California Institute of the Arts
Test-OptionalLGBTQ+
Program
No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewIn-Person or VirtualHighly Selective12-24 StudentsUniversity App Required
Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Audition Required
No Interview
Highly Selective
12-24 Students
University App Required
Program Highlights
PROGRAM RECOGNITION
•First US college dedicated specifically to visual and performing arts degrees
•Notable alumni include Don Cheadle, Ed Harris, Alison Brie, Katey Sagal, Cecily Strong
TRAINING & PRODUCTIONS
•Center for New Performance (CNP) provides professional production opportunities
•Industry showcases in NYC and LA for graduating actors
CREATIVE ECOSYSTEM
•Cross-disciplinary collaboration with filmmakers, animators, dancers, musicians, visual artists
Expert Tips
Be very game to play and get weird at CalArts auditions!
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atSchool Website
Deadlines
Regular DecisionJan 5, 2026
Rolling
Fee
$85Waiver
Waived for CalArts/CSSSA/CAP alumni and previous applicants
Program AppApplication
Deadline
Regular DeadlineJan 5, 2026
Auditions
On-Campus (CalArts, Valencia, CA)Jan 17, 2026
New York City (Ripley Grier Studios)Jan 23, 2026
Virtual (Zoom)Jan 31, 2026
Chicago (Palmer House Hilton)Feb 2, 2026
Program Submission
Monologues
TWO CONTRASTING MONOLOGUES, max 2 minutes each
•One Shakespeare monologue
•One contemporary published play monologue
•Record each monologue as a SEPARATE FILE and upload individually
Additional Materials
HEADSHOT
•Portrait orientation preferred
RESUME
ARTIST STATEMENT (1 page single-spaced or 2 pages double-spaced)
•What informs your art-making practice
•Why CalArts Acting program
•Your artistic goals
•Stories you want to tell / communities you hope to reach
•What inspires you about the current moment in history
OPTIONAL SUPPLEMENTS (up to 4 files)
•Scripts (excerpts totaling no more than 10 pages)
•Documentation of directing projects (video max 8 min total)
•Films you have acted in or collaborated on
•Voiceover work
•Other fine arts work
Audition Requirements
Monologues
TWO CONTRASTING MONOLOGUES, max 2 minutes each
•One Shakespeare monologue
•One contemporary published play monologue
•Have one additional monologue in reserve (faculty may request)
Additional Materials
•Bring 1 PRINTED HEADSHOT (portrait orientation preferred) and resume to audition
Good to Know
SELF-TAPE REQUIREMENT
•Video self-tapes of monologues required IN ADDITION TO the in-person audition
•Submit self-tape materials with your application
ROLLING ADMISSIONS
•Applications accepted on a rolling basis after the January 5 deadline until the program closes
What's The Process
AUDITION LOGISTICS
•Submit audition form at least 1 WEEK BEFORE your audition date
•Sign up for audition date and location after submitting application
ELIGIBILITY
•In-person audition REQUIRED for all residents of 48 contiguous US states + DC — no exceptions
•Virtual audition available ONLY for international students or those in AK, HI, or PR
Scholarship Info
•Merit-based institutional scholarships and grants awarded based on artistic talent demonstrated in application and audition
•Financial aid packages may include institutional, state, and federal funds
•Contact finaid@calarts.edu or 661-253-7869 for details
Program info updated 4d ago
PROGRAM RECOGNITION
•First US college dedicated specifically to visual and performing arts degrees
•Notable alumni include Don Cheadle, Ed Harris, Alison Brie, Katey Sagal, Cecily Strong
TRAINING & PRODUCTIONS
•Center for New Performance (CNP) provides professional production opportunities
•Industry showcases in NYC and LA for graduating actors
CREATIVE ECOSYSTEM
•Cross-disciplinary collaboration with filmmakers, animators, dancers, musicians, visual artists
Updated 4d ago
Academic School Information
32%
Admit Rate
65%
Grad Rate
860
Enrollment
$41,198
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$58,996
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$46,080
after typical aid
Average annual cost is often lower than tuition because it accounts for grants and scholarships most students receive. It includes tuition, room & board, books, and supplies.
Family Income $0 - $30k$26,686
Family Income $30k - $48k$40,899
Family Income $48k - $75k$51,847
Family Income $75k - $110k$38,627
Family Income $110k+$58,873
