Private school15.5K

Syracuse University

Syracuse, NY

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Program

Concentration

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Highly Selective25-40 StudentsStudy Abroad

Program

Concentration

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 StudentsStudy Abroad

Browse programs

Concentrations

Quick Links

BFA Acting

General

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Highly Selective25-40 StudentsStudy Abroad

Quick Links

BFA Acting

General

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Highly Selective25-40 StudentsStudy Abroad

Quick Links

BFA Acting

Actor-Singer Track

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Highly SelectiveUnder 12 StudentsStudy Abroad

Quick Links

BFA Musical Theater

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or VirtualMTCP Participant

Program profile

Highly Selective25-40 StudentsStudy Abroad

Quick Links

BFA Theater Design and Technology

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Under 12 StudentsStudy Abroad

Quick Links

BFA Stage Management

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

SelectiveUnder 12 StudentsStudy Abroad

Quick Links

BS Drama

Theater Management

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Under 12 StudentsStudy Abroad

Program Recognition

•Conservatory-style training embedded within a major research university

•Named one of Playbill's 10 Most Represented Colleges on Broadway

•Partnership with Syracuse Stage, Central New York's premier professional theater (founded 1974)

Training

•First year: ~18 hours/week of foundational studio work in acting, voice, speech, and movement

•Upper-level electives include acting for camera, stage combat, clown, dialects, and actor-generated work

•Students audition for department productions, Syracuse Stage co-productions, and student films

Notable Alumni

•Vera Farmiga '95 — Oscar-nominated actress (The Departed, Up in the Air, Bates Motel)

•Frank Langella '59 — 4-time Tony Award winner (Frost/Nixon, The Father)

•Aaron Sorkin '83 — Oscar-winning screenwriter (The Social Network, The West Wing)

Professional Development

•Lewis Hecker Drama Showcase for graduating seniors before industry professionals

•Tepper Semester in NYC and VPA LA Semester/Sorkin in LA Practicum

Study Abroad

•London semester at Shakespeare's Globe (fall of third year)

Verified Recent Class Sizes

•Class of 2030: 33 students

•Class of 2029: 24 students

•Class of 2028: 22 students

Academic info

Snapshot

3.80

Avg GPA (W)

46%

Admit Rate

school-wide

82%

Grad Rate

15.5K

Enrollment

$79K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

Average Annual Cost

$38,793

after typical aid

Tuition & Fees

$65,528

before aid

Average annual cost reflects the grants and scholarships most students receive.

$0-30k$15,817

$30-48k$15,845

$48-75k$21,132

$75-110k$28,780

$110k+$55,401

View full data on College Scorecard

Program info updated Jun 2, 8:28 PM

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

•Conservatory-style training embedded within a major research university

•Named one of Playbill's 10 Most Represented Colleges on Broadway

•Partnership with Syracuse Stage, Central New York's premier professional theater (founded 1974)

Training

•First year: ~18 hours/week of foundational studio work in acting, voice, speech, and movement

•Upper-level electives include acting for camera, stage combat, clown, dialects, and actor-generated work

•Students audition for department productions, Syracuse Stage co-productions, and student films

Notable Alumni

•Vera Farmiga '95 — Oscar-nominated actress (The Departed, Up in the Air, Bates Motel)

•Frank Langella '59 — 4-time Tony Award winner (Frost/Nixon, The Father)

•Aaron Sorkin '83 — Oscar-winning screenwriter (The Social Network, The West Wing)

Professional Development

•Lewis Hecker Drama Showcase for graduating seniors before industry professionals

•Tepper Semester in NYC and VPA LA Semester/Sorkin in LA Practicum

Study Abroad

•London semester at Shakespeare's Globe (fall of third year)

Verified Recent Class Sizes

•Class of 2030: 33 students

•Class of 2029: 24 students

•Class of 2028: 22 students

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

•Conservatory-style training embedded within a major research university

•Named one of Playbill's 10 Most Represented Colleges on Broadway

•Partnership with Syracuse Stage, Central New York's premier professional theater (founded 1974)

Training

•First year: ~18 hours/week of foundational studio work in acting, voice, speech, and movement

•Upper-level electives include acting for camera, stage combat, clown, dialects, and actor-generated work

•Students audition for department productions, Syracuse Stage co-productions, and student films

Notable Alumni

•Vera Farmiga '95 — Oscar-nominated actress (The Departed, Up in the Air, Bates Motel)

•Frank Langella '59 — 4-time Tony Award winner (Frost/Nixon, The Father)

•Aaron Sorkin '83 — Oscar-winning screenwriter (The Social Network, The West Wing)

Professional Development

•Lewis Hecker Drama Showcase for graduating seniors before industry professionals

•Tepper Semester in NYC and VPA LA Semester/Sorkin in LA Practicum

Study Abroad

•London semester at Shakespeare's Globe (fall of third year)

Verified Recent Class Sizes

•Class of 2030: 33 students

•Class of 2029: 24 students

•Class of 2028: 22 students

Expert Tips

Submit your academic application at least 5 days before the prescreen due date. It takes an average of 4 days to receive a link to the Syracuse portal where you can upload your prescreens.

