The Tepper Semester is a unique program from Syracuse University’s Department of Drama that offers undergraduate students in advanced levels of acting, casting, design, directing, dramaturgy, musical theater, playwriting, producing, stage management, and theater management the opportunity to immerse themselves in a rigorous artistic training program in the culturally rich setting of New York City.
The Tepper Semester is named for its founder, Tony Award-winning theater and film producer Arielle Tepper ’94, a Syracuse University drama alumna who also established the department’s Tepper Center for Careers in Theater. The program welcomes qualified applicants from other schools, colleges, and universities.
The Tepper Advantage
- Live and study in the heart of the New York professional theater scene. You will take classes at Syracuse University’s Fisher Center, with musical theater dance classes held at Broadway Dance Center. Attend up to 30 productions on and off Broadway that expose you to numerous genres of theater. Learn about the artistic process from industry professionals who attend your classes on a weekly basis for workshops and discussion.
- Learn from the best. The Tepper Semester features a faculty of prominent industry professionals. Take advantage of unprecedented opportunities to develop valuable relationships with exceptional artists in the industry. As an immersion experience, this professional preparatory semester creates the base of a national arts network for emerging artists.
- Build a critical understanding of the profession through daily artistic training. In addition to core classes, your curriculum is rounded out with numerous master classes with industry professionals, including master teachers, actors, casting directors, agents, composers, writers, designers, stage managers, and production staff members.
- Receive one-on-one attention. Our supportive, nurturing environment helps build confidence and focus.
About the Program
The core curriculum was designed for each student to build a critical understanding of the profession through daily artistic training. In addition to core classes, your curriculum is rounded out with numerous masterclasses with industry professionals, including master teachers, actors, casting directors, agents, producers, composers, writers, designers, stage managers, and production staff members.
Acting
- DRA 451 Topics in Theatrical and Dramatic History (3 credits)
Students attend Broadway and off-Broadway theater two nights per week as a basis of exploration into period, play analysis, stylistic development, etc. Class meets once a week for instruction in addition to attending the theater. - DRA 550 Professional Practices (3 credits)
This class is designed to support the student in gaining practical experience and knowledge of the entertainment business. During the semester students are exposed to experienced professionals in the field of theater, film, and television through workshops and dialogue, field trips, and hands-on assignments. - DRA 530 Advanced Actors Workshop (3 credits)
An experiential exploration of the acting process, focusing on advanced acting techniques and their application to modern, classical, and poetic texts. One-half of the semester period is taught on camera with an emphasis on the acting process as applied to all genres of film and television texts. - DRA 527 Dialects (3 credits)
Standard foreign dialects for dramatic purposes using phonograph records and phonetic transcriptions of foreign dialects. - DRA 523 Audition Technique (3 credits)
Audition procedures and techniques necessary for a career in a changing theater, film, and television industry. Course will include readings, lecture/discussion, and practice. - DRA 400 Conditioning for the Actor (3 credits)
Movement, improvisation, breathing, and relaxation techniques for developing coordination, posture correction, and physical confidence combined with modern and jazz dance exercises for developing strength, flexibility, balance, and endurance. - DRA 400 Improvisation for Actors (1 credit)
Introduces and explores the fundamental principles of improvisation, exercises in agreement, support, object and environment work, commitment, spontaneity and listening, and strong clear character choices. The framework and structure of the course will provide for the group exploration of the acting process and performance from an improvisational base. - DRA 090 New York City as Museum (0-1 credit)
Introduces students to life in New York as well as art that can be found in every corner of the city. Assignments will have students locate and identify iconic locations or works of art in multiple boroughs. This may include activities such as outdoor walking tours, museum trips, or subway rides. Assignments will also feature theater-related locations. The class will culminate in a final creative project reflecting their visits throughout the term.
