We’ve compiled some crucial details about the program that you should be aware of, including the number of graduates each year, the ethnic diversity of these students, starting salaries on average, and more. We’ve also provided information on Syracuse’s standing in comparison to other universities that offer theater majors.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW IN “THEIR WORDS”
Our bachelor of fine arts (B. F. A. ) degree program focuses on the development of your unique skills and talents in order to aid you in discovering your distinctiveness as a musical theater performer. Three performance disciplines—singing, dancing, and acting—as well as foundational courses in liberal arts and theater history are all part of this demanding program.
With a foundation in music theory, sight singing, and piano, musical theater students learn singing techniques to support all genres of theater music, from operetta to rock. The dance school offers ballet, jazz, tap, modern, and theater dance classes at four different levels. Scene study, dramatic theory, text analysis, speech, movement, and on-camera techniques are all included in the acting training. Classes in musical theater performance, audition techniques, cabaret, and participation in the numerous production opportunities offered each semester all incorporate all three disciplines.
Conservatory Style in Liberal Arts Environment
B.F.A. in Musical Theatre
Mid-Size (10k – 25k Students)
LINK TO UPLOAD PRE-SCREEN VIDEOS
- Prepare and learn two two-minute songs, one a ballad and the other an up-tempo song, in contrasting moods, styles, and eras.
- Both songs must be from musicals; cuts are acceptable.
- Prepare and memorize a two-minute-long monologue from a contemporary play—not a musical.
- Comedy or drama
- Character fairly close to your own age
- Showcase a dance routine that demonstrates your capacity for in-depth dance study.
- The recording should demonstrate your ability to jump and turn, as well as your awareness of your body’s position, direction, and line, rhythmic sensibilities, and, if applicable, the proper stylistic elements and performance qualities in light of your experience and training.
- Students should wear appropriate dance attire
- The video should be a full-body shot
- One minute in length
- Video segments of students dancing in productions are not acceptable
See Prescreen info on Audition Materials
- The same song and monologue from the prescreening submission may be performed at the final audition, or students may select new material in the same format.
- The songs MUST contrast with one another
- Women: one song must show the legitimate (non-belting) voice
- You must upload fresh materials to your Accepted account if you decide to submit your final audition online.
- Prepare one of the two songs in advance; if necessary, the second song will be heard.
- Although you are welcome to bring your own pianist, one is already present.
- You must bring your sheet music in the key that you will be singing it in, in a binder that allows the pages to be turned easily (a small, hard-back, three-ring binder is ideal).
- All applicants for musical theater must take part in a dance audition.
- You will be required to learn a brief dance combination to be performed in small groups when you go in person for an audition.
- Although desirable, prior dance training is not always necessary for acceptance. Sometimes, enthusiasm and obvious potential can take the place of prior training.
- Women should wear leotards and tights. Men should wear jazz pants or tights and a T-shirt.
- Jazz shoes are recommended for both men and women
- No bulky or oversized sweatpants or sweatshirts are permitted
- Choose material with which you are comfortable. Shakespeare and other verse dramas shouldn’t be attempted unless you are completely comfortable with them.
- Choose a character close to your own age and experience. One of the most crucial aspects of the audition is connection to the character.
- Select works and songs like Hello, Dolly! or Funny Girl that aren’t associated with any one performer. This positions you for a comparison that may not be favorable to you.
- Choose songs that showcase your voice and range. Avoid attempting challenging pieces unless you are completely comfortable with the subject.
- We are not necessarily looking for students with a strong performance background. We are looking for students who are committed, talented, and willing to follow instructions and receive training.
- Remember that it is okay to be nervous or apprehensive. The individuals on your audition committee have experienced similar circumstances and are sympathetic.
- If you are sick, please refrain from auditioning; we will try to reschedule you. If that’s not possible, you could try out online.
AUDITION DATES & LOCATIONS
January 27, 2018, February 2-3, 2018, and February 9–10, 2018 2018.
PERFORMING ARTS SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE
Baker Merit Scholarships in Drama: Established by the Dexter F. and Dorothy H. First-year students who exhibit exceptional talent are given annual awards of $3,000 (renewable for four years) through the Baker Foundation. A first-year drama department student will receive one scholarship. Recipients must maintain at least a 3. To keep the award for four years, the recipient must have a major GPA of 0. Selection is based on the audition required for admission.
Beginning in their second year, musical theater majors may submit their names for consideration for parts in plays and musicals directed by faculty, in collaboration with Syracuse Stage, in scenes and plays directed by directing students, and in movies made by film majors at the College of Visual and Performing Arts. Students with advanced musical theater skills are eligible to apply for roles in Syracuse Stage productions and perform there. Students may also understudy the professional actors. Equity points may be earned through work with Syracuse Stage.
Having Syracuse Stage in the complex is a blessing for drama students. Every play has one or more performances that you can attend, and upper-level acting and musical theater students are also allowed to perform in suitable roles and assist the working actors. (Syracuse Stage and the Department of Drama have worked together successfully on productions where several department students are cast in leading and supporting roles and receive professional credit for the duration of the productions. The professional actors, directors, designers, and stage managers’ collaborative work is on display for the understudies to see during rehearsals. Professional designers, directors, and stage managers may work with student designers, directors, and stage managers as their assistants.
Undergraduate Admissions 315.443.2769 [email protected]
Undergraduate Student Affairs Vicki Smith 315.443.2517 [email protected]
LINK TO MT HOMEPAGE
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REALISTIC college decision reactions 2021 | BFA musical theatre edition
FAQ
How hard is it to make it in musical theatre?
It’s a rigorous selection process. You%27ve got to be in top 10% to get hired and cast in a show Many people are unaware that getting hired for a Broadway show requires more than just natural talent.
Which college has the best musical theatre program?
Top Schools for Musical Theatre The University of the Arts, Berklee College of Music, and Manhattan School of Music are among the best colleges for majoring in musical theater. At The University of the Arts, 26 students graduated with degrees in musical theatre.
Does Syracuse have musical theatre?
You will have the chance to spend a semester immersed in London’s theater scene as a musical theater major. Attend live performances at the National Theater and the Royal Shakespeare Company, as well as classes and workshops at the Globe Theater. Additionally, Syracuse Abroad provides over 100 programs in 60 different nations.
How many seats are in Syracuse Stage?
The John D. Archbold Theater is a 499-seat proscenium theater. The Arthur Storch Theater can be set up as a proscenium, thrust, or avenue stage and accommodates 200–250 spectators. The Loft Theater is a small, adaptable room with 49 audience seats in a range of arrangements.