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.
Acting Prescreening and Audition Requirements Link
Please note that applicants to acting and musical theater may not apply Early Decision. The Regular Decision deadline for applicants to acting and musical theater is December 1.
Applicants to the acting and musical theater programs must submit an online audition for prescreening via the application portal after submitting an application to Syracuse University. Applications and prescreening auditions must be received by December 1. There is a one-time audition fee of $50 for submission of your prescreening audition.
If you are interested in being considered for both acting and musical theater, you must list them as a first and second choice (in order of preference) on your application.
Applicants wishing to be considered for the "actor-singer track" concentration must apply to both musical theater and acting on the application (first and second choice) and then submit the required materials for both.
If you have any questions about our process or fees, please contact us at or 315.443.2769.
Monologues
Two contrasting monologues (memorized) from modern or contemporary plays (preferably written after 2000)
- Characters should be close to your own age
- Each monologue should be less than 90 seconds
- Monologues should not be taken from a musical
It is recommended that at least one of the monologues demonstrates your ability to be physically expressive and is shot to show your whole body.
Additional Requirements
Please upload the following:
- a current resume listing all productions in which you have been involved, and when and where produced
- a brief statement describing why you are choosing a career in the theater
- a photograph of yourself alone. This does not have to be a professional headshot.
Applicants who successfully pass the prescreening must either:
- Register for an in-person audition at one of our on- or off-campus audition days via the application portal, or
- Submit new final virtual audition materials and schedule an interview date via the application portal. (Candidates who submit a recorded virtual audition will be invited to an information session with current students and a brief interview with the faculty over Zoom.)
There is no advantage in choosing an in-person audition versus a virtual audition. The audition requirements for applicants who successfully pass the prescreening for acting are listed below.
Final In-Person Audition
Applicants who successfully pass the prescreening for acting and who choose the in-person audition option should come prepared with the following:
- Two monologues from modern or contemporary plays (preferably written after 2000) by characters close to your own age. Each monologue should be less than 90 seconds. You may re-use one of your prescreen monologues for this round. If you choose to do this, we encourage you to try to take on the piece in a new way and explore other possible choices.
- Please bring with you to the audition (1) a current resume listing all productions in which you have been involved, and when and where produced; (2) a photograph of yourself alone. This does not have to be a professional headshot.
Final Virtual Audition
Applicants who successfully pass the prescreening for acting and who choose the virtual audition option should prepare and upload the following to their applicant portal:
- Two monologues from modern or contemporary plays (preferably written after 2000) by characters close to your own age. Each monologue should be less than 90 seconds. You may re-record one of your prescreen monologues for this round. If you choose to do this, we encourage you to try to take on the piece in a new way and explore other possible choices.
- Movement recording for acting: We are looking to see how your whole body moves, the front, back, sides, top and bottom. Please prepare a short movement piece of no more than 90 seconds duration, based on a non-human creature of your choosing. Show the animal (or bird, reptile, fish, snail…) moving through its natural environment, show how it feeds and how it drinks water. At one point in the piece show the animal frightened or angry in response to something it hears or encounters. Finally, show the animal returning to its favorite sleeping place (nest, den, treetop…) and going to sleep.
- A current resume listing all productions in which you have been involved, and when and where produced.
Musical Theater Prescreening and Audition Requirements Link
Please note that applicants to acting and musical theater may not apply Early Decision. The Regular Decision deadline for applicants to acting and musical theater is December 1.
Applicants to the acting and musical theater programs must submit an online audition for prescreening via the applicant portal after submitting an application to Syracuse University. Applications and prescreening auditions must be received by December 1. There is a one-time audition fee of $50 for submission of your prescreening audition.
If you are interested in being considered for both acting and musical theater, you must list them as a first and second choice (in order of preference) on your application.
Applicants wishing to be considered for the “actor-singer track” concentration must apply to both musical theater and acting on the application (first and second choice) and then submit the required materials for both.