Casting
- DRA 451 Topics in Theatrical and Dramatic History (3 credits)
Students attend Broadway and off-Broadway theater two nights per week as a basis of exploration into period, stylistic development, or other aspect of the history of theater. In addition to text analysis there is a guest artist series, during which the cast and creative team of a given show attend class and engage in discussion about the creative process with the students. Students will be required to research plays; complete weekly written assignments on play structure, style, choice of space, and concept. - DRD 599 Internship (9 credits)
- DRA 400 Casting As a Profession (3 credits)
Class taught by experienced casting professionals who teach the detailed process for casting film, theater, and television. - DRA 090 New York City as Museum (0-1 credit)
Introduces students to life in New York as well as art that can be found in every corner of the city. Assignments will have students locate and identify iconic locations or works of art in multiple boroughs. This may include activities such as outdoor walking tours, museum trips, or subway rides. Assignments will also feature theater-related locations. The class will culminate in a final creative project reflecting their visits throughout the term.
Design
- DRA 451 Topics in Theatrical and Dramatic History (3 credits)
Students attend Broadway and off-Broadway theater two nights per week as a basis of exploration into period, stylistic development, or other aspect of the history of theater. In addition to text analysis there is a guest artist series, during which the cast and creative team of a given show attend class and engage in discussion about the creative process with the students. Students will be required to research plays; complete weekly written assignments on play structure, style, choice of space, and concept. - DRD 599 Internship (9 credits)
- DRA 490 Independent Study (3 credits)
- DRA 090 New York City as Museum (0-1 credit)
Introduces students to life in New York as well as art that can be found in every corner of the city. Assignments will have students locate and identify iconic locations or works of art in multiple boroughs. This may include activities such as outdoor walking tours, museum trips, or subway rides. Assignments will also feature theater-related locations. The class will culminate in a final creative project reflecting their visits throughout the term.
Directing
- DRA 451 Topics in Theatrical and Dramatic History (3 credits)
Students attend Broadway and off-Broadway theater two nights per week as a basis of exploration into period, play analysis, stylistic development, etc. Class meets once a week for instruction in addition to attending the theater. - DRD 599 Internship (9 credits)
Intern with a professional director on a theater production in New York City. Students can expect to intern and shadow a director up to 20 hours per week during the internship earning 9 academic course credits. (All aspects of the pre-production and rehearsal process will be covered.) In addition students will have a bi-weekly internship meeting/lab facilitated by a mentor from the professional directing world. The internship lab will give students the opportunity to discuss their individual experiences and address challenges and concerns. (The lab will include discussions with a diverse group of directors for further artistic exposure to the field.) - DRA 500 Advanced Directing: Scene Study (3 credits)
This class is designed to support the student in gaining practical experience and knowledge of the business of directing. Students will focus on increasing conceptual skills and rehearsal techniques by directing assigned materials under close faculty supervision. - DRA 090 New York City as Museum (0-1 credit)
Introduces students to life in New York as well as art that can be found in every corner of the city. Assignments will have students locate and identify iconic locations or works of art in multiple boroughs. This may include activities such as outdoor walking tours, museum trips, or subway rides. Assignments will also feature theater-related locations. The class will culminate in a final creative project reflecting their visits throughout the term.
Dramaturgy
- DRA 451 Topics in Theatrical and Dramatic History (3 credits)
Students attend Broadway and Off-Broadway theater two nights per week as a basis of exploration into period, play analysis, stylistic development etc. Class meets once a week for instruction in addition to attending the theater.
Class Topic: Theater Immersion and Analysis - DRA 400 Dramaturgy (3 credits)
Students will learn the various facets of professional dramaturgy including story development and project research through narrative works with a focus on the American theater cannon. Students will also explore the intricacies of working as a dramaturg in the industry. - DRD 599 Internship (9 credits)
Intern with a director or theater company in NYC. Students can expect to intern between 20 and 35 hours per week during the internship earning 9 academic course credits. In addition, students will have regular meetings with their casting mentors. This will give students the opportunity to discuss their individual experiences and address challenges and concerns. - DRA 090 New York City as Museum (0-1 credit)
Introduces students to life in New York as well as art that can be found in every corner of the city. Assignments will have students locate and identify iconic locations or works of art in multiple boroughs. This may include activities such as outdoor walking tours, museum trips, or subway rides. Assignments will also feature theater-related locations. The class will culminate in a final creative project reflecting their visits throughout the term.
