Directing

You must complete all admissions requirements as well as the program requirements below to be considered for admission. Before applying, please make sure to familiarize yourself with the Directing Program, faculty, facilities, and curriculum.

You cannot make any changes to your application after it has been submitted.

MFA Application Requirements

An artist statement is very important in the admissions process and should answer the following three questions:

  • What issues and concerns inform your artmaking practice?
  • Why are you applying to your program at CalArts?
  • What are your artistic goals?

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

MFA Directing Program applicants should submit a portfolio containing video documentation; our application system accepts videos that are directly uploaded, as well as YouTube and Vimeo links. Portfolios must be submitted to our online portfolio site. Video links or portfolios will not be accepted via email.

It is highly unusual for an applicant to be accepted into the program without such documentation. Applicants are strongly urged to submit their application and portfolio materials on or before the Preferred Deadline in order to allow for thorough review and, if selected by the Head of Directing, a personal interview. The Office of Admissions will contact all applicants who are selected for an interview.

Applicants should submit video materials that best represent their work, whether this be excerpts from various shows or full length production documentation.

Three letters of recommendation from professionals who know your work are required.

All letters of recommendation should be received by the application deadline, so it is highly recommended that you contact your recommenders months before. We request 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.

Only 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

Please note, letters of recommendation must be written in English or accompanied by a certified English translated document.

Select applicants to this program will be contacted for a personal interview based on a review of their application and portfolio materials.