School of Dance application requirements

Program in Dance (BFA, MFA)

There are approximately 10 audition events that are held each year from November through February. Auditions and interviews are held on the CalArts campus and in selected U.S. cities. The audition schedule will be available in November and it is also made available to performing arts schools nationally and publicized in Dance Magazine.

BFA applicants

A live audition is required of applicants to the BFA Program in Dance.  The audition will consist of a contemporary dance technique class in which some ballet technique may be included. There is also a creative component to the audition. Individual solos are not required. Audition attire should consist of form fitting dance clothes, preferably tights and leotards for women, t-shirts and tights for men. There is no clothing color requirement for the audition. Applicants are encouraged but are not required to send a DVD portfolio of performance and/or choreographic work.

Applicants to the BFA Program in Dance who are not able to schedule a live audition will have to submit examples of their work on DVD or U.S. –standard VHS videocassette. Recorded auditions must include dance technique class work, improvisation and/or choreography. Please contact the Dance Admissions Counselor for further information.

Please complete and include the Portfolio Information Form with each portfolio submission. Address your portfolio to the Office of Admissions at CalArts using the printable Portfolio Mailing Label. Do not send your portfolio directly to The Sharon Disney Lund School of Dance. Doing so will cause a delay in the review of your work.

BFA Transfer applicants

A live audition is required for all BFA transfer applicants. See the audition guidelines for the BFA program above for information. Applicants will also attend an interview with faculty at the time of the audition. BFA transfers are highly encouraged to send a DVD with two different works, one choreographic work and one performance work.

MFA applicants

A live audition is required for all applicants to the MFA Program in Dance. See the guidelines for the BFA program above for information. Applicants must also attend a personal interview with faculty at the time of the audition. The initial interview may be followed by a phone interview with the Dean at a later time.

In addition, MFA applicants must provide the following materials:

· Two to three examples of group (concert) choreography recorded on DVD or U.S-standard VHS videocassette. Other examples of creative work, such as site-specific, dance-video, etc,, are also welcomed.

· Three letters of recommendation

· Professional résumé.

Please include a complete Portfolio Information Form with each mailed portfolio package. Address your portfolio to the Office of Admissions.