Musical Theater
- DRA 451 Topics in Theatrical and Dramatic History (3 credits)
Students attend Broadway and off-Broadway theater two nights per week as a basis of exploration into period, play analysis, stylistic development, etc. Class meets once a week for instruction in addition to attending the theater. - DRA 550 Professional Practices (3 credits)
This class is designed to support the student in gaining practical experience and knowledge of the entertainment business. During the semester students are exposed to experienced professionals in the field of theater, film, and television through workshops and dialogue, field trips, and hands-on assignments. - DRA 450 Advanced Musical Theater Performance (3 credits)
Continuation of performance techniques begun in DRA 261, 262. Advanced problems in songs from the entire musical theater repertoire. One semester required of all musical theater majors. - DRA 530 Advanced Actors Workshop (3 credits)
An experiential exploration of the acting process, focusing on advanced acting techniques and their application to modern, classical, and poetic texts. One half of the semester period is taught on camera with an emphasis on the acting process as applied to all genres of film and television texts. - DRA 527 Dialects (3 credits)
Standard foreign dialects for dramatic purposes using phonograph records and phonetic transcriptions of foreign dialects. - DRA 400 Private Applied Voice Lessons (1 credit)
For seniors in musical theater. Individual lessons once a week for 30 minutes. They are designed to strengthen the actor/singer’s vocal instrument and provide the student a technical base and protect it against misuse. Material from various genres will be worked on. Day and time will be arranged individually. - DRA 345 Dance in New York City (3 credits)
Professional-level dance study in New York City. Students participating in the drama department’s Tepper Semester attend studio dance classes at the New York City dance center affiliated with the Tepper program. Classes must be pre-approved by drama department dance faculty. - DRA 090 New York City as Museum (0-1 credit)
Introduces students to life in New York as well as art that can be found in every corner of the city. Assignments will have students locate and identify iconic locations or works of art in multiple boroughs. This may include activities such as outdoor walking tours, museum trips, or subway rides. Assignments will also feature theater-related locations. The class will culminate in a final creative project reflecting their visits throughout the term.
Playwriting
- DRA 451 Topics in Theatrical and Dramatic History (3 credits)
Students attend Broadway and off-Broadway theater two nights per week as a basis of exploration into period, stylistic development, or other aspects of the history of theater. Students will be required to research plays and complete weekly written assignments on play structure, style, choice of space, and concept. - DRA 392 Playwriting (3 credits)
Building upon principles learned in DRA 391 students will investigate, develop, and write exercises in dramatic style, form, and points of view. Practice in writing a one-act play. The course will include: writing projects based on prompts, individual writing goals, tutor and evaluate-critique, complete a draft over the semester period. - DRA 581 Intro to Playwriting (3 credits)*
Student playwrights will investigate genre, structure, magnitude, and voice in developing the full-length play. The course will include: writing projects based on prompts, individual writing goals, tutor and evaluate-critique, complete a draft over the semester period. Practice in writing the short play. PREREQ DRA 392 or equivalent course work and/or experience.
*For graduate students - DRA 400 Theater Immersion at the Public Theater (3 credits)
Playwriting students will participate in a weekly class on site at the Public Theater. The course will include: instruction by the literary and artistic staff of the Public Theater and mentorship by the Emerging Writers Group playwrights, as well as a focus on the history of not-for-profit theater through an in-depth study of the Public Theater history book, Free for All. - DRA 400: From Page to Stage at the Vineyard Theatre (3 credits)
Playwrights will participate in a weekly class led by Vineyard Theatre's artistic staff. Students will read, analyze and do "coverage" on new plays, developing skills in how to imagine a script from page to stage. The course will examine the new play development process and the questions that go in to programming a season. In addition to analyzing scripts, students will attend readings and workshops of new work. - DRA 550 Professional Practices (3 credits) *
Focus on professional development, practical skills, including master classes with professionals, lectures, panel discussions, and site visits to professional venues. Specifically related to theater in New York City. The course will include: collaboration with the Vineyard Theatre as well as other professional theaters and play development centers in New York City, observation of playwriting workshops, professional on-site labs, observing the reading process and opportunities to observe development of work in a professional setting (including, when possible as scheduling allows, observing directors working on a play). - DRA 090 New York City as Museum (0-1 credit)
Introduces students to life in New York as well as art that can be found in every corner of the city. Assignments will have students locate and identify iconic locations or works of art in multiple boroughs. This may include activities such as outdoor walking tours, museum trips, or subway rides. Assignments will also feature theater-related locations. The class will culminate in a final creative project reflecting their visits throughout the term.
