<p>I have been considering going back to school. I earned my BA in Theatre in 1995, went into teaching, and recently I have been doing small roles in local theatre. I'll just say it...I'm 41. Am I being ridiculous to think I could join a MFA program at my age?</p>
<p>It shouldn’t be a problem at a lot of places as long as you appear to be physically up for it. Especially at the schools where the MFA candidates teach the undergrads. There was a man in his 50s in the MFA program at my State U when I was there freshman year. Why not hit the URTAs this winter and test the waters?</p>
<p>I know “older” applicants who have attended the Pace, Yale, and Penn State programs.</p>
<p>Dear Hedda, There has been a shift in recent years for some MFA acting programs towards accepting “Mid Career” applicants, meaning, older applicants with some experience. This generally means that the applicants will have been working in the theater for several years. Your teaching experience could be a plus for you. There are also some MFA programs that cater specifically to older applicants. I know that Temple University has this kind of MFA program, and it even involves a yearly professional repertory season of plays. I have seen some of the repertory work there and it is quite good. I trust that there are many other programs around the country like this. The important thing is to be in great shape as an actor (enroll in a challenging, ongoing acting class or have a good private teacher), find great classical and contemporary material for the audition (material that is age appropriate, a great fit for your specific talents, and is NOT OVERUSED) and get some coaching help for the audition. As well, and this is good to remember, age discrimination is illegal in the United States. But you have to personally get over your own fears about your age and be PROUD of who you are and where you are in your life. As well, you need to believe 1000% in your talent and be willing to work as hard as you can to be successful. At ANY age, the theater is a brutally competitive profession. And I’ll just say it. I am a bit older than you are. :o)</p>
<p>U Delaware seeks seasoned applicants. As do many other programs that I’m aware of. In fact, you would be sought after as a candidate based solely on your age. Of course, talent is needed as well, but we’ll assume that. Good luck.</p>
<p>At UVa, we had an MFA in her 60s. She was one of my absolute favorite grad students. So nice and incredibly talented and knowledgeable!</p>
<p>Thanks everyone 
I think I’m going to give it another year… I agree that I need to be in excellent “acting"shape.” That’s what the next year is going to be dedicated to…age is only a state of mind!!</p>
<p>I graduated from the Yale School of Drama in 2006 at the age of 35. I think I was the third oldest person in my graduating class, and the oldest to graduate from my particular concentration (Stage Management). That said, no one ever made age an issue. There was a theatre management student in his late 50s whom others looked up to for his poise, professionalism and life experience. Any acting program who is willing to admit you is certainly not going to have an issue with your age. More likely they are going to appreciate what you are capable of bringing to the table. I know this to be the case at YSD.</p>