If you have any questions about our process or fees, please contact us at or 315.443.2769.
Syracuse University is a participant in the Musical Theater Common Prescreen (MTCP) for the 2023-2024 cycle.
For the 2023-2024 audition cycle, MTCP has included a list of helpful hints. We strongly encourage you to take advantage of these resources which have been thoughtfully and intentionally crafted by the expertise of multiple programs nationwide to support the excellence of the audition and for your benefit. View the MTCP resources page.
Overall
Each piece should be filmed/uploaded as a separate piece of media. No continuous videos. Students are encouraged to use standard technology/recording devices that are available to them (i.e. smartphones, tablets, etc.).
Introduction (Slate)
There should not be a separate introduction or “slate” video. Instead, “slates” are to appear at the beginning of each piece and included as part of the time allotment.
- The proper slate for a song is to share your name, the song title, and show in which it appears.
- The proper slate for a monologue is to share your name, the title of the play, and the playwright.
- The proper slate for a piece of dance is to share your name, the title of the song you are dancing to, and the name of the choreographer. If the piece is “self-choreographed” you should share your own name as choreographer.
Songs
(Musical Theater Common Prescreen Option A)
Students should prepare two contrasting pieces.
- One song should be a ballad (where the piece has longer, sustained vocal lines), and one song should be an uptempo (where the vocal line moves at a conversational pace) so as to contrast style.
- One song should be written before 1970. This song can be either the “uptempo” or the “ballad” (student’s choice).
- One song should be written after 1970 and contrast the style of the first.
- Each song file should be 60-90 seconds (This time limit includes the slate at the beginning of the piece and is strictly adhered to; please do not upload media files longer than 90 seconds).
- Students must sing to musical accompaniment, which could include live or pre-recorded accompaniment. No “a cappella” singing (meaning singing without music).
- One of the two songs (student’s choice) should be filmed in a full frame shot to see your full range of expression, and the other one in a close-up shot (top of the head to the chest should be visible in the frame).
Monologues
(Musical Theater Common Prescreen Option A)
One contemporary monologue (written after 1950), 60-90 seconds in length (this time limit includes the slate at the beginning of the piece and is strictly adhered to; please do not upload media files longer than 90 seconds).
- Monologue should be filmed in a “close-up” shot which means the top of the head to the chest should be visible in the frame.
- Monologue must be from a published play.
- Monologue cannot be from musicals.
Dance
Dance Option (required)
- 30-60 seconds of dance in whatever dance discipline you feel most confident. This may include, but is not limited to jazz, ballet, tap, modern, hip hop, lyrical, contemporary, or dance styles beyond American and Euro-western styles.
- Please do not submit barre work. Applicants are welcome to include a second ballet video if they so choose.
- Please use steps, movement, and physical vocabulary that you are familiar with and can execute well. To the best of your ability, move your body fully. Please include at least one turn, one jump and one kick (or other suitable rotation, elevation, and extension that works for your body).
- Dance media can be self-choreographed but must be a solo video of you. This can include a show, competition, or other performance so long as you are clearly featured on your own.
- All choreography must be performed to music; please no “a cappella” dance media.
- All dance media should be filmed in a “full frame” shot taking care to keep the student’s entire person in the frame at all times. (This time limit includes the slate at the beginning of the piece and is strictly adhered to; please do not upload media files longer than 60 seconds)
- Regardless of which style of dance you execute, the choreography and the movement should be connected to the music where the applicant is dancing with a sense of purpose.
Ballet Option (optional)
- Ballet Media should be no more than 60 seconds.
- Execute a brief series of plié, tendu, and grande battement.
- Execute pirouette en déhors (to both sides).
- Execute one or more grand jeté across the floor.
Wild Card (required)
- The Wild Card video is required.
- Submissions should be no more than 60 seconds.
- Applicants do not need to slate in any wild card media.