Producing
- DRA 451 Topics in Theatrical and Dramatic History (3 credits)
Students attend Broadway and Off-Broadway theater two nights per week as a basis of exploration into period, play analysis, stylistic development etc. Class meets once a week for instruction in addition to attending the theater.
Class Topic: Theater Immersion and Analysis - DRD 599 Internship (6 to 9 credits)
Intern with a management professional in New York City in one of the following areas: theater production, event management, artist representation, casting, or other specialized internship focus. Students can expect to work up to 30 hours per week earning 6 to 9 college credits. In addition, students will have a bi-monthly internship meeting facilitated by a mentor from the professional management world as well as a bi-monthly meeting with the director of the Tepper Semester program. These sessions will give students the opportunity to discuss their individual experiences and address challenges and concerns. - DRA 400 Producing (3 credits)
This class is designed to support the student in gaining practical experience and knowledge of the business of producing theater. Students will focus on increasing conceptual skills and techniques through guidance from faculty. - DRA 090 New York City as Museum (0-1 credit)
Introduces students to life in New York as well as art that can be found in every corner of the city. Assignments will have students locate and identify iconic locations or works of art in multiple boroughs. This may include activities such as outdoor walking tours, museum trips, or subway rides. Assignments will also feature theater-related locations. The class will culminate in a final creative project reflecting their visits throughout the term.
Stage Management
- DRA 451 Topics in Theatrical and Dramatic History (3 credits)
Students attend Broadway and off-Broadway theater two nights per week as a basis of exploration into period, play analysis, stylistic development, etc. Class meets once a week for instruction in addition to attending the theater. - DRD 599 Internship (6 to 9 credits)
Intern with a management professional in New York City in one of the following areas: theater production, event management, artist representation, casting, or other specialized internship focus. Students can expect to work up to 30 hours per week earning 6 to 9 college credits. In addition, students will have a bi-monthly internship meeting facilitated by a mentor from the professional management world as well as a bi-monthly meeting with the director of the Tepper Semester program. These sessions will give students the opportunity to discuss their individual experiences and address challenges and concerns. - DRA 550 Professional Practices (3 credits)*
This class is designed to support the student in gaining practical experience and knowledge of the entertainment business. During the semester students are exposed to experienced professionals in the field of theater, film, and television through workshops and dialogue, field trips, and hands-on assignments.
*Stage management students will participate in the class as an Independent Study. - DRA 090 New York City as Museum (0-1 credit)
Introduces students to life in New York as well as art that can be found in every corner of the city. Assignments will have students locate and identify iconic locations or works of art in multiple boroughs. This may include activities such as outdoor walking tours, museum trips, or subway rides. Assignments will also feature theater-related locations. The class will culminate in a final creative project reflecting their visits throughout the term.
Theater Management
-
- DRA 451 Topics in Theatrical and Dramatic History (3 credits)
Students attend Broadway and off-Broadway theater two nights per week as a basis of exploration into period, play analysis, stylistic development, etc. Class meets once a week for instruction in addition to attending the theater. - DRD 599 Internship (6-9 credits)
Intern with a management professional in New York City in one of the following areas: theater production, event management, artist representation, casting, or other specialized internship focus. Students can expect to work up to 30 hours per week earning 6 to 9 college credits. In addition, students will have a bi-monthly internship meeting facilitated by a mentor from the professional management world as well as a bi-monthly meeting with the director of the Tepper Semester program. These sessions will give students the opportunity to discuss their individual experiences and address challenges and concerns. - DRA 550 Professional Practices (3 credits)*
This class is designed to support the student in gaining practical experience and knowledge of the entertainment business. During the semester students are exposed to experienced professionals in the field of theater, film, and television through workshops and dialogue, field trips, and hands-on assignments.
*Theater management students will participate in the class as an Independent Study. - DRA 090 New York City as Museum (0-1 credit)
Introduces students to life in New York as well as art that can be found in every corner of the city. Assignments will have students locate and identify iconic locations or works of art in multiple boroughs. This may include activities such as outdoor walking tours, museum trips, or subway rides. Assignments will also feature theater-related locations. The class will culminate in a final creative project reflecting their visits throughout the term.
