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 Class Sessions These sessions will focus specifically on one area of VPA. You will have a chance to meet with faculty, experience what it’s like to be a VPA student, explore course content and learn more about your area of interest.
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.
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, December 11, 2026
Saturday, December 12, 2026 – Musical Theater Only
Friday, January 22, 2027
Saturday, January 23, 2027
Friday, January 29, 2027
Saturday, January 30, 2027
New York City – Ripley Grier Studios
Saturday, January 23, 2027
Sunday, January 24, 2027
Chicago – JW Marriott
Monday, February 1, 2027
Tuesday, February 2, 2027
Wednesday, February 3, 2027
Los Angeles Auditions – SULA (5250 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood)
Thursday, February 4, 2027
Friday, February 5, 2027
On Music Audition Days, students applying to the Setnor School of Music may complete the required audition.
Syracuse University Campus
Friday, November 13, 2026 – Early Decision I/Early Action applicants
Saturday, January 23, 2027
Saturday, January 30, 2027
Interested in applying to Setnor and want to know what a music lesson from Setnor faculty is like? Find out personally with a music lesson.
Trial lessons are offered for juniors and seniors in high school. This opportunity is designed to help students prepare for the required audition. Please review the audition requirements and suggested literature and choose one piece to focus on in your lesson. More details about preparing for your lesson will be provided as your schedule is finalized.
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.
New York, NY
Fall programming in New York City is being scheduled and will be announced soon!
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
Kansas City, MO – Saturday, September 19, 2026
Atlanta, GA – Sunday, September 20, 2026
St. Louis, MO – Sunday, September 20, 2026
Union, NJ – Sunday, September 20, 2026
Denver, CO – Saturday, September 26, 2026
Chicago, IL – Sunday, October 4, 2026
New York, NY – Saturday, October 24, 2026
Philadelphia, PA – Sunday, October 25, 2026
Boston, MA – Sunday, November 1, 2026
Syracuse, NY – Sunday, November 8, 2026
Los Angeles, CA – Sunday, November 15, 2026
Virtual
Saturday, August 29, 2026
Sunday, October 11, 2026
Saturday, November 7, 2026
Saturday, December 5, 2026
Sunday, January 10, 2027
Saturday, May 8, 2027
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.
