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 Common App.
Drama Application Deadlines Link
Early Decision (first-year students only):
Nov. 15, 2020
Note: Prescreen auditions for acting and musical theater must be submitted by Oct. 1, 2020.
Regular Decision (fall):
Jan. 1, 2021
Note: Prescreen auditions for acting and musical theater must be submitted by Nov. 1, 2020.
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 prescreening audition submissions will be accepted beginning on September 1.
Applicants to the acting and musical theater programs must submit an online audition for prescreening via Accept’d. All prescreening auditions must be received by November 1. There is a one-time audition fee of $50 plus a $30 fee charged by Accept’d for submission of your prescreening audition. To ease the concerns families may have during the 2020-21 admissions cycle, we have reduced our one-time audition fee to $20. The Accept'd fee will remain the same.
If you wish to apply Early Decision to acting or musical theater, you must complete the prescreening as early as possible and no later than October 1. All materials, including the SU application and final audition, must be completed by the November 15 Early Decision deadline.
Early Decision applicants will receive the results of their prescreening two to three weeks after their submission. Regular Decision applicants will receive notification by November 30. If you do not receive notification by November 30, please contact us.
We encourage students to wait for their prescreening results before submitting the SU application (Common Application) so that you have the opportunity to change your major indication on the application if you are not invited to submit final audition materials for acting or musical theater.*
If you are not invited to submit a final audition for acting or musical theater, we encourage you to apply to Syracuse University for other programs in which you may be interested.*
If you have any questions about our process or fees, please contact us at or 315.443.2769.
*If you submitted your Common Application indicating acting or musical theater prior to receiving your prescreening results, and if you do not successfully prescreen for your preferred program, it is your responsibility to contact the SU Office of Admissions at and request an official change to your application so that you can be considered for admission to other SU programs.
Prepare and memorize two contrasting monologues from modern or contemporary plays (preferably written after 2000) by characters fairly close to your own age. Each monologue should be less than 90 seconds. These 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.
Please upload (1) a current resume listing all productions in which you have been involved, and when and where produced; (2) a brief statement describing why you are choosing a career in the theater; and (3) a photograph of yourself alone. This does not have to be a professional headshot.
The Department of Drama is moving its entrance auditions to an entirely online/digital submission format for the 2020-21 admissions cycle. Please check back here in early September for full details.
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 so as 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 Link
Waist Shot Link
Cowboy Shot Link
Final advice: It may seem like not being able to audition in person is a disadvantage; however, think about all the films and tv shows you’ve watched that have made you laugh and cry. You will be auditioning for us on the same medium those actors used to affect you emotionally! Approach recording yourself with an attitude of fun and adventure, and it will greatly enhance your performance. Finally, don’t obsess over trying to make the self-tape technically perfect. Give yourself a time limit to film and send in the best take.
We look forward to seeing your work!
Musical Theater Prescreening and Audition Requirements Link
Please note that prescreening audition submissions will be accepted beginning on September 1.
Applicants to the acting and musical theater programs must submit an online audition for prescreening via Accept’d. All prescreening auditions must be received by November 1. There is a one-time audition fee of $50 plus a $30 fee charged by Accept’d for submission of your prescreening audition. To ease the concerns families may have during the 2020-21 admissions cycle, we have reduced our one-time audition fee to $20. The Accept'd fee will remain the same.
If you wish to apply Early Decision to acting or musical theater, you must complete the prescreening as early as possible and no later than October 1. All materials, including the SU application and final audition, must be completed by the November 15 Early Decision deadline.
Early Decision applicants will receive the results of their prescreening two to three weeks after their submission. Regular Decision applicants will receive notification by November 30. If you do not receive notification by November 30, please contact us.
We encourage students to wait for their prescreening results before submitting the SU application (Common Application) so that you have the opportunity to change your major indication on the application if you are not invited to submit final audition materials for acting or musical theater.*
If you are not invited to submit a final audition for acting or musical theater, we encourage you to apply to Syracuse University for other programs in which you may be interested.*
If you have any questions about our process or fees, please contact us at or 315.443.2769.
*If you submitted your Common Application indicating acting or musical theater prior to receiving your prescreening results, and if you do not successfully prescreen for your preferred program, it is your responsibility to contact the SU Office of Admissions at and request an official change to your application so that you can be considered for admission to other SU programs.
Syracuse University is a participant in the Musical Theater Common Prescreen for the 2020-2021 cycle.
Overall Link
Each piece should be filmed/uploaded as a separate piece of media. No continuous videos.
Slate Link
There should not be a separate “slate” video. Instead slates are to appear at the beginning of each piece. 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.
