Auditions

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Group of students standing on stage during a musical theater production

Upcoming Musical Theater Program Audition Dates

  • November 4:  On campus
  • November 11:  MARCAS in NJ
  • January 27:  NYC
  • January 28:  NYC – Open Call
  • February 24:  NYC
  • April 6:  On campus

To reserve an audition time, send your name, email and phone number to:   PerformingArtsDepartment@cortland.edu

We do not require a Prescreen.

At SUNY Cortland, the professors and staff in the Musical Theatre department are strongly committed to ensuring that we have as diverse a group of students in our program as possible. Each year we hold live auditions in New York City, on campus in Cortland and attend the MARCAS audition conference in New Jersey. In-person auditions are always preferred. However, we do understand that distant travel may create a burden for some prospective students, therefore, we will accept video audition submissions from students who live more than 100 miles from an audition location. Again, we strongly encourage prospective students to attend an in-person audition, but if that is not possible, a video audition will be accepted. The video audition requirements are the same as for live auditions, except prospective students will need to learn and film the dance audition on their own. We will provide an instructional video for the dance combination. Please send your audition video materials to: PerformingArtsDepartment@cortland.edu by March 15th, 2024, for consideration for Fall 2024 admission. 

Audition requirements

  • Perform two 30-45 second contrasting song selections from the musical theatre genre. Song selection requirements: one up-tempo, one ballad; one pre-1960, one post-1960; no pop, rock, rap, or country. An accompanist will be provided; please make sure music is clearly marked and in the correct key. Music must be in a binder.

  • Perform a one-minute monologue (from a play, not a musical or film/screenplay; no dialects)

  • The last section will include the dance portion; you will be taught the combination at the audition. Please bring appropriate dance/footwear (jazz or character shoes). Please make sure your clothing is not loose-fitting and lines of the body are visible. You will be given the opportunity to change prior to the dance audition.

Please bring three, completed copies of the attached audition form, as well as a headshot, to the audition.

After auditions are complete, there will be a building tour (if on campus) and a Q&A about the musical theatre program for you and your family members.

As the date gets closer, you will receive an email asking for confirmation of your audition. If we do not receive confirmation, your slot may be forfeited to someone on the waitlist.