- DRA 451 Topics in Theatrical and Dramatic History (3 credits)
An essential part of the Tepper Semester experience is seeing theater every week, up to 30 shows during each semester. Exposure to a spectrum of theater allows students to experience the widest range of performances, from Broadway to off-Broadway, including intimate and experimental original works.
Recent Shows
& Juliet
The Appointment
Kimberly Akimbo
Leopoldstadt
Titanique
Between Riverside and Crazy
Elyria
Black Odyssey
The Sign in Sydney Brustein’s Window
How To Defend Yourself
Crumbs From the Table of Joy
Wolf Play (Mcc)
The Coast Starlight
Love
Public Obcenities
White Girl in Danger
Fat Ham
Dia Y Noche
Some Like It Hot
Pictures From Home
Parade
Regretfully, So The Birds Are
A Doll’s House
Prima Facie
Our Spring 2023 roster of guest artists includes:
Producers and Entertainment Lawyers
Ben Holtzman
Sammy Lopez
Dale Mott
Taneisha Duggan
David Binder
Brian Spector
Rashad Chambers
Cynthia Tong
Brian Moreland
Agents
Sam Stoller
Ken Lee
Conor Shultz
Liz Rosier
Casting Directors
James Calleri
Stephanie Klapper
Gayle Keller
Marc Hershfeld
Erica Hart
Portia Black
Sujotta Pace
Writers and Music Directors
Alex Bechtel
Alice Yorke
Tom Kitt
Lance Horne
While living and studying in Manhattan is an adventure in itself, Tepper students also enjoy special events throughout the semester that provide opportunities to gain unique insights from guest artists. Past special events during the Tepper Semester include:
- Lunch with the artistic staff of the Vineyard Theater
- A playwriting discussion with Tony Award-winner Lin-Manuel Miranda
- An Artistic Industry Leader Symposium regarding different vocations in the arts
- Lunch with the artistic staff of the Public Theater
- Musical theater master classes with Tony Award-winning composer Adam Guettel
- Musical theater master classes with Tony Award-winning composer Tom Kitt
- Musical theater master classes with Adam Guettel and Julia Murney
- A comedy writing discussion with Doug Abeles and Alex Baze, writers from "Saturday Night Live"
- A playwriting discussion with Theresa Rebeck and a playwriting workshop with John Weidman
- A meet-and-greet with playwright and Academy Award-winning screenwriter Aaron Sorkin '83, H'12
In an ongoing effort to maintain a high standard of professionalism and artistic integrity within the field, the Tepper Semester and the Casting Society of America (CSA) have constructed an apprenticeship and training program for college and graduate students.
Costs for the Tepper Semester include tuition, program fee, and living costs associated with housing and meals. A tuition and fees breakdown is listed below; this information can also be found in Syracuse University's Tuition, Fees, and Related Policies Bulletin.
Tuition and Fees Breakdown (2024-25)
| Acting | Musical Theater | Directing, Design, Casting, Stage Management, Producing and Theater Management, Dramaturgy | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Tuition
|
Acting
$30,655
|
Musical Theater
$30,655
|
All Other
$30,655
|
|
Program Fee 1
|
Acting
$3,075
|
Musical Theater
$4,015
|
All Other
$2,383
|
|
Total
|
Acting
$33,730
|
Musical Theater
$34,670
|
All Other
$33,038
|
1 The program fee covers theater tickets, as well as field trips, special events, and all other program services. The program fees for musical theater students cover private singing lessons and additional dance classes. The program fee for design/tech and stage management students will be calculated according to the student's course of study and individual semester plan.
Housing and Meals
The Tepper Semester program staff can advise students as to the most convenient and budget-friendly housing and meal options in New York City. Please contact the Tepper Semester Office at for additional information.
During the planning and organizing of your trip, you may find that you need assistance financing your New York City program fee. Please read the information below to determine what programs are available to you and how to begin the application process.
Syracuse University Students
As a Syracuse University student, additional financial aid may be available to cover the cost of program fee, meals, and housing with a student, parent, or alternative loan. You may apply for this additional funding once you have registered for the New York City course and the College of Visual and Performing Arts informs our office of your attendance in the program.
