<p>I can only speak for my own school. The CalArts “type” is hard to define, because it’s not something that is apparent or superficial. The ACTORS who go here are usually:
- Extremely passionate
- Very hard working
- Have a very strong artistic vision or want to develop one
- Like to try new things
- Committed to the program. Don’t expect to be able to miss classes or do outside auditions or even get a regular job. If they call you at 8pm on Sunday because they need someone for wardrobe crew in half an hour, you are expected to be there.
- Very talented, but sometimes this talent has not been fully discovered yet
- Very smart. In all my GenEd classes, the actors are the only ones who have something to say and bring up interesting topics to discuss
- Have interests in other areas/métiers (can play an instrument, sing, dance, draw, paint, etc) - it’s funny because there are many of us who applied to other majors at CalArts as well
- Not a stereotype. We have very few stereotypical actors (like the blonde girl+blue eyes who always plays the ingénue), most of us are not a set “type” and therefore can play many diverse roles.
- In good physical condition. This is important because if you’re not healthy, you’re gonna get your butt kicked A LOT and you won’t be able to keep up with the classes and with the busy schedule.
- Professional. Gossip and nasty attitude are not tolerated at all. If you are rude, stuck up and entitled you can expect to get AT LEAST a Letter of Concern. Also, you probably won’t get cast as often.</p>
<p>These are the things that I can think off the top of my head. There are probably many more. CalArts picks its students very carefully and if they realize they made a mistake, they can ask you to leave. They make it very clear to us that they only want people who are 100% here and if you are committed, they will give you absolutely everything.</p>