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

Early Decision (first-year students only):

  • October 1, 2022: Prescreen auditions for acting and musical theater must be submitted through Acceptd by 11:59 p.m. ET.
  • November 1, 2022: All materials for virtual applications must be submitted through Acceptd by 11:59 p.m. ET.
  • November 14, 2022: Final date for in-person auditions and virtual interviews
  • November 15, 2022: Final date to submit Common Application to Syracuse University

Early Decision II (first-year students only):

  • Not available for acting and musical theater
  • January 5, 2023: Portfolio materials for stage management, theater management, and theater design and technology

Regular Decision (fall):

  • November 1, 2022: Prescreen auditions for acting and musical theater must be submitted through Acceptd by 11:59 p.m. ET.
  • January 5, 2023: Final date to submit Common Application to Syracuse University. Students choosing to submit their final audition by video must be submit through Acceptd by 11:59 p.m. ET.
  • January and early February 2023: Final in-person auditions, portfolio reviews, and virtual interviews will be scheduled.

Spring Enrollment:

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

 

See Drama Audition Dates

Acting Prescreening and Audition Requirements

Musical Theater Prescreening and Audition Requirements

Acting and Musical Theater (BOTH) Prescreening and Audition Requirements

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 as described below. 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.

Audition Preparation Advice

Stage Management Portfolio and Interview Requirements

Theater Design and Technology Portfolio Requirements

B.S. in Drama: Theater Management Requirements


Transfer Students

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

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