Program
Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewIn-Person or VirtualHighly SelectiveUnder 12 StudentsUniversity App Required
Program Characteristics
Prescreen Required
Audition Required
No Interview
Highly Selective
Under 12 Students
University App Required
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 & FACULTY
•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
PRODUCTIONS & PERFORMANCE
•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)
•Alyssa Velez '22 — Broadway debut in Into the Woods revival
•Ayanna Nicole Thomas — joined Broadway cast of How to Dance in Ohio
Key Info
Program AppApplication
Deadlines
Priority Application DeadlineDec 1, 2025
Prescreen 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, festivals, and summer programs
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
Good to Know
APPLICATION PORTAL:
•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
LATE APPLICATIONS:
•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
SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS:
•Two essay responses required
•Two recommendation letters required (due January 15)
•Unofficial transcripts (due January 15)
•Informal headshot uploaded via portal
TESTING:
•SAT, ACT, and GRE scores are not required
•Recommended minimum GPA: 3.0 (lower GPAs still considered)
What's The Process
PRESCREEN:
•Upload recordings directly to your MSM application
•Prescreen deadline: December 1
•Prescreen results released: December 21
•Deadline to schedule audition: January 5
LIVE AUDITION:
•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
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR:
•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 25% 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
Program info updated Mar 27, 2:30 AM
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 & FACULTY
•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
PRODUCTIONS & PERFORMANCE
•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)
•Alyssa Velez '22 — Broadway debut in Into the Woods revival
•Ayanna Nicole Thomas — joined Broadway cast of How to Dance in Ohio
Updated Mar 27, 2:30 AM
Academic School Information
3.55
Avg GPA
41%
Admit Rate
78%
Grad Rate
539
Enrollment
$26,878
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$57,050
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$51,754
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$31,392
Family Income $30k - $48k$38,143
Family Income $48k - $75k$46,638
Family Income $75k - $110k$48,042
Family Income $110k+$56,540
