Pig Iron School Finds New Home at Rowan University, Ensuring Continuity for MFA Program

After the abrupt closure of the University of the Arts in June, the Pig Iron School has partnered with Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey, to resume its master of fine arts program. The theater school, which previously ran its MFA through UArts, had paused the fall 2024 semester as it searched for a new accredited university partner. Now, Rowan's College of Performing Arts will serve as the program's institutional home, with the spring 2025 semester set to begin in January 2025, pending final approval from the education boards of Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Ensuring Stability and Affordability for Pig Iron's Renowned MFA Program

Seamless Transition for Current and Incoming MFA Students

The partnership with Rowan University aims to minimize disruption for the Pig Iron School's MFA students. Of the 35 incoming and current students, 21 are returning students whose tuition costs will not increase with the transition. Pig Iron cofounder and coartistic director Quinn Bauriedel emphasizes that the general tuition costs for the program will not increase, as Rowan's published tuition is "extraordinarily less expensive" than the "very, very expensive" rates at UArts.

Aligning Artistic Visions and Expanding Offerings

Rowan's College of Performing Arts was an ideal fit for the Pig Iron School, as the institutions share a "movement-driven approach to theater." According to Rick Dammers, the dean of Rowan's performing arts college, many of his colleagues already have connections to Pig Iron, suggesting strong artistic synergies between the programs. The partnership allows Rowan to expand its graduate program offerings without the extensive start-up work required to create a new program from scratch.

Securing Pig Iron's Future and Recovering from UArts' Closure

The transition to Rowan University represents a crucial step in ensuring the stability and future of the Pig Iron School. Despite the "roller coaster summer" following UArts' abrupt closure, Pig Iron has forged on, successfully mounting two productions this year, including the well-received world premiere of "Poor Judge." However, the school is still owed approximately 0,000 in expenses by UArts, a significant portion of its typical .3 to .8 million budget. Pig Iron is also considering legal action as UArts faces a number of class-action lawsuits and has filed for bankruptcy.

Expanding Pig Iron's Reach through Rowan Partnership

The partnership with Rowan University not only secures the future of Pig Iron's MFA program but also presents an opportunity to expand the school's reach. Pig Iron's nationwide tour of theater workshops will now be able to share the good news that its school doors will open once more, allowing the institution to continue its mission of nurturing and developing the next generation of theater artists.