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California Institute of the Arts

MFA: Interactive Media for Performance

School of Theater

Group of people on stage posing in front of a camera as their image is projected on the wall behind them

Moving imagery for the stage

CalArts’ three-year MFA in Interactive Media for Performance—a specialization within the Experience Design and Production program—is specifically designed for visionary artists seeking to create interactive tools and dynamic visuals for live and time-based performances. With a dual emphasis on theoretical study and practical experience in generating art for electronically mediated narrative in every form imaginable, you’ll be prepared to invoke media including augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and  more to influence the future of what we experience on stage. 

Person looking at layered images etched on transparent glass

Peter Mark (MFA 17), HA-M-LET.

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Generating art for live experiences

MFA Interactive Media for Performance

As the range of media and technologies available to experience designers and producers expands and evolves, so too does the very definition of live experience—and CalArtians are leading that change. 

As a graduate student in the Interactive Media for Performance MFA program, you’ll join a network of peers, faculty, and alumni who are all about pushing boundaries to create what’s next. With guidance from your mentor, other members of our acclaimed faculty, and visiting artists, you’ll build your network as you gain the skills to realize your vision as you create interactive tools and moving imagery for live and time-based experiences.

Let’s connect

Your studies will focus on generating art for live experiences, including performance; interactive, time-based, visual art; and AR, VR, and other forms of electronically mediated narrative. The curriculum focuses on four major areas of application: 

  • Integrated media performance, including theater, opera, dance, and concerts
  • Interactive installation and site-specific art
  • Architectural projection and digital image surfaces
  • Living-room interactive; i.e., the employment of physical sensors, advanced display technology, socially networked remote participants, and fictional narrative in a self-guided experience.

As you progress through the curriculum, you’ll refine your artistic process, build technology and software skills, and gain a heightened awareness of contemporary media theory through lab- and discussion-oriented classes. Theoretical and practical work culminate in personal and curricular projects under the individual mentorship of seasoned artists. As you collaborate with other student designers and peers throughout the Institute on projects and workshops presented by the School of Theater and the CalArts Center for New Performance (CNP), you’ll benefit from CalArts’ unique position as the only accredited college in the United States that brings the full range of visual and performing arts together under one roof. 

The training is designed to help each student find a distinct, original, and personal voice; define your unique aesthetic; and bring it all together in an outstanding portfolio upon graduation.

All MFA Interactive Media for Performance students are required to pass a mid-residence and graduation review in order to complete the program and obtain the degree.

Admission requirements

To be considered for the MFA Interactive Media for Performance program, you must complete an application and all program-specific requirements, including a self-recorded video introduction, an artist statement, a portfolio of your work, and an interview. Before applying, be sure to familiarize yourself with the detailed application requirements and resources available to assist you in this important process.

View detailed admission requirements

Degree requirements

Interactive Media for Performance is a curricular track of Scene Design, a specialization of the Experience Design and Production (XDP) MFA.

The MFA equips students with the skills to create innovative, generative works in live performance and interactive media, blending interdisciplinary practices with advanced technical and creative expertise. At the end of the first year of study, an evaluation will be made in consultation with your faculty mentor to determine the remainder of your curriculum.

MFA XDP Interactive Media for Performance academic requirements

Minors and interdisciplinary opportunities

In addition to CalArts’ naturally collaborative atmosphere, the Institute provides several programs of study that can be pursued concurrently with a student’s chosen metier, such as a concentration in Arts Education or Integrated Media.

MFA concentrations 

Courses you might take

What courses would you take as an MFA Interactive Media for Performance student? Browse the courses offered in the School of Theater, one of the preeminent theater training grounds in the country.

School of Theater courses

Meet the faculty

At CalArts, faculty and students are collaborators, teaching, learning, and working together as members of our community of artists. 

Some of our alumni

More School of Theater alumni

There’s No Halloween Like a CalArts Halloween

Ask any CalArts alum for their best CalArts stories, and you’ll be certain to hear about Halloween. (It’s no accident that Tim Burton launched his career here.) MFA Interactive Media for Performance students play a central role in producing the legendary event each year. 

This image captures a dynamic live performance featuring a lead singer in edgy, futuristic attire under vibrant purple and blue lighting, with musicians on stage creating an immersive atmosphere. The eclectic mix of costumes and the dramatic backdrop contribute to a bold, otherworldly aesthetic.

Theater events

More Theater events

  • Performance School of Theater

    Get ready for a playful evening of surprises, laughter and spontaneous creativity! Directed by Frank…

    Thu, Oct 24 / 8:00 PM - Sat, Oct 26 / 10:00 PM

    CalArts Campus

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Want to learn more?

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