From the earliest cave paintings and fireside stories to virtual reality, from silent films to surround sound, and from black-and-white reels to vibrant CGI, the evolution of storytelling has been ongoing, transformational, and increasingly experiential. Now, we are not just reading, hearing, and watching stories—we are immersing ourselves within them.
The D.R.E.A.M.S. initiative—brought to CalArts through a visionary gift from the Dolan Family Foundation—is dedicated to redefining the future of storytelling. Housed in the Patty Disney Center for Life and Work (PDCLW), the initiative prepares students for dynamic careers in the rapidly growing industry of location-based entertainment (LBE)—the creation of unique, immersive experiences designed to entertain and educate visitors.
CalArts was founded on the principles of disrupting rigid academic traditions while also embracing innovation, creative risk-taking, and experimentation. D.R.E.A.M.S. builds on this legacy, offering students unparalleled access to industry partnerships and hands-on learning experiences through a future-focused laboratory for next-generation storytelling.
