MFA Acting: Admission Requirements (Theater)

Create an account to begin the application process. This is where you’ll complete each step in the application and receive updates on your application status. Add your personal background and academic history.

A written artist statement is very important in the admissions process and should address the following questions:

• What informs your artmaking practice?
• Why are you applying to the Acting program at CalArts?
• What are your artistic goals?
• What stories are you most interested in telling, and/or what communities do you hope to reach through your work?
• What do you find artistically inspiring about the current moment in history?

Maximum length of one page single spaced or two pages double spaced.

Headshot Requirement:

A current photograph or headshot is required as part of your application. Professional photography is not required—a clear, well-lit portrait photo is fully acceptable. There are no strict formatting specifications for your digital file upload.

Resume Requirement:

An artistic resume must be submitted with your online application. Your resume should be one page only and focused specifically on your experience in Acting.

Please ensure your resume includes:

• Full Name (along with any preferred or alternate names)
• Educational Background (degrees, diplomas, or relevant training programs completed or in progress)
• Performance & Production Experience (roles, productions, and relevant background aligned with your area of focus)

(Note: For live, in-person auditions, please remember to bring a printed 8”x10” physical copy stapled back-to-back with your resume.)

Monologue Requirements:

• Applicants must present two monologues of contrasting nature, each no longer than two minutes in length.
• One monologue must be from Shakespeare and one must be from a contemporary play.
• Each monologue should be recorded separately and uploaded as an individual file to the online application. 

Requirements and recommendations:

• Label each file with your name as it appears on the CalArts application and the title of the monologue you’re performing.
• You must slate your first and last name and the pieces you’re performing (character, title of play, and playwright) at the beginning of each video.
• One video should be framed in closeup or mid-closeup and the other should be framed in a full body shot in order to show the actor’s full range of body movement and expression.
• All monologues must be filmed in a single take without edits or cuts.
• Please wear appropriate audition attire and refrain from using heavy makeup that obscures your facial features.
• Carefully consider your surroundings: There should be minimal distractions.
• Be sure you have enough space to move around and engage your text physically.
• Ensure you have adequate lighting, especially from the front and side.
• Make sure to test your sound quality and try to keep the environment as free as possible from ambient sound. Dubbing is not allowed.
• Review your video before submitting to ensure playback quality of the image and sound.
• Please strive to arrange the best possible conditions for filming under their given circumstances; however, video submissions DO NOT need to be professionally recorded. Use the equipment available to you—content is more important than polish.
• No nudity is allowed.

At CalArts, we welcome performers and characters of all gender expressions and identities. You do not need to identify or present as the gender identity of the character they are representing.

If you experience technical difficulties while uploading your portfolio, please email admissions@calarts.edu.

You’re invited to submit additional materials that showcase your artistry and fit for the CalArts community. Please attach no more than four additional files.

Examples might include: 

• Scripts you have written. Written materials should include excerpts totaling no more than 10 pages in length.
• Documentation of projects you have directed. Supplemental video documentation should not exceed eight minutes in length total (all videos combined).
• Films you have acted in or collaborated on.
• Voice over work.
• Other fine arts work you have completed.

Upon completing your application, you will be able to select your audition date and location. All applicants—whether auditioning in person or virtually—must submit their Audition Form in the application portal at least 1 week prior to their audition date.

Sign-up for an Acting audition

In-Person Auditions
Applicants attending a live audition in Los Angeles, New York City, or Chicago must bring one (1) physical copy of their headshot and artistic resume.

Audition Attire: Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes that allow you to move freely. We are looking for your work, not polished formalwear, so come dressed as your authentic self. We simply ask that your attire is comfortable, secure, and appropriate for physical movement (please avoid overly revealing clothing).

Virtual Auditions & Pre-Screening
All applicants requesting a virtual audition are required to pass a pre-screening evaluation before a live Zoom audition can be scheduled.

• How to Apply: Select “Virtual Audition” on your application. Your submitted application materials and portfolio self-tapes will automatically be routed to the faculty review committee for pre-screening.
• Review & Invitations: The review committee will evaluate your materials, and selected candidates will receive an invitation with instructions to schedule their live Zoom audition.
• Pre-Screen Policies: Pre-screening decisions are final. Applicants who do not pass the pre-screen step are not eligible to schedule a virtual or in-person audition.

Monologue Requirements
Applicants must present two (2) monologues of contrasting nature, each no longer than two minutes in length:

One (1) monologue from Shakespeare
One (1) monologue from a contemporary published play (written from the late 20th century to the present day)

Both monologues must be recorded and uploaded as individual files to the portfolio section of your application prior to your audition date. Please keep one (1) additional monologue in reserve (Shakespeare or Contemporary) in case faculty request to see a third piece. Reserve pieces do not need to be recorded.

Late Applicants
Applicants who apply after the regular deadline and are unable to attend a live, in-person audition must go through the virtual pre-screening process. If approved by the faculty review committee during pre-screening, you will receive an invitation to audition virtually.

Two letters of recommendation are required. See details for each specialization below. 

All letters of recommendation should be received by the application deadline, so it’s important that you contact your recommenders months before. We ask that you submit the requests for your letters of recommendation through the online application, as it will allow you to track when we receive your requested letters.

If this is not possible, you may download the Letter of Recommendation Form (PDF) and have your recommender send their letters by mail to the Office of Admissions. Please choose only one method – either through the online application (preferred) or by mail – per recommender. Letters of recommendation will not be accepted via credentialing services such as Parchment or Naviance.

Mailed letters of recommendation should be sent to:

CalArts Office of Admissions
24700 McBean Pkwy.
Valencia, CA 91355
United States of America

Letters of recommendation must be written in English or accompanied by a certified English translated document.

• We prefer URTA participants to submit their application prior to attending their URTA event if possible.
• Submit a standard CalArts application indicating your URTA status to receive an automatic fee waiver.
• As part of your CalArts application, we need your headshot, resume, artist statement, and recommenders to be added. 
• Bring one copy of your headshot and resume to your callback session if called back to the interview.