What financial aid do you already have? If you are already a financial aid recipient, you should check your financial aid award notice (FAN) to determine if you are already receiving the maximum allowable Federal Direct Loan. If not, you may use the difference toward financing your New York City program. In addition, your parent may apply for a Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan to cover your program fee.
For more information on these types of loans and alternative loan programs, visit Syracuse University's Office of Financial Aid & Scholarship Programs website or contact the office.
General
The following are general requirements that apply to incoming students:
- Academic Level
Apply as a second semester junior and attend senior year - GPA
A minimum GPA of 2.5 with good academic standing - Student Status
Successfully passed appropriate evaluations and/or currently attending upper-level classes - Application
The online application must be completed in full. - Transcript
Non-Syracuse University students must arrange to have one official transcript of all college work sent to the Tepper Semester office. Students who have transferred to their present colleges should also request that a transcript from their previous college or colleges be sent to the Tepper Semester. - Two Letters of Recommendation
Non-Syracuse University students must submit two letters of recommendation from academic references (design/tech and stage management students may also choose to submit a letter of recommendation from employers). For the convenience of your reference, you should provide a stamped envelope to your academic adviser, a faculty member in your major, or other person on the academic staff at your institution. Impress upon your reference the importance of returning the recommendation form promptly so we may expedite the review of your application. - Application Fee
A non-refundable application fee of $60 ($30 for early applicants). Payment may be submitted online.
Acting/Musical Theater
In addition to the general admission requirements, the following requirements are necessary for acting/musical theater admission:
- Audition
If you are a theater major and you are not in a B.F.A. program, an audition will be required. Auditions will be held in New York City or you may submit a videotape audition to the Tepper Semester office. Please contact us for more details.
Stage Management
In addition to the general admission requirements, the following requirements are necessary for stage management admission:
- Written Personal Statement
In the application, students applying to the stage management track must answer:- Why is the New York City internship important to you?
- How can the New York City internship complement your academic experience to date?
- How can the New York City internship help you fulfill career goals or interests?
- What types of organizations would enable you to achieve these goals?
- Resume
Resume of academic and professional experience and cover letter - Internship
With the guidance of the Tepper Center, students are required to secure a New York City internship by August 15 in preparation for the program. Students may also contact the Tepper Semester program office for further information. - Production Book Materials
Students are required to provide samples of their production book materials. Syracuse University students will submit all materials in-person. Non-Syracuse University students can submit materials in person through the mail, on disc, or by email. - Interview with and Approval of Syracuse University Stage Management Faculty
The interview will be arranged in Syracuse or New York City. If necessary, the interview can take place over the phone.
Design/Tech
In addition to the general admission requirements, the following requirements are necessary for design/tech admission:
- Written Personal Statement
In the application, students applying to the design/tech track must answer:- Why is the New York City internship important to you?
- How can the New York City internship complement your academic experience to date?
- How can the New York City internship help you fulfill career goals or interests?
- What types of organizations would enable you to achieve these goals?
- Resume
Resume of academic and professional experience and cover letter - Internship
With the guidance of the Tepper Center, students are required to secure a New York City internship by August 15 in preparation for the program. Students may also contact the Tepper Semester program office for further information. - Portfolio
Students are required to provide samples of their work in a portfolio. Syracuse University students will submit all materials in-person. Non-Syracuse University students can submit materials in person, through the mail, on disc, or by email.
To apply, complete and submit our online application. For those interested in our Casting Apprenticeship Program, please review program details before applying.
As parents of students attending the Tepper Semester program in New York City, we welcome you to participate in this expansive experience. At the end of the semester, parents are invited back for the Tepper Semester Presentation/Celebration, which takes place during the final weekend of the program. After the performance is a celebration reception at Syracuse University's Lubin House.
A Nurturing Environment
Living and studying in the heart of New York City offers these young artists an unparalleled experience. While Manhattan remains the heart of this industry, it has also become one of the country's safest cities. Our students live and work in a welcoming, nurturing, secure environment.
