Thursday, September 7

Faculty Engagement Day

9am–Noon 

Legends Amoung Us: Faculty Engagement Day (New Students)
Locations: Main Gallery, D300, D301, MOD Lobby 

Faculty Engagement Day is a not-to-be-missed occasion, offering a platform for students to forge meaningful connections with their mentors, explore new academic possibilities, and celebrate the vibrant tapestry of our community. We look forward to seeing you there!

Course Planning and Approval sessions will be available, allowing students to discuss their course schedules with their mentors. These personalized sessions provide invaluable guidance in shaping an academic path tailored to individual goals and aspirations.

 

10am–Noon

Student Lounge
Location: F303

Incoming Students Art and Technology Program and IM – D300

 

12–2 pm 

Lunch
Location: Steve's Cafe

 

2–3:30 pm 

Faculty Engagement Day (Returning Students)
Locations: Main Gallery, D300, D301, MOD Lobby, and ROD Lobby 

Customize Your Skillz! Immerse yourself in a series of School Workshops, designed to provide students with hands-on technical and experimental experiences. These small-group sessions offer a unique opportunity to engage with faculty members and delve deeper into various artistic disciplines, honing skills and expanding creative horizons.

Dance Church Workshop
Location: A200

Dance Church (no religious affiliation) is a community dance class that combines free movement and basic coordinations supported by a diverse playlist of popular music. Takers will be encouraged to let the music be their guide, and to get lost in the sound and just dance! Lasting about 70 minutes, takers will sweat, feel joy, and scream their favorite lyrics all while supporting and uplifting the room with their spirit. Clothes to sweat and move in are highly encouraged.

Hip-Hop Dance Workshop
Location: A203

This workshop is an introduction to the dances and rhythms from the different forms that comprise Hip-Hop dance. The class will explore the wide array of dance techniques and concepts that encompass and influence Hip-Hop movement. This class will not only introduce steps, but also investigate root moves and historical context that shaped contemporary Hip-Hop as we know it today.

Drawing Workshop : Alternative Approaches to Mark Making 
Location: JBSB

We will use the foundational drawing techniques of hatching, cross-hatching, and stippling as a jumping off point to explore mark making using non traditional tools. We will have twigs, steel wool, plant material, wood, fabric, yarn, wire, corrugated cardboard, etc. and other materials not typically used in drawing in order to find new approaches. We also suggest the tools be manipulated and formed by participants to develop unique mark making strategies. We will use ink, brushwork and charcoal primarily to explore patterns and texture with splattering, scribbling, stamping, dragging, sgraffito, dabbing etc. With these tools we will lower the formal barriers to mark making as we think about shape vocabulary, line confidence, repetition and textural juxtaposition.

Exquisite Corpse: Absurd Writing and Cameraless Film Workshop
Location: Black & white Studio (A404) 

This two-part workshop is designed to embrace the idea of play while collaboratively and intuitively assembling material for a film, by playing the surrealist game of Exquisite Corpse. In the first part of the workshop, participants will collectively generate a short piece of absurd fiction which will serve as the “script” of their film. In the second part of the workshop, participants will draw/paint/write/etch directly onto 16mm celluloid to create cameraless visuals by hand. The workshop will culminate by combining and projecting all the cameraless film strips of 16mm celluloid as one Exquisite Corpse film. The workshop can accommodate 30 - 35 participants and will require 2 - 2.5 hours to complete. There are no prerequisites for participating in the workshop.

Radical Politics in SoCal
Location: Cafe A 

Calling all abolitionists, feminists, anti-racists, earth defenders, queer liberationists, class warriors, disability activists, and other radicals. Are you curious about the landscape of radical politics in Los Angeles and Southern California? Are you interested in finding others who share a desire for radical change? "Radical Politics in SoCal" is a collaborative space designed for you to meet others and contemplate next steps. In this workshop, you will 1) be introduced to local movements, figures, and organizations that have shaped the politics of our region, 2) connect with others interested in similar topics and issues, and 3) collectively brainstorm next steps to get more involved.

Whether you're a seasoned activist or simply eager to learn more, you'll find a welcoming space here.

 

Clown College 
Location: C105 

Join CalArts Acting Alum Jeannette Srinivasan (‘23) in a fun, beginner clowning class! Games, group exercises, and fun improv to let loose and have a joyous start to the school year!

 

 
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2–4 pm

Returning Students - Course Advising continues   

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3–4 pm 

Connection and Healing Through Music  
Location: B312

Music is the closest thing to magic, and what is more magical than connecting with yourself and the world around you? Through music, not only are we able to connect in the most authentic way possible, but as humans, we can heal each other and ourselves. This workshop will demonstrate and experiment with different ways music can be used to connect and heal through in-depth listening, writing, conversation, and learning how to use music to give back to those who need it the most.

 

4–5 pm 

Choose Your Character: Dean's Panel 
Location: Main Gallery 

Don't miss the thought-provoking Dean/Faculty Panel, featuring esteemed faculty members, and Deans from each of the Schools. Engage in enlightening discussions centered around mentorship and interdisciplinary opportunities at CalArts. Discover how mentorship can shape your artistic journey and explore the exciting potential for collaboration across diverse fields of study.

5–7 pm

Dinner
Location: Steve’s Café

 

7–10 pm 

P-V-P: Level Up Game Night 
Location: Chouinard 

Join the Campus Life team in a energetic extravagegza at Chouinard. This lively social gathering will bring out each players' competive side in a series of gaming opportunites such as Capture the Flag, water games, and a VR experience. Come foster connections that will last all academic year!