MFA Scene Design: Admission Requirements

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.

Your artist statement should discuss your goals and their relationship to your past experience, as well as evidence of your interest in performance-based design whether in theater, film, installation, writing, or other related forms.

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

In your online portfolio, please submit the following:

• Examples of production work and design, as well as drawings.
• Pieces that demonstrate photographic and/or graphic skill.
• Fine art work, sculptures, models, or photographic documentation of the aforementioned.
• Documentation of fully realized original work through video, photographs, scripts, and storyboards, as well as documentation of works-in-progress.
• Architectural drawings, textile work, performance art, and video work are also welcome.

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

Tell us about one person, place, thing, or event that has helped shape your artistic practice.

• Duration: minimum of 30 seconds, maximum of 90 seconds.
• Speak directly to the camera.
• Do not read from a prepared statement.
• No edits.
• No special effects or on-screen overlays.
• File should be uploaded or linked directly to the portfolio section of the CalArts application
• Does not require professional-level equipment; cell phone cameras are fine.

• You’ll be contacted directly if an interview is requested by the faculty. Not all candidates will be invited to interview. The location and format of the interview (virtual or in-person) will be determined after you receive your invitation to interview. 
• To be considered for admission to CalArts, you’ll need to first complete the admissions application requirements and the online portfolio. The online application must be submitted before an interview will be scheduled.

CalArts School of Theater faculty will participate in URTA events for Experience Design and Production candidates in Chicago and virtually. Applicants interviewing via URTA are still required to complete the online application. If you plan to participate in URTAs and are considering CalArts, starting a CalArts application is an important first step.

All three letters of recommendation (including one professional) 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.