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Manhattan School of Music

New York, NY

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Program

BM Musical Theatre

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Highly Selective25-40 Students

Program

BM Musical Theatre

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Highly Selective25-40 Students

Browse programs

Quick Links

BM Musical Theatre

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Highly Selective25-40 Students

Program Recognition

•The only stand-alone conservatory musical theatre program in New York City

•Fully-accredited Bachelor of Music degree with 132-credit curriculum

•Artistic advisors include Bebe Neuwirth, Kelli O'Hara, and Susan Stroman

Training

•Co-chaired by Shuler Hensley (Tony winner) and led by Dean Liza Gennaro

•35+ artist-teachers with Broadway credits spanning Les Miserables, Phantom, Chicago, and Ragtime

•Master classes with Broadway casting directors from Telsey + Company and Tara Rubin Casting

Performance & Productions

•Four fully-produced book musicals per year with 25+ piece orchestras

•One musical in development with professional writers workshopping new material

•Freshman Hello! showcase and Senior Showcase for NYC industry professionals

Notable Alumni

•Jasmine Amy Rogers '19 — title role in Broadway's BOOP! (Tony-nominated Best Actress)

•Alysia Velez '22 — Broadway debut in Into the Woods revival

•Ayanna Nicole Thomas — joined Broadway cast of How to Dance in Ohio

Verified Recent Class Sizes

•Class of 2029: 28 students

•Class of 2028: 31 students

•Class of 2027: 41 students

•Class of 2025: 35 students

School Info

Snapshot

3.55

Avg GPA

41%

Admit Rate

school-wide

78%

Grad Rate

539

Enrollment

$27K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

Tuition & Fees

$62,800

Before aid

Cost of Attendance

$88,542

Before aid

Average Net Price

$51,754

After aid

Official source College Scorecard

Program info updated 6d ago

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

•The only stand-alone conservatory musical theatre program in New York City

•Fully-accredited Bachelor of Music degree with 132-credit curriculum

•Artistic advisors include Bebe Neuwirth, Kelli O'Hara, and Susan Stroman

Training

•Co-chaired by Shuler Hensley (Tony winner) and led by Dean Liza Gennaro

•35+ artist-teachers with Broadway credits spanning Les Miserables, Phantom, Chicago, and Ragtime

•Master classes with Broadway casting directors from Telsey + Company and Tara Rubin Casting

Performance & Productions

•Four fully-produced book musicals per year with 25+ piece orchestras

•One musical in development with professional writers workshopping new material

•Freshman Hello! showcase and Senior Showcase for NYC industry professionals

Notable Alumni

•Jasmine Amy Rogers '19 — title role in Broadway's BOOP! (Tony-nominated Best Actress)

•Alysia Velez '22 — Broadway debut in Into the Woods revival

•Ayanna Nicole Thomas — joined Broadway cast of How to Dance in Ohio

Verified Recent Class Sizes

•Class of 2029: 28 students

•Class of 2028: 31 students

•Class of 2027: 41 students

•Class of 2025: 35 students

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

•The only stand-alone conservatory musical theatre program in New York City

•Fully-accredited Bachelor of Music degree with 132-credit curriculum

•Artistic advisors include Bebe Neuwirth, Kelli O'Hara, and Susan Stroman

Training

•Co-chaired by Shuler Hensley (Tony winner) and led by Dean Liza Gennaro

•35+ artist-teachers with Broadway credits spanning Les Miserables, Phantom, Chicago, and Ragtime

•Master classes with Broadway casting directors from Telsey + Company and Tara Rubin Casting

Performance & Productions

•Four fully-produced book musicals per year with 25+ piece orchestras

•One musical in development with professional writers workshopping new material

•Freshman Hello! showcase and Senior Showcase for NYC industry professionals

Notable Alumni

•Jasmine Amy Rogers '19 — title role in Broadway's BOOP! (Tony-nominated Best Actress)

•Alysia Velez '22 — Broadway debut in Into the Woods revival

•Ayanna Nicole Thomas — joined Broadway cast of How to Dance in Ohio

Verified Recent Class Sizes

•Class of 2029: 28 students

•Class of 2028: 31 students

•Class of 2027: 41 students

•Class of 2025: 35 students

Key Info

Enrollment Term

Fall 2026

University AppApplication

Apply

School Website

Fee

$130

Deadline

PriorityDec 1, 2025

Program AppApplication

Deadline

Application deadlinePriority Application DeadlinePrescreen Videos DueDec 1, 2025

Deadline to Schedule AuditionJan 5, 2026

Recorded Audition DeadlineFeb 1, 2026

Auditions

On-Campus Auditions, Day 1 (New York, NY)Jan 17, 2026

On-Campus Auditions, Day 2 (New York, NY)Jan 18, 2026

New York Unifieds, Day 1 (New York, NY)Jan 24, 2026

New York Unifieds, Day 2 (New York, NY)Jan 25, 2026

Prescreen Requirements

Songs

Two One-Minute Selections from the Musical Theatre Repertoire

•One up-tempo song and one ballad

•Recommended: one classic Musical Theatre piece and one contemporary Musical Theatre piece from the last 5-10 years