- This media can be ANYTHING you want - a special skill, an interesting story about yourself, a passion speech, an instrument you play, etc. “What do you want us to know about you?” and “What makes you unique?”
Additional Requirements
Please upload the following:
- A current resume listing all productions in which you have been involved, and when and where produced
- A brief statement describing why you are choosing a career in musical theater
- A photograph of yourself alone (this does not have to be a professional headshot)
Applicants who successfully pass the prescreening must either:
- Register for an in-person audition at one of our on- or off-campus audition days via the applicant portal, or
- Submit new final virtual audition materials and schedule an interview date via the applicant portal. (Candidates who submit a recorded virtual audition will be invited to an information session with current students and a brief interview with the faculty over Zoom.)
There is no advantage in choosing an in-person audition versus a virtual audition. The audition requirements are listed below.
Final In-Person Audition
Applicants who successfully pass the prescreening for musical theater only and who choose the in-person audition option should come prepared with the following:
- Two contrasting songs from any era of musical theater repertoire that are 60-90 seconds in length. One song must be a ballad, and at least one of the songs should be different from your pre-screen.
- Two monologues from modern or contemporary plays (preferably written after 2000) by characters close to your own age. Each monologue should be less than 90 seconds. You may reuse one of your prescreen monologues for this round. If you choose to do this, we encourage you to try to take on the piece in a new way and explore other possible choices.
- Please be advised you might only sing one of the two songs prepared and perform one of the two monologues. The second song and monologue will be heard if needed.
- You may bring your own accompanist, but an accompanist is provided. You must bring your sheet music in a binder so that the pages may be turned easily (a small, hard-back three-ring binder works best) and in the key in which you will sing it.
- Dance: All musical theater applicants are required to participate in a dance audition. When auditioning in person, you will be asked to learn a short dance combination to be performed in small groups. Students will be evaluated to assess level of achievement, aptitude for dance study, and potential for success in a demanding training program for musical theater triple-threats (students equally proficient in acting, singing, and dance). Candidates should dress in basic dancewear or rehearsal attire, such as leotard and tights or a T-shirt and jazz pants--whatever clothes you feel most comfortable in that allow for freedom of movement. No bulky or oversized sweatpants or sweatshirts are permitted. Please choose footwear that is best for you: jazz shoes, character heels, oxfords, foot thong, or bare feet, etc.
- Please bring with you to the audition (1) a current resume listing all productions in which you have been involved, and when and where produced; (2) a photograph of yourself alone. This does not have to be a professional headshot.
Final Virtual Audition
Applicants who successfully pass the prescreening for musical theater only and who choose the virtual audition option should prepare and upload the following to their applicant portal:
- Two contrasting songs from any era of musical theater repertoire that are 60-90 seconds in length. One song must be a ballad, and at least one of the songs should be different from your pre-screen.
- Two monologues from modern or contemporary plays (preferably written after 2000) by characters close to your own age. Each monologue should be less than 90 seconds. You may re-record one of your prescreen monologues for this round. If you choose to do this, we encourage you to try to take on the piece in a new way and explore other possible choices.
- One dance video: Candidates will be given an online link to a short dance combination that they must prepare and film. Students will be evaluated to assess level of achievement, aptitude for dance study, and potential for success in a demanding training program for musical theater triple-threats (students equally proficient in acting, singing, and dance). Candidates should dress in basic dancewear or rehearsal attire, such as leotard and tights or a T-shirt and jazz pants--whatever clothes you feel most comfortable in that allow for freedom of movement. No bulky or oversized sweatpants or sweatshirts are permitted. Please choose footwear that is best for you: jazz shoes, character heels, oxfords, foot thong, or bare feet, etc. All dance media should be filmed in a “full body” landscape-oriented shot taking care to keep the candidate’s entire body in the frame at all times.
- A current resume listing all productions in which you have been involved, and when and where produced.
