SUNY Cortland
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Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Audition Required
No Interview
In-Person or Virtual
University App Required
Program Highlights
PROGRAM DISTINCTION
•One of only three SUNY institutions offering a BFA in Musical Theatre
•Housed in the renovated Dowd Fine Arts Center ($22 million renovation in 2014)
TRAINING
•Seven semesters of ballet training
•Private voice instruction with a dedicated teacher
•Comprehensive curriculum in acting, spoken voice, theatre history, jazz dance, tap dance, and theatre dance
•124-credit intensive studio program
CAREER PREPARATION
•Industry showcase in New York City for seniors and alumni
•Full year of performance opportunities ranging from musicals to various productions
•Approximately 20 faculty and staff members
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Apply atSchool Website
Deadlines
Early ActionNov 15, 2025
Rolling
Fee
$50Waiver
Program AppApplication
Auditions
On-Campus AuditionOct 4, 2025
Pittsburgh Unifieds (Virtual Only)Oct 10, 2025
MARCAS (New Jersey)Nov 14, 2025
NYC UnifiedsJan 24, 2026
Audition Requirements
Songs
TWO CONTRASTING SONGS, 30-45 sec each
•One up-tempo and one ballad
•One written before 1960, one written after 1960
•Songs must be from the musical theatre repertoire
-No pop, rock, rap, or country
•Must sing to musical accompaniment — no a cappella
PREPARATION
•Bring marked sheet music in the correct key in a binder
•Accompanist provided at audition
Monologues
ONE CONTEMPORARY MONOLOGUE, 1 min max
•Must be from a published play written within the last 20 years
•No monologues from musicals, films, or screenplays
•No dialects
Dance
DANCE CALL
•A short combination will be taught during the audition
•Bring dance footwear (jazz or character shoes)
•Wear fitted clothing that shows body lines
•Time is given to change before the dance portion
Wildcard / Special Skill
N/A
Additional Materials
HEADSHOT (required)
•Bring a headshot to the audition
AUDITION FORMS (required)
•Bring two completed audition forms
Good to Know
APPLICATION PROCESS
•Apply to SUNY Cortland via Common App or SUNY Online Application
•Audition for the Performing Arts Department is separate from university admission
AUDITION SCHEDULING
•Email the Performing Arts Department with your name, email, and phone number to reserve an audition time
What's The Process
AUDITION FORMAT
•Three parts: singing, monologue, and dance call
•In-person auditions are strongly encouraged when possible
•Post-audition activities include facility tours and Q&A with faculty and students
VIDEO AUDITION
•Available for students living 200+ miles from an audition location
•Video submissions due by March 13, 2026
•Requirements are the same as live auditions
•For dance, submit a clip demonstrating movement ability from a recent performance
•Submit videos via email to the Performing Arts Department
CONTACT
•Performing Arts Department: 607-753-2811
•Dowd Fine Arts Center, Room 216
Program info updated Today
Academic School Information
3.48
Avg GPA (W)
51%
Admit Rate
68%
Grad Rate
5,896
Enrollment
$60,236
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$8,815
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$18,725
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$19,951
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.
Annual Cost by Family Income
Family Income $0 - $30k$11,272
Family Income $30k - $48k$13,846
Family Income $48k - $75k$18,050
Family Income $75k - $110k$19,602
Family Income $110k+$23,422
