Audition Process
•Bullet: You will receive an email requesting confirmation of your audition appointment as the date approaches
•Bullet: Unconfirmed slots may be released to students on the waitlist
Audition Expectations
•Bullet: Three parts: singing, monologue, and dance call
•Bullet: In-person auditions are strongly encouraged when possible
•Bullet: Post-audition activities include facility tours and Q&A with faculty and students
•Bullet: Video auditions are available for students who live more than 200 miles from an audition location:
◦Sub-bullet: Video audition requirements are the same as for live auditions
◦Sub-bullet: For the dance portion, submit a clip from a recent production, concert or other performance that demonstrates your movement ability
◦Sub-bullet: Email all video audition materials to PerformingArtsDepartment@cortland.edu by March 12, 2027 for Fall 2027 admission
•Bullet: Virginia Thespian Festival college auditions follow the festival's own guidelines:
◦Sub-bullet: Register through the festival's Open Water portal
◦Sub-bullet: One musical theatre song cut, 60-90 seconds, sung with the festival's live accompanist (no recorded tracks)
◦Sub-bullet: One monologue, 60-90 seconds, that contrasts with your song
◦Sub-bullet: Three minutes maximum for the whole audition
◦Sub-bullet: The festival charges a $15 fee to submit for college auditions; it is the festival's fee, not a SUNY Cortland fee
•Bullet: MARCAS sets its own audition format; its musical theatre requirements are:
◦Sub-bullet: Prepare one monologue and a song
◦Sub-bullet: There is a two minute time limit for the monologue and the song, not including your slate and your tempo check-in with the accompanist; there is no time limit on the individual monologue and song, but together they must not go over two minutes
◦Sub-bullet: No canned (recorded) music is allowed
◦Sub-bullet: Make sure your sheet music is double-sided, hole-punched and sits in a binder; no loose sheets
◦Sub-bullet: After registering online, MARCAS asks you to upload your headshot and most recent resume
◦Sub-bullet: MARCAS callbacks are not performance callbacks: schools that call you back meet with you at the event's college fair
Contact
•Bullet: PerformingArtsDepartment@cortland.edu
•Bullet: Performing Arts Department: 607-753-2811
•Bullet: Dowd Fine Arts Center, Room 216