Audition Preparation Advice Link
Preparing for your audition should be fun for you; it's a chance to show how good you really are!
- Choose material with which you are comfortable. Don't attempt Shakespeare or any other verse drama unless you feel entirely comfortable with it.
- Choose a character close to your own age and experience. Connection to character is one of the most important components of the audition.
- We are not looking for students who necessarily have an extensive performance background. We are looking for students with dedication and talent and who are open to direction and training.
- Remember that it is okay to be nervous or apprehensive. The people on your audition committee have been in your position and will have empathy.
- The most important aspect of recording yourself is your performance. Your connection to the material, your character, your objectives, etc. Everything else that follows in this list should be at the service of your performance. In other words, don’t stress too much if you can’t do all the technical aspects below for recording yourself. In the end, if you have a strong performance it will come through the screen no matter what.
- Location: Film indoors in a room that you can control for noise and light. Film against a backdrop that is as plain and simple as possible. A bare wall is perfect. If possible, perform two to three feet away from the backdrop to keep some distance between yourself and the backdrop to minimize shadows.
- Camera: A cell phone camera is perfectly sufficient for filming. Please film in landscape mode (horizontal) and NOT in portrait mode (vertical). If possible, use a tripod. If a tripod is not available, try to use a bookcase, stack boxes, etc. to mount the camera. Ideally, the camera lens should be at approximately eye level. This link provides examples of how to make your own tripod for cell phones: https://bit.ly/33b8Gfl. If using a tripod is not possible, have the camera operator try to hold the camera as still as possible.
- Lighting: Make sure there is sufficient lighting for your performance to minimize the “grainy” quality of the recording. Place the primary light source in front of yourself two to three feet to the left or right of the camera above your head level. Using natural sunlight from a nearby window is perfectly adequate. Avoid a strong light source coming from behind you to minimize “backlighting” and casting shadows on your face.
- Audio: If the filming location can be secured for noise, then the internal microphone from the camera should be sufficient. If there is a concern about noise, the use of an external directional microphone or lavalier microphone may be considered. There are several options for cell phone attachments such as:
- Slating: At the beginning of each video performance, slowly and clearly state your name, the name of the piece from which you are performing, and the name of the playwright/composer/lyricist. If possible, film this as a separate video and crossfade into the video of the performance. If video editing is not possible, make sure to take a moment to transition from the slate to your performance piece, but no more than a beat or two.
- Framing: This term means how your body is placed within the screen as if you are in a picture frame. For the monologues and song performances, place yourself in one of the following three frames:
- “Chest Shot” if there is minimal movement in your performance. The top of the frame is just above your head and the bottom of the frame is at your sternum.
- “Waist Shot” if there is limited movement in your performance (i.e. you use your hands a lot, small crosses, etc.). The top of the frame is just above your head and the bottom of the frame is at your waistline.
- “Cowboy Shot” if there is a lot of movement in your performance (i.e. you sit down or stand up, bigger crosses, high energy, etc.). The top of the frame is just above your head and the bottom of the frame is at mid-thigh.
For the movement/dance performance, you will use a “Full Body” frame, meaning the top of the frame is just above your head and the bottom of the frame is at your feet.
Please see the illustrations below for reference:
Chest Shot
Waist Shot
Cowboy Shot
Final advice: Record yourself with a sense of fun and adventure, and the best of YOU will shine through your work. Don’t obsess over a technically perfect tape – give yourself a time limit and send in the best take.
We look forward to seeing your work!
Stage Management Portfolio and Interview Requirements Link
Applicants applying to stage management must present a portfolio and have an interview with faculty.
- Your portfolio should consist of samples of stage management production materials such as a complete production book, running notes, or other materials that show evidence of organizational skills and stage management abilities, as well as photos of past productions if possible.
