Musical Theatre Auditions

Upcoming Musical Theater Program Audition Dates

• Oct. 4, 2025 - On campus
• Oct. 10-13, 2025 - UNIFIEDS (Pittsburg, PA) - VIRTUAL Only
• Nov. 14 and 15, 2025 - MARCAS in New Jersey
• Jan. 24 and 25, 2026 - UNIFIEDS (New York City)
• Feb. 28, 2026 - New York City
• April 11, 2026 - On campus

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

At SUNY Cortland, the faculty and staff of the Musical Theatre Program are committed to building a vibrant and diverse community of artists. Each year we hold live auditions in New York City, on campus in Cortland, and at the MARCAS audition conference in New Jersey.

Whenever possible, we strongly encourage prospective students to audition in person. Live auditions allow us to get to know you and your work more fully, and they give you the opportunity to experience our program and community firsthand.

We also recognize that travel may be difficult for some applicants. Students who live more than 200 miles from an audition location may submit a video audition for consideration. Video audition requirements are the same as for live auditions. For the dance portion, please submit a clip from a recent production, concert or other performance that demonstrates your movement ability.

Please send all video audition materials to PerformingArtsDepartment@cortland.edu by March 13, 2026, to be considered for Fall 2026 admission.

Audition requirements

Song Selection

Please prepare two contrasting musical theatre selections (30–45 seconds each).

• One up-tempo selection and one ballad
• One selection written before 1960 and one written after 1960
• Songs must be from the musical theatre repertoire (no pop, rock, rap, or country)

An accompanist will be provided. Please bring clearly marked sheet music in the correct key, placed in a binder.

Monologue

Prepare a one-minute contemporary monologue from a published play.

• Contemporary Monologue = From within the last 20 years
• Must be from a play (not a musical, film, or screenplay)
• No dialects

Dance Portion

The audition will conclude with a dance call, during which you will be taught a short combination.

• Bring appropriate dance footwear (jazz or character shoes)
• Wear clothing that allows clear visibility of body lines (avoid loose-fitting garments)

You will be given time to change clothing before the dance portion.

Additional Items

Please bring:

• Two completed copies of the audition form
• A headshot

After the Audition

After auditions conclude, prospective students and their families will have the opportunity to participate in:

• A tour of the performing arts facilities (for on-campus auditions)
• A Q&A session about the Musical Theatre Program with faculty and students (current or alumni)

Confirmation

As the audition date approaches, you will receive an email requesting confirmation of your audition appointment. If confirmation is not received, your audition slot may be released to a student on the waitlist.