By Mail

Students applying to our acting, musical theater, theater design and technology, or stage management programs who wish to mail their audition or portfolio must follow the guidelines in this section. It is important to note that you are required to fulfill the same requirements for the major you are applying to as listed in Submitting Your Audition or Review in Person.

Please also note that all materials described on the following pages must be sent to the Office of Recruitment and Admissions, College of Visual and Performing Arts, Syracuse University, 200 Crouse College, Syracuse, NY 13244-1010. Do not send them with your application.


Acting and Musical Theater

Acting and musical theater applicants may mail a VHS videotape, DVD, or CVD of their audition along with the written materials and photograph as described in Submitting Your Audition or Review in Person. Please follow these instructions for your taped audition:
  • Only VHS videotapes, DVDs, or CVDs will be accepted. The tape should be filmed in the SP mode.
  • Your tape, DVD, or CVD and all written materials must be clearly labeled with your full name (including middle name), intended major, and freshman or transfer status.
  • You should be the only person represented on the videotape, DVD, or CVD, and you should perform against a plain backdrop or wall.
  • On the tape, DVD, or CVD you must comment on your background and training, experience in performance, and personal goals in the theater.
  • Videotapes, DVDs, or CVDs of high school productions are not admissible.
  • Musical theater applicants must also include a dance segment that demonstrates the candidate’s aptitude for serious dance study. The tape, DVD, or CVD should include evidence of jumping and turning abilities; awareness of body position, direction and line; rhythmic sensibilities; and appropriate stylistic elements and performance qualities relative to the student’s background and training, if applicable. Students should wear appropriate dance attire, and the video should be a full-body shot, approximately one minute in length.
  • Please mail your tape, DVD, or CVD, written materials, and photograph to the Office of Recruitment and Admissions (address above). Do not send it with your application.
Theater Design and Technology

Theater design and technology applicants may mail an art portfolio of slides and photographs on CD-ROM or DVD. You must attach to the portfolio all of the written materials as described in Submitting Your Audition or Review in Person. Please follow these instructions for mailing your portfolio:
  • All portfolios must have one attached typed fact sheet that lists: (a) your full name, including middle name; (b) address; (c) phone number; (d) e-mail address; (e) status: freshman or transfer; (f) semester you plan to enter SU; (g) area of interest in design/technical theater (set, costume, or lights).
  • Transfer students must attach to the portfolio unofficial college transcripts and/or a list of courses that will be completed by the time they plan to attend SU. This is in addition to the two official college transcripts that must accompany the application for admission.
  • Do not send original work or original sets of color slides or photographs. Send only duplicates.
  • Make sure the slides/photographs/discs are readable/viewable. They should be in focus, not too dark or too light, and should have accurate color. Indicate the top of each slide you submit with an arrow.
  • All slides and photographs should be numbered and labeled with your name and the title of the piece. A fact sheet that describes each by number should include (a) the title of the piece; (b) the size; (c) the medium; (d) date completed; (e) if done in the classroom or independently; (f) if based on real life, photo reference, or imagination; and (g) concept. When more than one slide is used to illustrate a piece, label the slides in sequence (2a, 2b).
  • Put slides in 81/2” by 11” slide pages. Slide boxes are not acceptable.
  • If sending production photos, please indicate what part you played in the creation or execution of the item or items shown on the photo or slide.
  • You may provide a video clip (2 to 4 minutes) of a specific sequence from a production that showcases your work.
  • If you would like your slides/photographs/discs returned, you must include a self-addressed, stamped (with appropriate postage) envelope large enough to contain them. They will be mailed to you in May unless you call to request them sooner.
  • Send these materials to the Office of Recruitment and Admissions (address above). Do not send portfolio materials with your application.
Stage Management

Stage management students may mail a portfolio as described under Submitting Your Audition or Review in Person. You should submit duplicated materials, not originals. All materials should be clearly labeled with the student’s full name, year of entry, and desired major. Send these materials along with all written materials as described under the in-person guidelines to the Office of Recruitment and Admissions (address above). Do not send these materials with your application.