other MFA programs, often coming to Temple with undergraduate theater degrees, professional credits, or significant community and regional theater experience. The program's Philadelphia location drew students who wanted to train in a major East Coast city without the extreme costs of New York, and who appreciated the opportunity to build professional relationships in a theater market that, while smaller than New York, offers genuine and sustained career opportunities. The cohort model created an unusually tight-knit community, with classmates who trained together for three years often maintaining professional collaborations long after graduation. Philadelphia's theater community is known for its collaborative spirit and its receptiveness to emerging artists, and Temple MFA students historically found the city to be a welcoming environment for their development. The program served actors who prioritized the quality and depth of their training over brand-name institutional prestige, and who recognized that Philadelphia's professional theater ecosystem offered a viable alternative to the overwhelming competition of New York.

When the program was active, tuition at Temple University for graduate students was approximately $19,882 per year for Pennsylvania residents and $28,940 per year for out-of-state students, making it one of the most affordable MFA in Acting programs on the East Coast. Graduate assistantships with tuition waivers and stipends were available to some admitted students, further reducing the financial burden. The total cost of attendance including housing and living expenses in Philadelphia was significantly lower than comparable programs in New York or Los Angeles — Philadelphia's cost of living is approximately 40-50% lower than Manhattan, making it possible for graduate students to live comfortably on modest budgets. Compared to private university MFA programs that can cost $60,000-$80,000 per year, or even other public university programs in more expensive markets, Temple's tuition represented exceptional value for the quality of training provided. The three-year program length meant that even at full tuition, the total investment was modest compared to the potential career returns of a respected MFA degree. Students who secured assistantships could complete the entire program for minimal out-of-pocket costs, making Temple one of the most financially accessible paths to an MFA in Acting available anywhere in the country. However, since the program is not currently accepting applications, these figures are historical and should be verified if the program reopens in the future.

Because the Temple MFA in Acting is not currently accepting applications as of 2025, it cannot be recommended as a viable option for actors seeking immediate graduate training. However, if the program reopens in the future, it would be worth strong consideration for actors who value ensemble-based training, affordable tuition, and the cultural richness of Philadelphia's theater community — particularly Pennsylvania residents for whom the in-state tuition would make this one of the most affordable MFA programs in the country. Actors seeking MFA training in the Philadelphia region should currently consider alternative programs such as the University of the Arts or explore programs in nearby markets. For affordable East Coast MFA options, Rutgers, Penn State, and the University of Delaware's Professional Theatre Training Program (PTTP) offer strong alternatives. Actors specifically drawn to ensemble-based training models should look at programs like Brown/Trinity, ART at Harvard, or Dell'Arte International, though availability and cost vary significantly. Prospective students should monitor Temple's Division of Theater, Film, and Media Arts for announcements about future admissions cycles.

If you are interested in Temple's MFA program, contact the Division of Theater, Film, and Media Arts directly to get the most current information about program status and any planned future admissions cycles — do not rely solely on website information, which may not be updated promptly. While waiting for potential program reopening, continue developing your craft through professional work, workshops, and other training opportunities that will strengthen your eventual graduate school application. Explore Philadelphia's vibrant theater scene independently by attending productions, volunteering, and connecting with companies like the Wilma Theater, Arden Theatre, and People's Light — building relationships in the community will serve you whether or not you ultimately train at Temple. Consider whether the cohort-model admissions cycle aligns with your career timeline, as the every-three-years schedule means you may need to adjust your plans if the program does reopen. If you are a Pennsylvania resident, keep Temple on your radar as a potentially exceptional value if the program returns, since in-state tuition plus assistantship funding could make this one of the most affordable MFA paths available. Research the current landscape of funded MFA programs broadly, as the availability and financial terms of graduate acting programs shift frequently and new opportunities may emerge while Temple's program status is uncertain.