If you are a prospective VPA student, please see below the opportunities for you to meet us and learn more about VPA. If you are an admitted VPA student, congratulations! Please see our Visit VPA page for admitted students, where you will find opportunities to visit us this spring.
Information Sessions for Prospective Students
Daily On-Campus Information Sessions
These in-person sessions include a presentation about VPA, including overviews of the School of Art, School of Design, Department of Film and Media Arts, Department of Drama, Department of Communication and Rhetorical Studies, and the Setnor School of Music. We will also discuss application processes, talent requirements such as auditions and portfolios, and answer any questions you may have.
In-Person Sessions, Monday-Friday at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. ET as a part of your campus visit with Office of Admissions
Virtual Information Sessions for Prospective Students
Can’t make it to campus? No worries! We offer virtual sessions to answer all your questions.
Virtual Information Sessions This session will include a presentation about VPA, including brief overviews of our majors. We will also discuss application processes, talent requirements such as auditions and portfolios, and answer any questions you may have.
Talent Preparation Virtual Sessions This session will take a deeper dive into how to prepare for an audition or portfolio. We will also share tips on how to prepare for your audition and portfolio submission.
Department Virtual Sessions These sessions will focus specifically on one area of VPA. You will have a chance to meet faculty, hear about the majors, and ask any questions.
Please note that virtual information sessions are in Eastern Time. Session dates for 2023-24 will be posted in early fall.
Events, Auditions, and Portfolio Reviews for Prospective Students
Drama Auditions
On Drama Audition Days, students applying to acting and musical theater who have successfully prescreened may complete an in-person audition; students applying to theater design and technology, stage management, or the B.S. in theater management may complete the departmental interview at in-person campus events or virtually.
Drama Audition Days for 2023-24 will be held on the following dates. Applicants may register via the applicant portal, to which you receive access after submitting your Syracuse University application.
On Music Audition Days, students applying to the Setnor School of Music may complete the required audition. Music Audition Days for 2023-24 will be held on the dates below. Applicants may register via the applicant portal, to which you receive access after submitting your Syracuse University application.
*Please note that organ, percussion, and jazz and commercial music drum set auditions are not available at the New York City audition.
Academic Interest Presentations (All-VPA Event)
Learn why the College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) is the perfect place for you to challenge yourself creatively and explore new perspectives. We’ll have a chance to talk about undergraduate programs, study abroad, portfolio and audition requirements, research opportunities and more. You'll also have a chance to meet the regional admissions team and ask questions.
New York City
Thursday, October 12, 2023
6:30-8 p.m. EDT Syracuse University's Lubin House, 11 East 61st Street
Interested in applying to Setnor and want to know what a music lesson from Setnor faculty is like? Find out personally with a music lesson.
Trial lessons are offered for juniors and seniors in high school. This opportunity is designed to help students prepare for the required audition. Please review the audition requirements and suggested literature and choose one piece to focus on in your lesson.
More details about preparing for your lesson will be provided as your schedule is finalized.
No visual and performing arts college fairs are scheduled at this time.
National Portfolio Days
National Portfolio Day is free for students to attend from anywhere around the world! Join us for any of our events to take your future in art and design above and beyond. Visit the National Portfolio Day website for more information about each event.
VPA will be represented at the following 2023-24 National Portfolio Days. These are in-person events:
Saturday, September 16, Baltimore, Maryland
Sunday, September 17, Washington, D.C.
Sunday, September 24, Atlanta, Georgia
Saturday, September 30, Houston, Texas
Sunday, October 1, Dallas, Texas
Saturday, October 7, New York, New York
Sunday, October 15, Chicago, Illinois
Saturday, October 28, Boston, Massachusetts
Sunday, October 29, Hartford, Connecticut
Sunday, October 29, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Sunday, November 5, Rochester, New York
Saturday, November 11, San Diego, California
Sunday, November 12, Los Angeles, California
Sunday, November 19, San Francisco, California
Saturday, January 20, Miami, Florida
Sunday, January 21, Sarasota, Florida
Other Portfolio Events
No additional portfolio events are scheduled at this time.
Tour Our Facilities
Visit The Warehouse, home of the School of Design
Take a virtual tour of the Department of Drama
Check out the ceramics, weaving, jewelry & metalsmithing, printmaking, sculpture, fabrication, woodshop, painting & illustration studios
Tour Crouse College, home of the Setnor School of Music
A glimpse inside Sims Hall, home of CRS
A peek at the photo lab, animation and film studios, equipment cage, sound recording and editing room, and post-production studios
