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Performing Arts Career Path

Develop your artistry, vision and leadership as you prepare for a career that brings inspiring performances to life.
Senses student playing piano.

Career Options

With a degree in performing arts, you’ll open doors to an exciting career on stage, in the studio, or leading from behind the scenes.

  • Actor
  • Casting Director
  • Composer
  • Conductor
  • Director
  • Drama Critic
  • Lighting Technician
  • Music Producer
  • Recording Engineer
  • Singer
  • Stage Manager
  • Symphony Performer
# 7

Best Music Management Schools (College Factual)
# 10

Most Represented Schools on Broadway in the 2018-2019 Season; Honorable Mention in 2022-23 season
# 19

Top American Film Schools (The Hollywood Reporter, 2023)
25 +

Music Ensembles—Classical, Jazz, Funk Rock
Student performing on stage.

Discover Performing Arts Majors and Minors

Pursue your interests with a customizable program that sets you up for success.

Coursework Highlights

Find courses that give you the knowledge and skills to stand out from the pack.

  • Advanced Scene Study
  • Analysis of Contemporary Music
  • Ballet, Tap and Jazz courses
  • Basic Conducting
  • Development of Theater and Drama
  • Electronic Music Composition
  • History of Musical Theater
  • Introduction to Musical Theater Performance
  • Introduction to Stage Management
  • Live Sound and Concert Recording

Featured Employers

Our graduates land jobs with top employers.

  • Broadway Brands
  • Carnegie Hall
  • Freelance (throughout performing arts industries)
  • Motion Picture Corporation of America
  • New York Philharmonic Chorus
  • NPR
  • Paul Taylor Dance Foundation
  • P3 Productions
  • Sony Music Entertainment
  • Theater for Young Audiences/USA
  • 300 Entertainment
  • United Talent Agency
  • Virgin Voyages
Learn more about degree outcomes

I have a much more open mind about what I can do than when I came to Syracuse University, and that’s really going to prepare me to join the industry and use all of my skills to succeed.

Savannah Devlin ’23 Acting College of Visual and Performing Arts
Portrait of Savannah Devlin standing on stage.

Clubs and Organizations

Learning happens inside and outside the classroom. Make connections to build your resume and your network.

  • 20 Watts Magazine
  • A Cappella Council
  • American Choral Directors Association Collegiate Chapter
  • Black Box Players
  • Black Celestial Choral Ensemble
  • Danceworks
  • First Year Players
  • United States Institute of Theater Technology
  • Women’s Music Network
A person looks at large works of art on a wall during a show.

Arts at Syracuse University

At Syracuse University, creative expression and artistic thinking are central to the student experience. It enriches our research, educational excellence, student success and public impact.

Discover the arts
VPA Music student and Our Time Has Come Scholar Gabrielle Pinkney practices her vocal at Crouse College.
Students at the Broadway Dance Center in New York City practicing.
Student playing guitar in recording studio.

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