Songs Link
(Musical Theater Common Prescreen Option A) Link
Students should prepare 2-contrasting pieces:
- One song should be a ballad and one song should be an up-tempo
- 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)
- Songs should be filmed in a ¾ shot which means the top of the head to the knees should be visible in the frame.
- One song should be written prior to 1970. This song can be either the up-tempo or the ballad (student’s choice).
- One song should be written after 1970 and contrast the style of the first.
Monologues Link
(Musical Theater Common Prescreen Option A) Link
1, 60-90 second contemporary monologue (written during the 20th Century-present) from a published play. 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.
- The contemporary 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.
- Monologues must be from a published play.
- Monologues cannot be from musicals, television shows, or movies.
- Each monologue file should be 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)
Dance
Link
- 30-60 seconds of dance, in whatever dance discipline you are most comfortable with: jazz, ballet, modern, African, hip hop, lyrical, or contemporary.
- No barre. A ballet solo is acceptable.
- No tap. For applicants that tap, consider showcasing that skill as part of your wild card submission.
- Please use steps, movement, and physical vocabulary that you are familiar with and can execute well.
- 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; no “a cappella” dance media please.
- All dance media should be filmed in a “full body” shot taking care to keep the student’s entire body in the frame at all times.
- Applicants do not need to slate in any dance media.
- Regardless of which style of dance you execute, the choreography and the movement should be story-driven and connected to the music where the applicant is dancing with a sense of purpose.
- HELPFUL HINT: Applicants are encouraged to keep a full-length mirror behind the filming device so as to see themselves as they execute choreography.
Wild Card Link
(The Wild Card video is optional)
- Submissions should be no more than 60 seconds.
- This media can be ANYTHING you want: a special skill, an interesting story about yourself, a passion speech, an instrument that you play, etc. “What do you want us to know about you?” and “What makes you unique?”
Additional Requirements Link
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 head shot)
Applicants who wish to be considered for both the acting and musical theater programs must indicate this when they submit their prescreening audition. In order to receive consideration for both programs, applicants must submit the required acting audition materials and the required musical theater audition materials (for a total of two contrasting songs, two contrasting monologues and a dance segment, according to the requirements listed for each program). In addition, applicants in acting who wish to be considered for the concentration in musical performance (the “actor-singer track”) must submit for both programs.
The Department of Drama is moving its entrance auditions to an entirely online/digital submission format for the 2020-21 admissions cycle. Please check back here in early September for full details.
Preparing for your audition should be fun for you; it's a chance to show us who you really are!
Some helpful audition hints:
- 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.
- Choose material and songs that are not identified with a specific performer, such as Hello, Dolly! or Funny Girl. This sets you up for a comparison that might not be in your favor.
- Choose songs that showcase your voice and range. Don't attempt difficult pieces unless you feel entirely comfortable with the material.
- We are looking for potential. Extensive performance background is not necessary to succeed in our program. 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 so as 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 Link
Waist Shot Link
Cowboy Shot Link
Final advice: It may seem like not being able to audition in person is a disadvantage; however, think about all the films and tv shows you’ve watched that have made you laugh and cry. You will be auditioning for us on the same medium those actors used to affect you emotionally! Approach recording yourself with an attitude of fun and adventure, and it will greatly enhance your performance. Finally, don’t obsess over trying to make the self-tape technically perfect. Give yourself a time limit to film 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. Photos of past productions should also be included.
- 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 to stage management must submit the required portfolio online via SlideRoom. Once your portfolio has been submitted to SlideRoom, you will be contacted to schedule your required interview, which can be completed by phone or video conference. All application and portfolio materials must be submitted by the appropriate deadlines.
The online portal in SlideRoom offers additional instruction for submitting materials. For technical assistance, contact . There is a $10 fee for each submission you make through SlideRoom.
Theater Design and Technology Portfolio Requirements Link
Present 10-15 examples of work that demonstrate a variety of skills, which 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
Submit a current resume listing all productions in which you have been involved, your role in the production, and when and where produced.
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.
Applicants to theater design and technology must submit the required portfolio online via SlideRoom. Your portfolio cannot be submitted until you submit your Common Application.
The online portal offers additional instruction for submitting materials. For technical assistance, contact . There is a $10 fee for each submission you make through SlideRoom.
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.
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.
- Submit a resume showing prior theater and/or related work experience.
- Submit a statement of interest.
- Schedule an interview with a representative of the Department of Drama by emailing the VPA Office of Recruitment and Admissions at . 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.
Applicants to B.S. in drama: theater management must submit the required resume and statement to us online at suvpa.slideroom.com. Once your materials have been submitted to SlideRoom, you will be contacted by a theater management faculty member to schedule your required interview, which can be completed by phone or video conference. All application materials must be submitted by the appropriate deadlines.
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.