An audition, portfolio, or departmental interview is required for all students applying to the Department of Drama. Acting and musical theater applicants are required to submit a prescreening audition.

Students are responsible for completing their required talent component in addition to meeting VPA and Syracuse University application deadlines. Refer to your program of interest below for specific instructions.

Prospective students must also complete the Syracuse University application. Note: you will receive an email notification with details on how to access the applicant portal within 72 hours of submitting your application. Please plan accordingly.

Drama Application Deadlines

Acting and Musical Theater (Regular Decision only*):

  • December 1, 2023*: University application and prescreen audition materials due
  • January 5, 2024: Audition callback: virtual audition materials due
  • January-February 2024: Audition callback: in-person audition events

*Early Decision is not available for applicants to acting and musical theater. Please note the distinct deadlines for these programs which are different than other University application deadlines.

Stage Management, Theater Design and Technology, and Theater Management (B.S. Drama):

  • November 15, 2023: Early Decision application and portfolio materials due
  • January 5, 2024: Early Decision II and Regular Decision application and portfolio materials due
  • January-February 2024: In-person campus interviews and portfolio reviews

Early Decision:

  • Not available for acting and musical theater
  • November 15, 2023: Application and portfolio materials for stage management, theater management, and theater design and technology

Early Decision II:

  • Not available for acting and musical theater
  • January 5, 2024: Application and portfolio materials for stage management, theater management, and theater design and technology

Regular Decision (fall):

  • December 1, 2023: Application and prescreen auditions for acting and musical theater
  • January 5, 2024: Application and portfolio materials for stage management, theater design and technology, and theater management
  • January and early February 2024: Final in-person auditions, portfolio reviews, and virtual interviews will be scheduled.

Spring Enrollment:

Spring enrollment into VPA programs is very limited. Please call the Office of Recruitment and Admissions to discuss availability and timeline.

 

See Drama Audition Dates

Acting Prescreening and Audition Requirements

Musical Theater Prescreening and Audition Requirements

Audition Preparation Advice

Stage Management Portfolio and Interview Requirements

Theater Design and Technology Portfolio Requirements

B.S. in Drama: Theater Management Requirements


Transfer Students

Transfer students are encouraged to complete the application and audition, portfolio review/interview or transcript review as soon as possible, as space is limited in some programs. It is strongly recommended that transfer applicants to VPA follow the first-year application deadlinesTransfer applicants to the acting and musical theater programs must follow the first-year deadlines due to the prescreening audition requirement, which transfer applicants must complete. Please note:

  • Include with your talent submission an unofficial college transcript. This is in addition to the official college transcript you send with your application for admission.
  • Include a paragraph explaining why you wish to study drama, what major you hope to pursue and why, what you expect from the major, and your career aspirations.