Admission to CalArts is competitive and considered mainly on the basis of demonstrated talent, creativity and commitment. The Costume Design Program at CalArts welcomes applications for admission from anyone committed to the visual and performing arts. In addition to applicants with a theater background, painters, sculptors, architects and other talented individuals are encouraged to apply.
To request an admissions bulletin please visit http://calarts.edu/admissions/requestinformation
The application process requires a portfolio, personal interview, application, and supportive materials.
UNDERGRADUATE PORTFOLIOS
Undergraduate portfolios should display who the applicant is as an artist and as a member of the arts community. Include examples of life drawing, painting, illustration, sculpture or other artwork, examples of experience in costume design for performance, including renderings and photo documentation, and examples of clothing construction either in photographs or actual patterns and garment pieces.
GRADUATE PORTFOLIOS
Graduate portfolios should include the following:
• Submit a minimum of three complete designs for realized productions including all preliminary work, such as rough sketches, models, technical sketches, and research.
• In addition to theater work, please include any theoretical work and fine art work including drawings, paintings, textile work, sculpture, performance, etc., that demonstrates technical skill and conceptual thinking.
• Please do not submit design representations on digital media, unless the work was created digitally.
• Documentation of drawings, renderings and production stills should be submitted in slides or color copies.
INTERVIEW
An interview is required as part of your application process. Attending an on-campus interview is an opportune time to tour our galleries, classrooms, meet with students and faculty, and sample campus life. Interviews are held on select dates and in select US cities. A phone interview may be scheduled if the applicant is unable to attend in person. It is the responsibility of the applicant to schedule the interview through the Office of Admissions.
APPLICATION
Fill out the application through the Office of Admissions, http://calarts.edu/applycalarts
ADDITIONAL MATERIALS
Academic transcripts, 3 letters of recommendation, an artist’s statement, and a resume of experiences.
Undergraduate transfer students are accepted. For more information please go to http://calarts.edu/admissions/transferstudents
For all application information and to begin your application process please contact the Admissions Office directly, http://calarts.edu/admissions