Apply to Music, Theatre, and Dance

Calling all change-makers! Add your voice, vision, and talent to our community of dreamers and difference-makers.

A Message from the MTD Admission Team

At Ithaca College, we value all voices and encourage you to bring your authentic self to your audition and interview. Throughout the application process, our faculty and admission team will always seek potential over perfection and look forward to discovering the unique perspective and background you can bring to the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance community.

We strive to foster equitable and inclusive practices in our application process, while identifying areas where additional attention is needed to affect change. As a School dedicated to elevating the presence of underrepresented artists, we encourage applicants to consider including audition material from a diverse array of identities, including but not limited to, LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and women artists.

2025-26 Application Information

Application, audition, and interview information for the 2025-26 admission cycle (Fall 2026 admission), including updated requirements, deadlines, and audition/interview dates, is now available. 

Before You Begin Your Application

Please read the following information carefully before beginning your application. All parts of the application process must be completed before your application is reviewed.

If you are a current Ithaca College student interested in transferring into the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, or a current School of Music, Theatre, and Dance student interested in changing your instrument and/or degree program, please contact us for more information before submitting an application.

Application Process

Apply to Ithaca College and the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance

  • Apply to Ithaca College via the Common App or the Coalition for College Application.
  • Apply to the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance via Acceptd by the program deadline (see below).
    • BOTH the Common or Coalition App and the Acceptd application must be received by the deadline.
    • Applicants can submit the Common or Coalition App and the Acceptd application in any order they choose, but both applications must be received by the deadline.
    • Pre-screen materials will not be evaluated, and applicants will not be able to schedule an audition and/or interview, until all application materials have been received.
  • Review Center for Music application requirements and resources, including frequently asked questions.
  • Review Center for Theatre and Dance application requirements and resources, including frequently asked questions.

Please do not submit more than one Acceptd application. Applicants interested in applying for more than one program should contact us to see if another application is needed.

Schedule Your Audition and/or Interview

  • Auditions and interviews are scheduled through Acceptd.
  • Applicants to Acting, Dance and Choreography for Musical Theatre, Musical Theatre, and any Voice program will be invited to schedule an audition pending a successful pre-screen.
  • Applicants to all other programs will be able to schedule an audition and/or interview after all your application materials have been received.
  • More information about auditions and interviews will be communicated via Acceptd after scheduling.
  • Review the Center for Music audition and interview dates, locations, and schedules.
  • Review the Center for Theatre and Dance audition and interview dates, locations, and schedules.
  • If you will be under the age of 18 at the time of your in-person or Zoom audition or interview, please share this program safety contact information with your parent/guardian.

Wait For Your Decision

  • Pre-screen decisions are typically released 3-4 weeks from the date of submission.
  • Early Decision applicants will receive a decision on or around December 15.
  • Regular Decision for Acting, Dance and Choreography for Musical Theatre, Musical Theatre, Stage Management, and Theatre Production & Design is not rolling, meaning applicants will receive a decision between March 1 and April 15.
  • Regular Decision for all other programs is rolling, meaning applicants will receive a decision any time between the week following their audition and/or interview and April 15.

Deadlines

Please note: The School of Music, Theatre, and Dance does not offer Early Action for any program.

Decision Type                        Applicant Type                     Program / Instrument Deadline (Common or Coalition App and Acceptd application)
Early Decision First-Year
Fall
All Music Programs
Theatre Administration
Theatre Studies

Early Decision is not offered for Acting, Dance and Choreography for Musical Theatre, Musical Theatre, Stage Management, or Theatre Production & Design.
November 1 

Early Decision applicants must audition or interview on the December audition and interview date.
Regular DecisionFirst-Year
Spring
All Music Programs (except Voice as the primary instrument and Sound Recording Technology)
Theatre Administration
Theatre Studies
November 1
Regular DecisionTransfer
Spring
All Music Programs (except Voice as the primary instrument and Sound Recording Technology)
Theatre Administration
Theatre Studies
November 1
Regular DecisionFirst-Year
Fall
Acting
Dance and Choreography for Musical Theatre
Musical Theatre
Voice (all programs)
December 1
Regular DecisionTransfer FallActing
Dance and Choreography for Musical Theatre
Musical Theatre
Voice (all programs)

Acting, Dance and Choreography for Musical Theatre, and Musical Theatre accept transfer students for Fall admission only .
December 1
Regular DecisionFirst-Year
Fall
All Music Programs (except those with Voice as the primary instrument)
Stage Management
Theatre Administration
Theatre Production & Design
Theatre Studies
February 1
Regular DecisionTransfer FallAll Music Programs (except those with Voice as the primary instrument)
Stage Management
Theatre Administration
Theatre Production & Design
Theatre Studies

Stage Management, Sound Recording Technology, and Theatre Production & Design accept transfer students for Fall admission only .
February 1

Learn More

Center for Music Admission

Learn more about the Center for Music application process, including requirements, dates, locations, and schedules.

Learn More
Center for Theatre and Dance Admission

Learn more about the Center for Theatre and Dance application process, including requirements, dates, locations, and schedules.

Learn More
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