Portfolio/Audition Requirements

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?

Applicants should upload their headshot and resume as a part of the online application.

Monologue Requirements:

• Applicants must present two monologues of contrasting nature, each no longer than two minutes in length. 

• One 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 application. 

Requirements and Recommendations:

• Label each file with your name as it appears on the CalArts application and the title of the monologue you are performing.

• Applicants must slate their First and Last name and the pieces they will be 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.

• Applicants should 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. Applicants do not need to identify or present as the gender identity of the character they are representing.

Applicants may also submit additional materials they feel showcase their artistry and fit for the CalArts community. Please attach no more than 4 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 8 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 asked to sign up for an audition date and location. Please bring two copies of your headshot and resume to the audition.

Please note: We will not be holding virtual auditions. It is strongly recommended that you attend a live audition, but if you are not able, your application materials will be reviewed without the live audition component, and a decision will be made based on your application materials alone. Select candidates will then be invited to a virtual callback.