New York University
New York, NY•PrivateCityVery Large (29,430 students)
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Official Program Page
Program Characteristics
Prescreen Required
Highly Selective
12-24 Students
Key Info
Apply viaNYU Drama Artistic Review Portal
Application Deadlines
Early Decision I: November 1
Early Decision II: January 1
Regular Decision: January 5
Audition Dates
Early Decision I: November (NYC, Digital)
Early Decision II: January (NYC, Digital)
Regular Decision: January-February (NYC, Chicago, Digital)
Transfers: March-April
Good to Know
Must choose 'ALL STUDIOS' or 'MUSICAL THEATRE ONLY' when scheduling artistic review - choice does not impact eligibility for musical theatre program
Prescreen Requirements
Songs
•Two contrasting 32-bar song selections (approx. 90 seconds each)
•One 32-bar cut must be from published musical theatre canon:
-Standard Broadway repertoire: Rodgers and Hammerstein, Rodgers and Hart, Kern and Hammerstein, Lerner and Loewe, Stephen Sondheim, Leonard Bernstein, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, Kurt Weill, Cy Coleman, Jules Styne, Bock and Harnick, Kander and Ebb, George Gershwin, Duke Ellington, Stephen Schwartz, Jonathan Larson, Jason Robert Brown, Michael John LaChiusa, Andrew Lippa, Adam Guettel, Noel Coward, Rupert Holmes, Jeanine Tesori, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Jerry Herman, Yip Harburg, Harold Arlen, Marvin Hamlisch, Alan Menken, Galt MacDermot, etc.
•One 32-bar cut from either musical theatre or published contemporary piece:
-May be from rock, pop, hip-hop, jazz, gospel, country, opera, classical, etc.
•Each cut must be clearly marked on sheet music
•Sheet music must be double-sided and placed in three-ring binder
•Be prepared to sing additional selection if requested
Monologues
•Two contrasting monologues - both contemporary - presented in English
•Contemporary defined as anything written from around 1900 to now
•Each monologue must be under 90 seconds in length
•All monologues must be from published plays (no musicals; no film/TV scripts; no original material)
•Each monologue should be written as such, not dialogue pieced and edited together
•Choose material within your age range (roles you would be cast in now)
•Gender of character need not be determining factor
•No props or costumes permitted
•Use your natural voice - no accents
Dance
•Dance evaluation required for all musical theatre candidates
•In-person: Taught combination incorporating Ballet, Jazz, and contemporary dance
-Small groups taught one combination
-Multiple rehearsal opportunities
-Perform in smaller groups for evaluator
•Digital: Submit dance video per Digital Submission Guidelines
•Wear comfortable, fitted clothes for ease of movement
•Ballet slippers, jazz shoes or barefoot (no high-heeled character shoes)
Additional Materials
•Three copies of résumé (industry standard performing arts format)
•One résumé uploaded digitally to artistic review portal
•No photo on résumé
•No personal photo or headshot required
•Sheet music for accompanist (provided for in-person reviews)
Video Specifications
•Phase 1 Video Submission (prescreen):
-Total length: No longer than 2 minutes (120 seconds)
-One continuous, stationary shot without editing or splicing
-Framing: Waist up
-Background: Simple, non-distracting
-Audio: Clear with no distracting sounds or background noise
-Three components: Introduction (name, pronouns, location), Story (1 minute), Response to prompt
•Phase 2 Digital Submission (if invited):
-Two song videos as backup for live Zoom performance
-Dance video per Digital Submission Guidelines
-Videos uploaded to Drama Artistic Review portal
What Happens After Prescreen (If Invited)
•Two-phase process for Regular Decision Musical Theatre:
-Phase 1: Video submission reviewed by faculty
-Phase 2: Live artistic review (in-person or digital) if invited
•Phase 2 invitations sent rolling basis starting October 5, 2025
•Must receive invitation email by January 15, 2026 to schedule Phase 2
•If no invitation by January 15, 2026, next response in April 2026 from NYU Admissions
•Phase 2 sessions approximately 3.5 hours (morning or afternoon)
•Digital candidates perform songs live via Zoom with own accompaniment
•Evaluator may test vocal range during singing evaluation
Program Highlights
•Choice between 'All Studios' consideration (placed in MT first, then acting studios if not MT fit) or 'Musical Theatre Only' (MT program or no admission)
•Musical Theatre Only candidates placed in New Studio on Broadway if admitted
•Training focuses on actors who sing and dance
•Conversation component allows evaluators to learn about you as a person
•Faculty want to see your unique perspective and engagement with material
Program info updated 2 days ago
Academic School Information
9%
Admit Rate
88%
Grad Rate
29,430
Enrollment
$82,509
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$60,438
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$35,035
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$16,816
Family Income $30k - $48k$15,898
Family Income $48k - $75k$18,555
Family Income $75k - $110k$33,913
Family Income $110k+$59,931