Welcome! If you are a prospective undergraduate VPA student, we offer the following opportunities for you to meet us and learn more about the college.
Information Sessions for Prospective Undergraduate Students
Daily On-Campus Information Sessions
These in-person sessions include a presentation about VPA, including overviews of the School of Art, School of Design, Department of Film and Media Arts, Department of Drama, Department of Communication and Rhetorical Studies and the Setnor School of Music. We will also discuss application processes, talent requirements, such as auditions and portfolios, and answer any questions you may have.
In-Person Sessions, Monday-Friday at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. ET as a part of your campus visit with Office of Admissions
Virtual Information Sessions for Prospective Undergraduate Students
Can’t make it to campus? No worries! We offer virtual sessions to answer all your questions.
Virtual Information Sessions This session will include a presentation about VPA, including brief overviews of our majors. We will also discuss application processes, talent requirements, such as auditions and portfolios, and answer any questions you may have.
Talent Preparation Virtual Sessions This session will take a deeper dive into how to prepare for an audition or portfolio. We will also share tips on how to prepare for your audition and portfolio submission.
Department Virtual Sessions These sessions will focus specifically on one area of VPA. You will have a chance to meet faculty, hear about the majors and ask any questions.
Please note that virtual information sessions are in Eastern Time. Session dates for the academic year are posted in early fall.
Events, Auditions and Portfolio Reviews for Prospective Undergraduate Students
On Drama Audition Days, students applying to acting and musical theater who have successfully prescreened may complete an in-person audition; students applying to theater design and technology, stage management, or the B.S. in theater management may complete the departmental interview virtually.
Syracuse University Campus – Regent Theater Complex
Friday, January 16, 2026
Saturday, January 17, 2026
Friday, January 23, 2026
Saturday, January 24, 2026
Friday, January 30, 2026
Saturday, January 31, 2026
New York City – Ripley Grier Studios
Saturday, January 24, 2026
Sunday, January 25, 2026
Chicago – JW Marriott
Monday, February 2, 2026
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Los Angeles Auditions – Hyatt Regency LAX
Friday, February 6, 2026
Saturday, February 7, 2026
On Music Audition Days, students applying to the Setnor School of Music may complete the required audition.
Syracuse University Campus
Tuesday, November 11, 2025 (Please also join us for the Orange Preview that morning!)
Saturday, January 24, 2026
Saturday, January 31, 2026
Learn why the College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) is the perfect place for you to challenge yourself creatively and explore new perspectives. We’ll have a chance to talk about undergraduate programs, study abroad, portfolio and audition requirements, research opportunities, and more. You’ll also have a chance to meet the regional admissions team and ask questions.
Saturday, November 15, 2025 – Registration link coming soon
Boston, MA – Wednesday, October 7, 2025 – Register here
New York, NY – Sunday, October 26, 2025 – Register here
National Portfolio Day is free for students to attend from anywhere around the world! Join us for any of our events to take your future in art and design above and beyond. Visit the National Portfolio Day website for more information about each event.
In-Person
Baltimore, MD – Saturday, September 13, 2025
Union, NJ – September 14, 2025
Atlanta, GA – Sunday, September 21, 2025
Minneapolis, MN – Sunday, September 28, 2025
Chicago, IL – Sunday, October 5, 2025
Hartford, CT – Saturday, October 18, 2025
Boston, MA – Sunday, October 19, 2025
New York, NY – Saturday, October 25, 2025
Philadelphia, PA – Sunday, October 26, 2025
Rochester, NY – Sunday, November 2, 2025
San Diego, CA – Saturday, November 15, 2025
Los Angeles, CA – Sunday, November 16, 2025
Miami, FL – Saturday, January 24, 2026
Virtual
Saturday, September 6, 2025
Saturday, December 12, 2025
Sunday, January 11, 2026
Saturday, May 9, 2026
Tour Our Facilities
Use the links below to take virtual tours of our facilities.
School of Design
Visit the Nancy Cantor Warehouse, home of the School of Design.
The School of Art maintains studios, facilities and classrooms in three buildings: Comstock Art Facility (ComArt), Shaffer Art Building and Smith Hall.