Repertoire

•Consider presenting at least one song or monologue by an underrepresented creator

•Each song should be approximately one minute in length

Monologues

One Memorized Monologue, Approx. 1 Min

•Monologue of your choice

•Consider presenting material by an underrepresented creator

Dance

One Dance Selection, 1 Min Max

•Perform a dance of your choosing in any genre, or from the following suggested genres: contemporary, jazz, hip-hop, ballet, or tap

•Do not submit videos from performances

•You should be the only person in the video

Additional Materials

Headshot

•Informal headshot uploaded via the application portal

Artistic Resume

•Include: academic study, private study, performance experience, awards, distinctions, festivals, and summer programs

Essay Responses

•Two essay responses required

Recommendation Letters

•Two recommendation letters required

•One from the current teacher of your primary instrument (e.g. voice teacher)

•One from another musical or academic reference

•Due January 15

Transcripts

•Unofficial transcripts

•Due January 15

Official Source

Callback Requirements

Songs

Two One-Minute Selections from the Musical Theatre Repertoire

•One up-tempo song and one ballad

•Recommended: one classic Musical Theatre piece and one contemporary Musical Theatre piece from the last 5-10 years

•The singing/acting portion of the audition will last 5-7 minutes

Monologues

One Memorized Monologue, Approx. 1 Min

•Monologue of your choice

Dance

Dance Call, Approx. 1 Hour

•Group dance call led by MSM faculty

Attire

•Clothing should allow for ease of movement but not be too loose-fitting

Footwear

•Character shoes, jazz shoes, or sneakers

•If proficient in pointe work, bring pointe shoes

Additional Materials

Headshot

•Bring one physical copy to your audition

Resume

•Bring one physical copy to your audition

Official Source

Good to Know

Application Logistics

•Apply at apply.msmnyc.edu — MSM's own application portal

•$130 application fee (non-refundable)

•Current MSM/Precollege students and alumni pay reduced fee of $80

•Applications accepted after December 1 as space allows

•Late applicants must be approved by the Admission Office

•If approved, an additional $50 late fee is assessed

•Informal headshot uploaded via portal

•SAT, ACT, and GRE scores are not required

•Recommended minimum GPA: 3.0 (lower GPAs still considered)

What's The Process

Audition Process

•Upload recordings directly to your MSM application

•Prescreen deadline: December 1

•Prescreen results released: December 21

•Deadline to schedule audition: January 5

Audition Expectations

•Invitation-only — select applicants invited after prescreen review

•In-person auditions held at MSM's NYC campus over two weekends in January

•Recorded (virtual) auditions available for students unable to travel to NYC — contact admission@msmnyc.edu

•Recorded audition submissions due February 1

•Enthusiastic, highly motivated, collaborative individuals who bring a strong sense of self

•Select material that feels authentic and demonstrates your individuality

Scholarship Info

Merit Scholarships

•MSM Scholarship awarded based on audition performance and demonstrated financial need

•Approximately 75% of full-time enrolled students receive scholarship aid

•President's Award available for high-merit students without financial need (up to 50% of tuition)

Financial Aid

•Financial Aid Questionnaire required of all applicants (internal MSM form, available on Status Portal)

•CSS Profile and FAFSA required (due January 15)

•Federal Work-Study and SEOG grants available for eligible students

School Info

Snapshot

3.55

Avg GPA

41%

Admit Rate

school-wide

78%

Grad Rate

539

Enrollment

$27K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

Tuition & Fees

$62,800

Before aid

Cost of Attendance

$88,542

Before aid

Average Net Price

$51,754

After aid

Official source College Scorecard

Program Recognition

•The only stand-alone conservatory musical theatre program in New York City

•Fully-accredited Bachelor of Music degree with 132-credit curriculum

•Artistic advisors include Bebe Neuwirth, Kelli O'Hara, and Susan Stroman

Training

•Co-chaired by Shuler Hensley (Tony winner) and led by Dean Liza Gennaro

•35+ artist-teachers with Broadway credits spanning Les Miserables, Phantom, Chicago, and Ragtime

•Master classes with Broadway casting directors from Telsey + Company and Tara Rubin Casting

Performance & Productions

•Four fully-produced book musicals per year with 25+ piece orchestras

•One musical in development with professional writers workshopping new material

•Freshman Hello! showcase and Senior Showcase for NYC industry professionals

Notable Alumni

•Jasmine Amy Rogers '19 — title role in Broadway's BOOP! (Tony-nominated Best Actress)

•Alysia Velez '22 — Broadway debut in Into the Woods revival

•Ayanna Nicole Thomas — joined Broadway cast of How to Dance in Ohio

Verified Recent Class Sizes

•Class of 2029: 28 students

•Class of 2028: 31 students

•Class of 2027: 41 students

•Class of 2025: 35 students

Updated 6d ago