Overview

The Theater programme at Temple University provides a comprehensive foundation for students aiming to excel in the creative and cognitive aspects of the performing arts. Based in the School of Theater, Film and Media Arts, this undergraduate degree prepares the next generation of artists through a rigorous blend of academic study and practical application. Students benefit from an interdisciplinary environment located in the vibrant cultural hub of Philadelphia.

Why Theater at Temple University?

Temple University offers a unique artistic environment where classroom learning is seamlessly integrated with professional production experience. The programme is housed in the Annenberg Hall and Tomlinson Theater complex, featuring specialised facilities such as a costume shop, a dedicated light lab for special effects research, and a comprehensive scene shop for carpentry and metalworking. Students have access to two distinct performance spaces: the 425-seat Tomlinson Theater and the more intimate 80-seat Randall Theater.

The faculty consists of highly trained scholars and active professionals with significant credits in Philadelphia, New York, and international theater scenes. Beyond the campus, students can participate in prestigious study away programmes in London or Los Angeles, gaining global perspectives on performance and the film industry. The department also maintains strong ties with local institutions, facilitating internships at renowned venues like the Walnut Street Theatre and the Wilma Theater.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 37032 per year
National fee: USD 37032 per year
Local fee: USD 21360 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is designed to offer flexibility, allowing students to follow a general Theater Studies Sequence or specialise in concentrations such as Acting, Directing, or Design and Production. All students must complete four production contracts to gain essential backstage and operational experience. Modules may include:

Acting
Design and Production
Directing
Theater Studies
Costume Design
Scenic Design
Lighting and Project Design
Stage Management
Theater Education

Careers with Theater

Graduates of the Theater programme are equipped with versatile skills in leadership, communication, and creative problem-solving that are applicable both within and beyond the arts sector. Many alumni pursue advanced training in graduate conservatory programmes or enter directly into professional roles in film, television, and stage production. Potential career paths include:

Acting and Performance
Theatrical Directing
Set, Costume, and Lighting Design
Scenic Carpentry and Properties
Stage Management
Theater Education and Secondary Teaching
Scene Painting and Sound Design

The programme's emphasis on collaborative processes and technical proficiency ensures that students are prepared for the demands of the modern entertainment industry and related educational fields.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Creativity

Welcome Backstage

Production Practicum

Analytical Reading and Writing

Theater Process

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-11 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-08-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-06-30 00:00:00

Language

English

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TOEFL^® IBT

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IELTS

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Credits

124 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Philadelphia, United States

Disciplines

Drama View 1333 other Bachelors in Drama in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

110

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

National Students

Self-Report High School Transcript

Fee (Fee waivers are available for freshmen who qualify)

Essay

Extracurriculars

International Students

Temple's online application or online Common Application or Paper application to submit by mail

Official High School or University Transcripts with English Translations

Standardized Tests (SAT, ACT, TOEFL iBT, IELTS or PTE)

Apply as an international student if you hold or will need to obtain a nonimmigrant visa, including a student (F-1) or an exchange visitor (J-1) visa.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

37032 USD / year

≈ 37032 USD / year
Out-of-State

37032 USD / year

≈ 37032 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

21360 USD / year

≈ 21360 USD / year

Living costs

Philadelphia

United States

1313 - 2284 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Theater.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Philadelphia

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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