sarahendipity

Thank you! The move felt a bit big for me, so I've opted to stay in Canada. But for anyone applying in another year, Temple offered me tuition remission and a $19,000 stipend, so could be worth adding to your list!

Hello! A very long-time lurker here who would love some advice. I find myself at a crossroads! I'm a Canadian applicant; applied for some schools in Canada and some in the States. I have an offer from the University of Guelph Humber creative writing program with a speciality in playwriting. I thought that would be an easy yes since it's located in Toronto--which is a pretty big theatre hub, and tuition is low (with the scholarship I'd be paying around $1,500 per semester). Just a couple of days ago, I received an email out of the blue from Temple University in Philadelphia and spoke to the interim program director today. They offer full-tuition remission and a $19,000 per year stipend. It'd been so long I just assumed I'd been rejected so completely floored to get the email. It also seems like a great program--very hands on, three years (instead of the 2-years in Toronto), chance to delve into some musical theatre writing, and a production opportunity in the final year. Does anyone know anything about Temple's program, or what Philadelphia is like to live in as a city? Is Philly a big theatre city? Close to New York which is exciting. I'm really trying to consider what opportunities are like for emerging artists. It seems like such a cool program (and the money doesn't hurt) but I worry about going from being a small fish in a big pond (Toronto) to a small fish in an even bigger pond (Philadelphia/USA). I'd love to hear from anyone, and if there are any other international/Canadian folks on the forum your thoughts would be hugely appreciated! Thanks folks.