Admissions

CAP21 has a rolling admissions policy. Applications are processed and reviewed immediately when ALL MATERIALS have been received by CAP21. Applications lacking any components will not be processed. Once all materials have been reviewed, you will be contacted for a telephone interview and to schedule a live audition.

CAP21 reserves the right to refuse applicants in order to maintain a high level of professional training.

Admissions Overview 

  • Submit a complete application via regular mail or electronically
  • Auditions held until sections have been filled
  • Notification of acceptance is within 30 days of your audition
  • Actor confirms their acceptance within 30 days of their acceptance notice
  • Tuition deposit due within 30 days of acceptance
  • Payment plans available

Applicants need to send in the following paperwork:

  • Application form
  • Headshot (8x10 black and white or color photo)
  • Resume
  • 2 letters of recommendation
  • Application and audition fee of $100 (non-refundable) payable by check, money order, or credit card
  • College Transcript

Address to send application materials:

CAP21
Attn: Director of Admissions & Recruitment
18 W. 18th Street
New York, NY 10011

Prospective students can now submit their application materials on-line. To submit your application electronically, please click the acceptd logo above. Please note that acceptd charges an additional $25 fee for this service.

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Auditions

Auditions in New York City

If you live within 500 miles of NYC we would like to see you audition in person. Auditions will be held throughout the fall, spring, and summer at CAP21 studios. CAP21 is located at 18 West 18th Street in New York City between 5th and 6th Aves. Take the elevator to the 6th floor and the receptionist will direct you to the sign in area.

Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled audition to sign in. There will be one room designated for a vocal warm-up area. Please arrive warmed up as you will share this space with the other auditioners.

Audition Material: 2 songs and a monologue

Songs: The two songs should be contrasting in acting choices and vocal style. At least some portion of the songs should demonstrate a legit musical theatre sound. If your songs do not satisfactorily demonstrate a legit sound, the audition panel will vocalize you to determine the range and skill level of your head voice. Songs should be no longer than 2 minutes each. Prepare a 30 second cut of each song in case the audition panel asks for a shortened version. An accompanist will be provided.

Monologue: The monologue should demonstrate your acting and storytelling skills. Choose material that is age appropriate, from a role that would be appropriate for your type, and shows your strengths as an actor. Acting choices in the material should contrast your acting work in the songs. The monologue should be 2 minutes or less.

Audition Dates:
After your phone interview, we will schedule an audition date and time for you. Auditions will be held until all spaces have been filled. For a list of available audition dates and times please click here. To schedule an audition outside these dates and times please contact the Admissions Department directly at 212-807-0202 ext. 21.


Submit your digital application

Electronic Audition: Those applicants living more than 500 miles from New York City may choose to audition electronically.  To audition electronically, submit the paperwork listed above. Please note that acceptd charges an additional $25 fee for this service.  Additionally please submit your electronic audition with the following:

  • 32 bar cut of an up-tempo song
  • 32 bar cut of a ballad
  • 32 bar cut of a non-musical theatre Pop-Rock Song
  • Contemporary monologue from a published play or screenplay not to exceed 2 minutes

All applicants must demonstrate the following proficiencies for admission into the Musical Theatre Industry Practicum and Showcase:

  • As this program introduces students to industry professionals from the very beginning of the curriculum, it is expected that all applicants possess a strong sense of self and a clear understanding of where they fit into the business.
  •  Technical Skill: Candidates must be able to demonstrate a healthy application of their instrument in all disciplines, including but not limited to vocal technique, physical life, script analysis, and storytelling. (For more detailed information on discipline-specific proficiency expectations, please refer to the 2-Year Professional Musical Theatre Program 4thSemester Courses.)
  • Professional Behavior: Candidates must possess a rudimentary understanding of the business of musical theatre in New York City and the professional expectations of classroom and rehearsal etiquette.
  • Book Material: Candidates must have a comprehensive collection of audition material appropriate to their type and abilities for all styles.

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Wait List Policy:

Wait lists are created when a program meets maximum capacity. The proficiency expectation criteria for programs listed in the CAP21 Student Handbook and on the CAP21 website will be used to determine placement on a program's wait list. The size of the program and departmental projections will determine the number of students placed on a program's wait list. If a student is accepted into a program from the wait list, they will be notified when the position becomes available. If a student is not accepted from the wait list into a program, they will be notified at least 30 days prior to the start date of the program.

Veteran Benefits

      Veteran's attending CAP21 are eligible for the GI Bill. Please click here for more details.

      Cancellation Policy for VA Students:
VA student may cancel the enrollment agreement at no penalty by notifying the school in writing within seven (7) days after agreement was signed provided the student has not entered into instruction.

If VA student cancels the agreement, the school may retain $10.00 of the registration fee.

If the student withdraws or is discontinued after instruction has begun, the school may keep:

  • $10.00 of the established registration fee.  The amount in excess of $10.00 will be subject to proration.
  • The stated cost of such text books, tools, etc. as have been accepted by the student.
  • An amount based on hours of attendance – and absences – from first to last day of attendance multiplied by the prorated hourly rate of the tuition.

All money due to the eligible veteran student will be paid within 30 days.

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