Our bachelor of fine arts (B.F.A.) degree program focuses on the development of your individual talents and abilities with the aim of helping you to discover your uniqueness as a musical theater artist. This rigorous program requires coursework in three areas of performance—singing, dancing, and acting—as well as foundations in liberal arts and theater history.

Musical theater students learn singing techniques to support all styles of theater music, from operetta to rock, with foundational coursework in music theory, sight singing, and piano. The dance studio offers four levels of ballet and jazz plus additional studies in tap, modern, and theater dance styles. The acting training incorporates scene study, dramatic theory, text analysis, speech, movement, and on-camera skills. All three areas are interwoven in musical theater performance classes, audition technique, cabaret, and participation in the many production opportunities available each semester.

Syracuse, NY

Conservatory Style in Liberal Arts Environment

B.F.A. in Musical Theatre

Mid-Size (10k - 25k Students)

50K-60K

Yes

Upload Prescreen

Song

• Prepare and memorize two short songs, approximately two minutes each, of contrasting styles, moods, and time periods, a ballad and an up-tempo number
• Both songs must be from musicals; cuts are acceptable.

Monologue

• Prepare and memorize a monologue that is up to two minutes in length from a modern play (not from a musical
• Comedy or drama
• Character fairly close to your own age

Dance

• Present a dance segment that demonstrates your aptitude for serious dance study
• The recording should include evidence of jumping and turning abilities; awareness of body position, direction, and line; rhythmic sensibilities; and appropriate stylistic elements and performance qualities relative to your background and training, if applicable
• Students should wear appropriate dance attire
• The video should be a full-body shot
• One minute in length
• Video segments of students dancing in productions are not acceptable

See Prescreen info on Audition Materials

• Students who complete their final audition in person may present the same monologue and songs chosen for the prescreening submission, or they may choose new materials in the same format

Song

• The songs MUST contrast with one another
• Women: one song must show the legitimate (non-belting) voice
• If you choose to submit your final audition online, you must submit new materials to your Accept’d account
• Be prepared to sing one of the two songs prepared, the second will be heard if needed
• You may bring your own accompanist, but an accompanist is provided
• You must bring your sheet music in a binder so that the pages may be turned easily (a small, hard-back three-ring binder works best) and in the key in which you will sing it

Dance

• All musical theater applicants are required to participate in a dance audition
• When auditioning in person, you will be asked to learn a short dance combination to be performed in small groups
• Prior dance training, while desirable, is not always required for acceptance. Enthusiasm and obvious potential may, on occasion, substitute for prior training
• Women should wear leotards and tights. Men should wear jazz pants or tights and a T-shirt
• Jazz shoes are recommended for both men and women
• No bulky or oversized sweatpants or sweatshirts are permitted

Additional Tips

• 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 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.
• Do not audition if you are ill, we will do our best to reschedule you. If that is not possible, you may submit an online audition.

On-campus

November 17, 2017
January 27, 2018
February 2-3, 2018
February 9-10. 2018

New York

January 20-21, 2018

Chicago

February 5-7, 2018

Los Angeles

February 9-10, 2018

Baker Merit Scholarships in Drama: Established by the Dexter F. and Dorothy H. Baker Foundation, these scholarships provide annual awards of $3,000 (renewable for four years) to first-year students who demonstrate outstanding talent. One scholarship will be awarded to a first-year student in the Department of Drama. Recipients must maintain at least a 3.0 grade point average in their major to retain the award for four years. Selection is based on the audition required for admission.

From the second year on, musical theater students may audition for roles in faculty-directed plays and musicals, co-productions with Syracuse Stage, scenes and plays directed by directing students, and films produced by film students in the College of Visual and Performing Arts. Advanced musical theater students may audition for and perform in Syracuse Stage productions in appropriate roles. Students may also understudy the professional actors. Equity points may be earned through work with Syracuse Stage.

Drama students are fortunate to enjoy the presence of Syracuse Stage in the complex. Not only are you able to attend one or many performances of every play, but upper-level acting and musical theater students are also permitted to perform in appropriate roles and to understudy the professional actors. (Syracuse Stage and the Department of Drama have successfully collaborated on productions that, under a University Resident Theatre Association contract, several department students are cast in leading and supporting roles and receive professional credit for the run of the productions.) The understudies are able to view the collaborative work of professional actors, directors, designers, and stage managers during rehearsals. Student designers, directors, and stage managers may participate as assistants to professional designers, directors, and stage managers.

Undergraduate Admissions
315.443.2769
admissu@syr.edu

Undergraduate Student Affairs
Vicki Smith
315.443.2517
vrsmith@syr.edu

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