<p>I know many of us have thought there wasn't much information on Cal Arts given the status of this acting program. We went to the accepted students program today, so I thought I would put some information on the blog for future reference. Also, if anyone else was there and wants to add to this, or correct any misinformation I provide, please do so.</p>
<p>According to what we were told, this year they had 900 students audition for both the MFA and BFA acting programs, of which 400 were BFA students. Of those 400 students, they accepted 30. One very nice thing about the program is the interaction between the BFA and the MFA students. 70% of the shows are directed by MFA directing students, and the shows are cast by a mix of both BFA and MFA acting students so that the younger BFA students can learn from the more experienced MFA actors. All the MFA actors we met were wonderful people, and we saw one perform. She was exceptional. We also saw a BFA student perform. He was only a second year. He was a poet and performed a poem he had written that was unbelievably inspiring. He was amazingly gifted. All these students, regardless of their age, clearly like and respect one another.</p>
<p>Physical use of body is emphasized. The students study Tai Chi and Yoga. If a student has issues with physicality, this is the place. They do study combat and masks. But they also have a course where by the end of the course, they have a demo voiceover tape to take with them into the real world to get voice over work, which apparently is where much money is. Cal Arts students also make connections with the students in animation which they can use when they graduate to get voiceover work. </p>
<p>There are opportunities to do students films if you seek them out. </p>
<p>There are no grades. Students receive pass, or fail. If a student truly excels, they may get a high pass. The students must complete 46 units in critical studies which is basic general ed courses. AP credit is given.</p>
<p>The dorm rooms are pretty nice and spacious and set up like Jack and Jills. They are double or triples.</p>
<p>Negatives? Not enough housing, so its by lottery. Housing is not guaranteed, even for freshman. Its very expensive. Not much in the way of gym, just a pool and some weights. Its in the middle of Valencia, which is kind of remote and 30 minutes from LA. You need a car. </p>
<p>that's all I can think of right now. It was a very accepting, experimental fun group of people. Neat.</p>