Helpful Links
Getting Around the City
- Manhattan Address Locator
- New York City Subway Maps
- Metropolitan Tranportation Authority (MTA) City Transit
- New York City Roads
- Port Authority of N.Y. and N.J. (PATH)
- New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission
Bus, Rail, and Airport Information
Casting Apprenticeship Program
As the casting director’s contribution to film, television, and theater becomes ever more acknowledged by the entertainment industry, it is natural that the same should be true of the profession itself. In an ongoing effort to maintain a high standard of professionalism and artistic integrity within the field, the Tepper Semester and Casting Society of America (CSA) have constructed a unique, premier apprenticeship and training program for college and graduate students. In the changing climate of the modern business model, we feel a responsibility, as professionals and educators, to foster the next generation by identifying, developing, and training a select group of young people who show a unique aptitude and keen interest in casting for film, television, and/or theater.
Throughout the course of this casting semester, students will participate in a unique apprenticeship program. Students will be selected and placed into a participating New York City casting office to work full time (four days a week) as defined by the Tepper program. The selected students will assist that casting director and staff in day-to-day operations. Student casting apprentices will participate and observe all aspects of the casting process, creative and business alike, for a production as designated. They will serve their assigned office as instructed where the level of involvement is of most educational benefit.
This apprenticeship is intended to be an intensive, hands-on study. While each apprenticeship will be structured by the individual casting offices, all student casting apprentices will be called upon to assist in preparing and delivering casting sessions. They will develop skills such as script and character analysis and will assist in scheduling while being exposed to the professional business and creative abilities that a casting director needs. They will learn how to evaluate a resume and why or why not an actor was a smart selection for an audition. They will work with industry representatives, producers, and actors on a professional level. Apprentices will begin to establish and create new professional industry relationships with all departments and parties involved in on-camera and/or theatrical casting and also attend a regularly scheduled meeting with the executive casting director to deepen the educational aspect of this mentorship.
In addition to the in-depth apprenticeship, students will take a series of classes as a part of their immersion experience while participating in the New York City program. The 15-credit curriculum (6 credits of classes and 9 credits of independent study apprenticeship) includes seeing up to 28 Broadway and off-Broadway shows along with a theater analysis class and an Advanced Directing Scene Study class from a casting perspective. The core curriculum is rounded out with master classes and cultural/museum field trips.
By the end of this apprenticeship program, students will understand the fundamentals of:
- Character and script analysis for the purpose of casting
- How to serve a director's vision and needs for the characters
- Systems and technologies used in preparation for auditions and evaluating submissions and auditions
While the individual strengths, interests, and preferences of each applicant will be taken into consideration, placement in a casting office will be evaluated and ultimately decided upon by a committee of the Casting Society of America (CSA).
- DRA 451: Theater Immersion and Analysis
As a part of the class students attend up to 28 Broadway and off-Broadway shows - DRA 390: Independent Study
Apprenticeship in a professional casting office - DRA 531: Advanced Directing
Scene study from a casting perspective
In addition to the core curriculum students will participate in:
- Master classes with professionals in the entertainment and theater community, including exposure to Tech Expo classes. Students will gain an essential education on key technical devices as well as software programs specific to the profession of casting.
- Museums and Field Trip Fridays. Students will participate in activities and field trips that expose them to the cultural resources of New York City. Ongoing activities include a weekly trip to a museum, tours of Broadway and/or off-Broadway theaters, and special events at New York City theaters.
The Casting Apprenticeship Program is open to Syracuse University students as well as eligible students from other universities and colleges.
Students will be chosen via application and an interview process. An interview committee will include professional members of the Casting Society of America and the Syracuse University Department of Drama.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please see your advisor to review your academic requirements.
Classes will be held at Syracuse University's Fisher Center. Musical theater students take their dance classes at Broadway Dance Center.
The regular class schedule will be planned Monday through Friday. There will be master classes and field trips that will take place at night and on the weekends with advance notice. Some students find that taking dance classes and voice lessons on the weekend helps make their schedule more accommodating.
There will not be any academic courses offered as a part of the Tepper Semester. The program is designed to give you an in-depth training experience in your chosen area of specialization.
The curriculum as scheduled is quite full and demanding. If absolutely necessary, students can arrange online courses.
All students entering the program are required to carry their own health insurance or be covered under their parents' plan while in New York City. Proof of coverage must be shown prior to departure for the program.
Director and Staff
Erica Jensen, Director
Casey O’Neil, Academic Operations Coordinator