Graduate Bulletin
Theater/Directing, M.F.A.
Center for the Arts / DIVISION OF THEATER, FILM AND MEDIA ARTS
Admission Requirements and Deadlines
Application Deadline:
Fall: February 1, 2012
* * APPLICATIONS are no longer being accepted
for FALL 2012 ADMISSION * *
The M.F.A. Directing program recruits applicants through the National Unified Auditions and Interviews conducted by University/Resident Theatre Association in New York and Chicago. We typically recruit two candidates in two consecutive years and skip the third year. The next class will be admitted for Fall 2012. We strongly encourage those interested in our program to apply at http://urta.com/index.php when the time comes. Applications are thoroughly screened, and top candidates are invited to interview at Temple or one of the U/RTA audition sites. After all candidates have been interviewed, those accepted are notified by letter by April 15. Candidates unable to interview as part of the NUA/I interviews should adhere to the criteria listed below.
All candidates must also complete the formal Temple University Graduate School application. 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 professionals in the field who are familiar with the applicant's work.
Coursework Required for Admission Consideration:
Coursework in Theater, typically completed as part of an undergraduate major in Theater, is required.
Bachelor's Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline:
The B.A. in Theater or B.F.A. degree in Acting, Design, or Directing is preferred.
Statement of Goals:
The Statement of Goals serves as the applicant’s opportunity to explain relevant experience, values, and areas of intense interest. It is the applicant's introduction to the department. It is to be written in essay format, but may be personal in style, and need be no longer than 500 words.
Standardized Test Scores:
Minimum TOEFL score needed to be accepted:
79 iBT or 550 PBT.
Interview:
The applicant meets with appropriate faculty, either through U/RTA or on Temple University's Main Campus.
Resume:
A resume is required.
Other:
In addition to a baccalaureate degree, applicants must have a body of professional or semi-professional experience in Directing.
Program Requirements
General Program Requirements:
Number of Didactic Credits Required Beyond the Baccalaureate: 60
Required Courses:
FMA 5341: Scene Analysis for Writers and Directors
THTR 5221: Acting I (graduate level)
THTR 5232: Vocal Production III
THTR 5388: Directing Practicum (six semesters)
THTR 5804: Dramaturgy
THTR 8001: Seminar in Dramatic Literature I
THTR 8002: Seminar in Dramatic Literature II
THTR 8601: Visual History I
THTR 8602: Visual History II
THTR 8611: Costume Design II
THTR 8701: History of Scenic Design
THTR 9242: Dance IV (LeCoq Technique)
THTR 9282: Teaching in Higher Education
THTR 9383: Projects in Directing (six semesters)
THTR 9511: Seminar in Lighting
THTR 9882: Playwrights and Directors
THTR 9995: Thesis
Proposed Progressive Coursework Outlined by Year:
Year 1:
THTR 5221: Acting I (graduate level)
THTR 5232: Vocal Production III
THTR 5388: Directing Practicum (two semesters of seminar and scene work in Realism)
THTR 8001: Seminar in Dramatic Literature I
THTR 8002: Seminar in Dramatic Literature II
THTR 8601: Visual History I
THTR 8602: Visual History II
THTR 9282: Teaching in Higher Education
THTR 9383: Projects in Directing
- M.F.A. One Acts
- M.F.A. PlayFest project (staged reading of new play)
Year 2:
THTR 5388: Directing Practicum (two semesters of seminar and scene work)
- Shakespeare technique/practicum
- Comedy survey/technique/practicum
THTR 5804: Dramaturgy
THTR 8611: Costume Design II
THTR 9242: Dance IV (LeCoq Technique)
THTR 9383: Projects in Directing
- Shakespeare Project
- M.F.A. PlayFest project (staged reading of new play)
THTR 9511: Seminar in Lighting
THTR 9882: Playwrights and Directors
Year 3:
FMA 5341: Scene Analysis for Writers and Directors
THTR 5388: Directing Practicum (two semesters of seminar and scene work)
- Musical Theater directing practicum
- Self-created/Ensemble-based work project
THTR 8701: History of Scenic Design
THTR 9383: Projects in Directing
- Serial TV project
- M.F.A. PlayFest project (staged reading of new play)
THTR 9995: Thesis
- Thesis Production (Main Season fully supported production)
- Written Thesis
Internship: No internship is required. Our program, however, maintains an excellent relationship with many Philadelphia area professional theaters. As a result, it is not unusual for a student to assist or direct in one of these venues prior to graduation. See “Third Year” description below.
