Program
No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewIn-Person or VirtualSelective12-24 StudentsUniversity App RequiredMTCP Participant
Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Audition Required
No Interview
Selective
12-24 Students
University App Required
MTCP ParticipantProgram Highlights
TRAINING
•Comprehensive classes in acting, voice, and dance with additional courses in technical theatre, design, music theory, and musicianship
•Goal to train complete music theatre artists while giving students tools to discover their unique strengths and interests
PRODUCTIONS
•Full productions of musicals, plays, and dance concerts in state-of-the-art facilities
•Yearly season typically includes two musicals, two plays, and four dance concerts, plus student-directed projects
•One musical theatre production each season led by a guest director/choreographer (SDC Union member)
FACULTY & GUEST ARTISTS
•Faculty maintain national and international profiles as directors, actors, choreographers, musicians, and scholars
•Exciting roster of guest artists from the professional world of theatre, music theatre, and dance
PROFESSIONAL CONNECTIONS
•Access to jobs through auditions and networking with Buffalo-based professional companies: Irish Classical Theatre Company, Shakespeare in Delaware Park, Kavinoky Theatre, and MusicalFare
•Students often pursue internships and performance contracts at theaters, cruise ships, and theme parks during summers
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Nicole Benoit — Broadway company swing for Chicago, featured roles in The Producers and Cabaret
•Graduates have appeared in Pippin, Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, and NBC's Smash
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Deadlines
Early ActionNov 1, 2025
Regular DecisionFeb 1, 2026
Fee
$50Waiver
Program AppApplication
Apply atAcceptd
Auditions
Unified Auditions (Pittsburgh)Oct 10–13, 2025
On CampusNov 8, 2025
NYC, Pearl StudiosJan 17, 2026
WNY Unified Auditions (Buffalo)Jan 31, 2026
Audition Fee
$30Waiver
Audition Requirements
Songs
•MTCP Song Option C:
-Applicant chooses Option A or B:
-Option A: One pre-1970 + one post-1970 song (contrasting styles)
-Option B: One MT song + one contrasting song (any style)
-60-90 seconds each
Monologues
•MTCP Monologue Option A:
-One monologue from a published play or professional writer
-60-90 seconds
Dance
•MTCP Dance Option A:
-Dance/movement video required
-Must include at least one turn, one jump, and one kick
-Or suitable rotation, elevation, and extension
-60-90 seconds
Ballet
•MTCP Ballet Option B:
-Ballet video optional
Wildcard / Special Skill (Optional)
OPTIONAL WILD CARD VIDEO
•Per MTCP guidelines — see MTCP website for full details
•An opportunity to share a special skill or talent beyond the required materials
Additional Materials
SLATE VIDEO
•Name and pronouns, if you would like
resume
•Include training history and production/performance experience
HEADSHOT
CAREER GOAL STATEMENT
•1-page statement about why you want to major in Music Theatre, why you are considering UB, and your long-term goals in the field
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
•Two letters — include recommender's contact information
Good to Know
MTCP
•Program participates in the Musical Theater Common Prescreen (MTCP)
SUBMISSION
•Materials submitted via Acceptd on a rolling deadline
•Video submissions available if unable to attend in person
REAPPLY POLICY
•Applicants denied admission based on the performance audition cannot apply again until the following academic year
AUDITION FEE
•Materials will not be reviewed until the audition fee is received
What's The Process
ON-CAMPUS AUDITIONS
•November 8, 2025; February 28, 2026; March 28, 2026 at University at Buffalo Center for the Arts, North Campus
OFF-CAMPUS AUDITIONS
•Pittsburgh Unified Auditions: October 10–13, 2025
•New York City: January 17, 2026 at Pearl Studios
•Western New York Unified Auditions: January 31, 2026 in Buffalo
•SETC Conference: March 4–7, 2026 in Chattanooga, TN
AUDITION FORMAT
•Come dressed to dance — the dance call takes place first thing in the morning
•Auditionees then have time to change clothes before presenting songs and monologue
VIDEO SUBMISSION
•Available via Acceptd if unable to attend auditions in person
Program info updated Mar 27, 2:18 AM
TRAINING
•Comprehensive classes in acting, voice, and dance with additional courses in technical theatre, design, music theory, and musicianship
•Goal to train complete music theatre artists while giving students tools to discover their unique strengths and interests
PRODUCTIONS
•Full productions of musicals, plays, and dance concerts in state-of-the-art facilities
•Yearly season typically includes two musicals, two plays, and four dance concerts, plus student-directed projects
•One musical theatre production each season led by a guest director/choreographer (SDC Union member)
FACULTY & GUEST ARTISTS
•Faculty maintain national and international profiles as directors, actors, choreographers, musicians, and scholars
•Exciting roster of guest artists from the professional world of theatre, music theatre, and dance
PROFESSIONAL CONNECTIONS
•Access to jobs through auditions and networking with Buffalo-based professional companies: Irish Classical Theatre Company, Shakespeare in Delaware Park, Kavinoky Theatre, and MusicalFare
•Students often pursue internships and performance contracts at theaters, cruise ships, and theme parks during summers
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Nicole Benoit — Broadway company swing for Chicago, featured roles in The Producers and Cabaret
•Graduates have appeared in Pippin, Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, and NBC's Smash
Updated Mar 27, 2:18 AM
Academic School Information
3.70
Avg GPA (W)
74%
Admit Rate
74%
Grad Rate
20,112
Enrollment
$70,814
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$10,936
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$31,536
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$20,995
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.
Family Income $0 - $30k$14,668
Family Income $30k - $48k$16,585
Family Income $48k - $75k$21,262
Family Income $75k - $110k$24,117
Family Income $110k+$28,079
