Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY•PrivateCityLarge (15,245 students)
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Program Characteristics
Prescreen Required
Highly Selective
12-24 Students
Key Info
Apply viaSyracuse Applicant Portal
Application Deadlines
December 1 (application + prescreen)
January 5 (callback virtual materials due)
January-February (in-person callbacks)
Audition Dates
December 1: Application + prescreen deadline
January 5: Virtual callback materials due
January-February: In-person callback audition days (on-campus and off-campus locations)
Schedule via Syracuse Applicant Portal after passing prescreen
Good to Know
⚠️ EARLY DECISION NOT AVAILABLE for Musical Theatre or Acting
DECEMBER 1 DEADLINE: Both application AND prescreen audition must be submitted by this date—different from other Syracuse deadlines.
CALLBACK PROCESS: After passing prescreen, choose either:
- In-person audition at on/off-campus Drama Audition Days, OR
- Virtual audition (upload new materials + Zoom interview with faculty and current students)
⚠️ NO ADVANTAGE to in-person vs virtual—both considered equally
ACTOR-SINGER TRACK: Strong singer/actors who are NOT dancers may be considered for concentration in musical performance within BFA Acting. Must apply to BOTH Musical Theatre (1st choice) AND Acting (2nd choice) and submit ALL materials for both programs.
Note: YouTube videos viewed through portal won't register views on your YouTube account.
Application Fee
AUDITION FEE: $50 (one-time fee for prescreen submission)
Prescreen Requirements
Songs
PRESCREEN (MTCP Participant):
Two songs, 60-90 seconds each:
-One musical theater song from ANY time period
-One song of YOUR CHOICE in any style (MT, pop, hip-hop, folk, rock, rap, soul, country, punk, etc.) that CONTRASTS the first
-Accompaniment tracks, YouTube, or apps (like Harmony Helper) acceptable
CALLBACK (In-Person):
Two contrasting songs from any era of MT repertoire, 60-90 seconds each
-One must be a BALLAD
-At least one song should be DIFFERENT from prescreen
-Accompanist provided—bring sheet music in binder, in your key
-May only hear one song; second prepared if needed
CALLBACK (Virtual):
Same as in-person requirements, upload to portal
Monologues
PRESCREEN:
One monologue from a published play or by a professional writer
-Age-appropriate (within 5-10 years of your age)
-NOT from a musical
-Active monologues work better (real-time, direct communication with scene partner)
-Avoid pieces relying on extreme emotions
Note: If you also applied to Acting, submit a SECOND contemporary monologue (post-2000 preferred)
CALLBACK (In-Person):
Two monologues from modern/contemporary plays (post-2000 preferred)
-Characters close to your age
-Each under 90 seconds
-May reuse one prescreen monologue—try new choices if so
CALLBACK (Virtual):
Same requirements, upload to portal
Dance
PRESCREEN (MTCP Format):
Dance video, 60-90 seconds showing your best dancing/moving
-Include at least: one turn, one jump, one kick (or rotation/elevation/extension suitable for your body)
-Any discipline you feel confident in: jazz, ballet, tap, modern, hip hop, lyrical, contemporary, etc.
-May use recent video from show/concert (solo only)
-Self-choreographed acceptable
-MTCP resource videos available at getacceptd.com for applicants without choreographed combo
OPTIONAL Ballet Video:
Brief series of plié, tendu, grande battement, pirouette en déhors (both sides), and grand jeté across floor
CALLBACK (In-Person):
Group dance call—learn short combination in small groups
-Evaluates achievement, aptitude, and potential for triple-threat training
-Wear dancewear/rehearsal attire (no bulky sweats)
-Jazz shoes, character heels, oxfords, foot thong, or barefoot
CALLBACK (Virtual):
Learn provided online combination, film full-body in landscape orientation
Wildcard / Special Skill
WILD CARD (Optional):
Show your personality or share something about you—can be anything:
-Special skill
-Interesting story about yourself
-Instrument you play
-Original composition or poem
-Pop song
-SNL-style comedic character skit
-Hobby/activity meaningful to you
-Performance in a language you are fluent in
-"How-to" video on something you excel at
-Different style of dance (tap, hip hop, lyrical, ballet, etc.)
Additional Materials
INTRODUCTION "SLATE" VIDEO:
State your name (and pronouns if desired), speak clearly and directly at camera. Shows personality and name pronunciation. No need to slate individual videos.
ADDITIONAL UPLOADS:
-Current résumé (productions with dates/locations)
-Brief statement: why you are choosing a career in musical theater
-Photo of yourself alone (does not need to be professional headshot)
CALLBACK (In-Person): Bring résumé and photo to audition
Video Specifications
PRESCREEN VIDEO GUIDELINES:
-Each piece filmed/uploaded as SEPARATE file (no continuous videos)
-Standard technology (smartphone, tablet) acceptable
-Solid-colored wall background preferred
-Good lighting—source behind camera or to side, not behind you
-Clear audio—place music source closer to you than recording device
-Camera at eye level, landscape (horizontal) orientation recommended
-Use tripod or stack of books to stabilize
FRAMING OPTIONS:
-"Chest Shot": Top of frame above head, bottom at sternum (minimal movement)
-"Waist Shot": Top above head, bottom at waist (limited movement)
-"Cowboy Shot": Top above head, bottom mid-thigh (lots of movement)
-"Full Body": For dance—head to feet visible
FILE LABELING:
"Title of Song — Musical — Your First and Last Name" (e.g., "Your Daddy's Son — Ragtime — Jane Doe")
What Happens After Prescreen (If Invited)
CALLBACK FORMAT:
-In-person: Song(s), monologue(s), group dance call
-Virtual: Upload materials to portal + Zoom interview/info session with faculty and current students
AUDITION ADVICE FROM SYRACUSE:
-"Prior dance training, while desirable, is not always required. Enthusiasm and obvious potential may substitute for prior training."
-Choose material you are comfortable with
-Choose character close to your age and experience
-"We are not looking for students with extensive performance background. We are looking for students with dedication and talent who are open to direction and training."
-Do not audition if ill—they will reschedule
Contact: admissu@syr.edu | 315.443.2769
Program Highlights
•MTCP (Musical Theater Common Prescreen) participant—same prescreen format accepted at multiple schools
•Partnership with Syracuse Stage professional theater—students can audition for/understudy professional productions
•Triple-threat training: singing (operetta to rock), dance (4 levels ballet/jazz + tap, modern, theater styles), acting
•First year: foundation building (~18 hours/week of studio classes)
•After first year: audition for department productions, Syracuse Stage co-productions, student films
•Study abroad options: London semester at Shakespeare's Globe (fall), Tepper Semester in NYC, VPA LA Semester
•Senior showcase: Lewis Hecker Showcase for industry professionals
•Baker Merit Scholarships: $3,000/year renewable awards based on audition
•124-credit curriculum with drama and academic requirements
Program info updated 5 days ago
Academic School Information
42%
Admit Rate
82%
Grad Rate
15,245
Enrollment
$79,164
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$63,061
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$41,026
after typical aid
Average annual cost is often lower than tuition because it accounts for grants and scholarships most students receive. It includes tuition, room & board, books, and supplies.
Annual Cost by Family Income
Family Income $0 - $30k$21,505
Family Income $30k - $48k$16,002
Family Income $48k - $75k$19,633
Family Income $75k - $110k$31,776
Family Income $110k+$55,337