<p>I have recently applied and auditioned for CalArts, and I am dying with anticipation. If you havn't auditioned yet, you may want to read this thread to see what the process is like. But the main idea of my query is to ask people's opinions on whether or not I should be hopeful (after you read about my audition experience). </p>
<p>I auditioned in New York, and so the audition was done in a hotel facility. I went in with my two main monologues. I went in with my Shakespearean first, followed by a comedic and lesser known contemporary. Then, the auditors asked me to do an exercise with my Shakespearean, and that took roughly five minutes. After this, they asked me to pull up a chair and asked me some questions. </p>
<p>Now, here is why I am getting my hopes up: this interview was more of a conversation, and they were very intrigued at my background in theoretical physics, as well as my piano experience. They also asked me what I learned from the exercise, and I answered them truthfully that it distracted my mind from thinking, making my words come out more honestly. After this, they told me that "[my] diversity and life experience is what they are looking for at CalArts. You are the type of person we want at our school. It's very exciting to see someone go after their passion, and we're both lucky to have found this match". They then asked me to email them to set up a time for me to travel to CalArts and shadow a student for one day. </p>
<p>So as you may assume, something like this sounds extremely positive and hopeful, yet I am afraid to indulge... what do you guys think? Is this something they would tell anyone to just give them a good "experience"? Or am I really in some sort of shortlist?</p>
<p>Thank you all. I wish everyone the best in their audition season.</p>
<p>If you are an older applicant with an unusual background, it may well be that they are particularly interested in you, especially if you auditioned very well.</p>
<p>My S did his Cal Arts audition yesterday on campus. We talked about it he found it relaxed, intriguing and dynamic. He thought his audition went very well he had an informal interview/discussion, did the breathing exercise and was given a card. We look forward to see what comes of it as it is now one of his favorite schools.</p>
<p>Thank you Wineguy. Congratulations to your son for a great audition. Do you know if most other people at the auditions had similar experiences? Essentially what I am trying to get to is that do they give the interviews and cards to everyone that they audit? Or to select people that they are interested in?</p>
<p>No they do not give cards to everyone. Sitting here at the Julliard audition talking to an acting coach and several Mom’s a about the Cal Arts audition the word is, “if you do the breathing exercises and get a card it’s a very good thing.”</p>
<p>I will be starting with a Mackers monologue act3 scene 1 following with Bishop Hogan from Fat Men in Skirts by Nicky Silver. Flute/Thisby from Midsummer if they want more.</p>
<p>Don’t be nervous - be driven, respectful, look like your enjoying yourself - remember the interview starts the moment they see you - know several key thins about the school and do your best monologue first.</p>
<p>i’m in the same boat where i was told to do the breathing excercise and was given a card and told to give them a call. did everyone who got a card get accepted?</p>
<p>I just recently auditioned for CalArts! I got an interview (more like casual questions) and a card and was told to keep in touch with admissions, but no breathing exercises! I know breathing exercises is a measure to see how well you would fit in, but i’m hoping maybe sometimes they gauge that without it! Freaking out- March is a VERY long wait.</p>
<p>Hello, MY D is applying to Cal Arts as BFA Acting Performance. It is unclear from the website if the Acting Performance majors need to send in an artist statement. “Acting student selections are based on the live audition only. Applicants are not required to submit a portfolio. Received acting portfolios will not be viewed or returned.” All other majors state that they want a portfolio and an artist statement. Can some acting performance majors or current students reply if an “artist statement” is required?</p>
<p>If you don’t get a response here, you can go ahead and phone Cal Arts and speak to someone in their Acting Performance program (best of all would be the chair or assistant chair) to get a clarification.</p>
<p>I did call. Thank you TheRealKevp. Hopefully, I will help others with the same question and save you a call. All majors must write an artist statement it is the personal essay, it is not in addition to the common ap type personal essay. They hope students write a separate essay for Cal Arts. There is no word limit but it is usually about 2 pages. Best of Luck.</p>