- Also submit
- A current resume listing all productions in which you have been involved, and when and where produced
- A brief statement describing why you are choosing a career in stage management
- Three letters of reference from directors, theater teachers, or technical directors with whom you have worked
Applicants must submit the portfolio online through the applicant portal. You will receive access to your Syracuse University applicant portal shortly after submitting your application. More detailed information about portfolio submission will be posted soon. All application and portfolio materials must be submitted by the appropriate deadlines.
Applicants must also complete an interview with the stage management faculty, which can be completed either virtually or in person at an on-campus audition day. Once your application is submitted and your portfolio received, you will be contacted to schedule your interview.
If you have any questions, you may contact the VPA Office of Recruitment and Admissions at or 315.443.2769.
Theater Design and Technology Portfolio Requirements Link
1. Present 10-15 examples of work in several media and techniques. Not all samples of work have to pertain to theater. The portfolio may include:
- Drawing and/or paintings
- Use of design elements: color, line, texture, form, light
- Drafting or mechanical drawing, CAD drawings
- Light plots
- Photography (composition, texture, use of light)
- 3-D work such as sculpture, costumes, masks, models, etc.
- Production paperwork such as schedules, magic sheets, plots, etc.
- Evidence of your thought process for technical solutions
- Photographs of produced work, finished and in stages of completion
- Relevant video clips of specific work in action
2. Submit a current resume listing all productions in which you have been involved, your role in the production, and when and where produced.
3. Include a brief statement describing why you are choosing a career in theater design and technology. Specify if you have any particular area(s) of interest: set, costume, lighting, and/or theater technology.
4. Applicants must also complete an interview with the theater design and technology faculty. Interviews can be completed either virtually or in person at a campus audition day event.
Applicants must submit their portfolio online through the applicant portal. You will receive access to your Syracuse University applicant portal shortly after submitting your application. More detailed information about portfolio submission will be posted soon.
For each work included, list:
- the title of the piece
- the size
- the medium
- date completed
- if done in the classroom or independently
- if based on real-life, photo reference, or imagination
- concept
If including production photos, please indicate what part you played in the creation or execution of the item or items shown in the photo.
Applicants must also complete an interview with the faculty, which can be completed either virtually or in person at an on-campus audition day. Once your application is submitted and portfolio received, you will be contacted to schedule your interview.
Virtual advisory portfolio reviews are available to students who would like to share their work and get advice on strengthening the portfolio prior to the final online submission. These can be scheduled on an individual basis by contacting the Office of Recruitment and Admissions at or by participating in Virtual National Portfolio Days. View our Visit VPA page for more information. We also offer sessions on portfolio preparation twice monthly; you can find registration information on the VPA Visit page as well.
If you have any questions, you may contact the VPA Office of Recruitment and Admissions at or 315.443.2769.
B.S. in Drama: Theater Management Requirements Link
If you’re interested in the theater management track, you should apply to the B.S. in drama program. Applicants must submit the following materials online via the Syracuse University Applicant Portal.
- Submit a resume showing prior theater and/or related work experience.
- Submit a statement of interest.
Applicants must submit the portfolio online through the applicant portal. You will receive access to your Syracuse University applicant portal shortly after submitting your application. More detailed information about portfolio submission will be posted soon.
Applicants must also complete an interview with a representative of the Department of Drama. Please be prepared to discuss your interests in theater management and your career goals both during college and after graduation. We will be interested in hearing about the qualities and skills that you have (or hope to develop) that you feel will allow you to succeed in a career in this area.
- Interviews can be completed either virtually or in person at a campus audition day event.
Applicants to B.S. in drama: theater management must submit the required resume and statement to us online through the applicant portal. All application materials must be submitted by the appropriate deadlines.
Applicants must also complete an interview with the theater management faculty, which can be completed either virtually or in-person at an on-campus audition day. Once your application is submitted, you will be contacted to set up your interview.
If you have questions, contact the VPA Office of Recruitment and Admissions at or 315.443.2769.
Transfer Students Link
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 deadlines. Transfer 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.