Key Info

University AppApplication

Apply

School Website

Fee

$85Waiver

Deadline

Early DecisionNov 15, 2025

Application deadlineEarly Decision IIRegular DecisionJan 5, 2026

Program AppApplication

Apply

School Website

Fee

Prescreen Audition Fee

$50

Deadline

Prescreen DeadlineDec 1, 2025

Virtual Callback MaterialsJan 5, 2026

Auditions

On-Campus (Syracuse, NY)Jan 16, 2026

On-Campus (Syracuse, NY)Jan 17, 2026

On-Campus (Syracuse, NY)Jan 23, 2026

Audition dateOn-Campus (Syracuse, NY)NYC (Ripley Grier Studios)Jan 24, 2026

NYC (Ripley Grier Studios)Jan 25, 2026

On-Campus (Syracuse, NY)Jan 30, 2026

On-Campus (Syracuse, NY)Jan 31, 2026

Chicago (JW Marriott)Feb 2, 2026

Chicago (JW Marriott)Feb 3, 2026

Chicago (JW Marriott)Feb 4, 2026

Los Angeles (Hyatt Regency LAX)Feb 6, 2026

Los Angeles (Hyatt Regency LAX)Feb 7, 2026

Prescreen Requirements

Monologues

Prescreen

•Two contrasting monologues, under 90 seconds each

•From modern/contemporary plays (post-2000 preferred)

•Characters close to your own age

•Not from musicals

Tips

•Recommend at least one shows physical expressiveness and is filmed full body

Additional Materials

Additional Uploads

•Current RESUME (productions with dates/locations)

•Brief statement: why you are choosing a career in theater

•Photo of yourself alone (does not need to be professional HEADSHOT)

Official Source

Callback Requirements

Monologues

Callback

•Two contrasting monologues, under 90 seconds each

•From modern/contemporary plays (post-2000 preferred)

•Characters close to your age

•Not from musicals

•You may reuse one prescreen monologue, but try new choices if you do

Virtual Callback Only

•Upload a movement recording up to 90 seconds based on a non-human creature of your choice

•Show the animal moving through its environment, feeding and drinking water, reacting in fear or anger, and returning to its sleeping place

•Film full body with your entire body in frame at all times

Additional Materials

In-Person

•Bring current resume and photo to audition

Virtual

•Upload resume to portal

•Zoom interview/info session with faculty and current students

Official Source

Good to Know

Application Logistics

•Early Decision is not available for Acting or Musical Theater

•December 1 deadline: university application and prescreen audition materials due

•Submit through the Syracuse University applicant portal after completing the university application

•YouTube videos viewed through the portal will not register views on your YouTube account

Admission Pathway

•After passing prescreen, choose an in-person Drama Audition Day or a virtual audition

•No advantage to in-person versus virtual; both are considered equally

•Actor-Singer Track consideration requires listing Musical Theater and Acting as first and second choices and submitting all materials for both programs

What's The Process

Audition Expectations

•In-person: Perform monologues

•Virtual: Upload materials (including animal movement piece) + Zoom interview/info session with faculty and current students

•Choose material you are comfortable with—don't attempt Shakespeare unless entirely comfortable

•Choose character close to your age and experience—connection to character is key

•"We are not looking for students with extensive performance background. We are looking for students with dedication and talent who are open to direction and training."

•"It is okay to be nervous. The people on your audition committee have been in your position and will have empathy."

•Do not audition if ill—they will reschedule

Contact: admissu@syr.edu | 315.443.2769

Scholarship Info

Baker Merit Scholarships

•$3,000/year renewable awards based on audition performance

•Awarded by faculty based on audition and overall application

Academic info

Snapshot

3.80

Avg GPA (W)

46%

Admit Rate

school-wide

82%

Grad Rate

15.5K

Enrollment

$79K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

Average Annual Cost

$38,793

after typical aid

Tuition & Fees

$65,528

before aid

Average annual cost reflects the grants and scholarships most students receive.

$0-30k$15,817

$30-48k$15,845

$48-75k$21,132

$75-110k$28,780

$110k+$55,401

View full data on College Scorecard

Program Recognition

•Conservatory-style training embedded within a major research university

•Named one of Playbill's 10 Most Represented Colleges on Broadway

•Partnership with Syracuse Stage, Central New York's premier professional theater (founded 1974)

Training

•First year: ~18 hours/week of foundational studio work in acting, voice, speech, and movement

•Upper-level electives include acting for camera, stage combat, clown, dialects, and actor-generated work

•Students audition for department productions, Syracuse Stage co-productions, and student films

Notable Alumni

•Vera Farmiga '95 — Oscar-nominated actress (The Departed, Up in the Air, Bates Motel)

•Frank Langella '59 — 4-time Tony Award winner (Frost/Nixon, The Father)

•Aaron Sorkin '83 — Oscar-winning screenwriter (The Social Network, The West Wing)

Professional Development

•Lewis Hecker Drama Showcase for graduating seniors before industry professionals

•Tepper Semester in NYC and VPA LA Semester/Sorkin in LA Practicum

Study Abroad

•London semester at Shakespeare's Globe (fall of third year)

Verified Recent Class Sizes

•Class of 2030: 33 students

•Class of 2029: 24 students

•Class of 2028: 22 students

Updated Jun 2, 8:28 PM

Syracuse University

Browse programs

Program Highlights

Expert Tips

Key Info

Prescreen Requirements

Callback Requirements

Good to Know

What's The Process

Scholarship Info

Academic info

Program Highlights

Program Highlights

Expert Tips

Key Info

Prescreen Requirements

Callback Requirements

Good to Know

What's The Process

Scholarship Info

School Info

Syracuse University

Browse programs

Program Highlights

Expert Tips

Key Info

Prescreen Requirements

Callback Requirements

Good to Know

What's The Process

Scholarship Info

Academic info

Program Highlights

Program Highlights

Expert Tips

Key Info

Prescreen Requirements

Callback Requirements

Good to Know

What's The Process

Scholarship Info

School Info