Language Examination: No language examination is required.
Additional Requirements: First Year:
Students direct scenes plus a one-act play in the studio theater and serve as assistant to the director of a main stage show.
Second Year:
Scene work continues. Students also direct two unsupported projects in the studio theater.
Third Year:
Students direct a thesis production. This is a fully supported production that is part of the main stage season. During the alternate semester, an opportunity may exist for an internship. This choice requires faculty approval. An additional option is an unsupported project to allow the student to explore personal interests or career objectives in theater.
Practical Application (in addition to coursework):
First Year/Fall Semester:
Practical focus is on the short scene (5-10 minutes). Three scenes are presented to the department with a focus primarily on contemporary realism.
First Year/Spring Semester:
Continued practical focus is on directing scenes from acknowledged 20th-century classics.
Second Year/Fall Semester: Practical focus is on Shakespeare, culminating in the presentation of a Shakespeare scene project.
Second Year/Spring Semester: Practical focus is on scene work from a variety of non-realistic genres and styles, including the study of comedy.
Second Year: Potential opportunity exists to direct a minimally supported full-length production during one of the semesters.
Third Year/Fall Semester: Practical focus is on new work, including self-created/ensemble-based work.
Third Year/Spring Semester: Practical focus is on the serial television project as well as musical theater.
Culminating Events:
Thesis:
One fully supported thesis project is produced in the main season during the third year. This is accompanied by a detailed, comprehensive written thesis, which includes an account of the research and script analysis that preceded the rehearsal process, a director’s rehearsal log, and the student's evaluation of the production. The student meets with appropriate faculty after the production has closed for discussion and evaluation of both the process and the production. Faculty members look systematically at all aspects of the theater production and evaluate the student in terms of what was attempted and what was achieved. Theatrical concept, unity of design and stylistic approach, the visual and aural components of storytelling, and ensemble work of the actors are evaluated from the point of view of directing, acting, and design.
Contacts
Program Contact Information:
www.temple.edu/theater/
Department Information:
Tomlinson Theater
1301 W. Norris Street
Philadelphia, PA 19122
theater@temple.edu
215-204-8414
Department Contacts:
Admissions:
Leah Dempsey
leahdempsey@temple.edu
215-204-8791
Head of Directing:
Douglas C. Wager
dwager@temple.edu
215-204-6127
Chair:
Douglas C. Wager
dwager@temple.edu
215-204-6127
About the Program
The focus of the M.F.A. program in Theater/Directing is to develop the directing student as a visionary creative communicator and artistic leader who is fully capable of illuminating a text through the exploration of character in collaboration with the writer, the actors, and the design/production team and who, through that work, delivers a compelling and unified theatrical storytelling event to the audience.
Time Limit for Degree Completion: 3 years
Campus Location:
Main
Full-Time/Part-Time Status:
Full-time study is required.
Department Information:
Tomlinson Theater
1301 W. Norris Street
Philadelphia, PA 19122
theater@temple.edu
215-204-8414
Interdisciplinary Study:
Students are able to take coursework in film with graduate students 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 Lantern Theater Company, the Philadelphia Theatre Company, the Prince Music Theater, and the Wilma Theater.
Study Abroad:
No.
Ranking:
The Temple University Theater Department's M.F.A. Program was rated 13th for graduate theater programs in 2012 by U.S. News & World Report.
Accreditation:
The Theater Department is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theater (NAST) and is a founding member of the University/Resident Theatre Association.
Areas of Specialization:
The focus of the program is on developing the director as a master “storyteller.” Students focus on learning, through the study of craft-based pedagogy, about the director’s primary commitment to the illumination of text for an audience through the work of the actor; through design, staging, thematic, and theatrical interpretation; and through artistic/team collaboration and leadership.
Job Placement:
The program is primarily focused on training students for careers in professional theater.
Licensure:
Not applicable.
Non-Matriculated Student Policy:
Coursework may not be taken on a non-matriculated basis. Graduate students are admitted on a full-time matriculated basis only.
Financing Opportunities
Based on the number of assistantships allocated to the program, three-year Teaching Assistantships are awarded to students upon acceptance in the program. The award provides both a stipend and tuition remission (either full or half). Fellowships are occasionally awarded to exceptionally qualified, eligible students.
Updated 3.20.13
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