Course descriptionThe Acting Program at CalArts, offers classically centered training with an eye toward the future, designed for preparing young artists for the performance challenges of the 21st century. The aim of this program is to guide students in becoming versatile, well-rounded theater artists who have the skills to chart their own creative and professional paths. Accordingly, the program seeks talented performers who are engaged with their imaginations, guided by their passions, and compelled to speak their stories.
Reflecting the rapidly evolving landscape of contemporary performance practice, the Acting Program has moved beyond the training structures used for preparing actors for repertory theater companies. Instead, the actor of the 21st century needs to be highly versatile, able to work in any number of forms, styles and settings. This actor must be technologically literate, have a strong command of body, voice and speech, and be equally adept in theater, film, television and emerging media.
The four-year BFA curriculum centers on acting studios and courses in voice, speech, movement and theatrical production. First-year students focus on expanding their technique, imagination and artistry. Following the first year, acting studios are progressively combined to create a larger pool of collaborators and a heightened sense of community.
PERFORMANCE
BFA Course Sequence: ACTING
The Theater
Writing Arts or Foundation
Tai Chi
Voice
Movement
Acting Studio
Run Crew
Mythic Imagination & Actor
Speech
Movement
Alexander Technique
Rehearsal/Performance
Survey of World Theater*
Critical Studies*
Singing
Audition/Showase
Voice/Speech
Acting Studio for the Camera
Audition/Showcase 3 Electives
Suggested Electives:
Singing Elective (spring BFA 4 year)
Screenwriting for the Theater Artist
Writing for Performance Workshop
Basic Stage Management
Performing
Object Lab
Theatrical Unions
African Dance
Theater Management
Puppetry Courses
Entrepreneurship