<p>I would not pick a college based on whether I could do auditions outside of school or not, or the availability of such auditions. If you go to school…and put in the effort and money, your attention should not be focused on getting work that will take you out of school. Make the decision if you want an education and training or you want to work. If you want the training…get it…work after graduation and in summers…as well as gain work on stage (or in films) while a student, but not the kind of auditions that require you to leave school if cast. If you want to hit the audition circuit, don’t pay for school or put time in and just move to the city where the auditions are. It would be a lot cheaper too. Just my opinion, in response to the “advice” in #3. </p>
<p>Further, CMU is one of the top acting programs in the country and it will surely prepare you to be an actor for stage or screen. CMU also does an LA showcase, in addition to its NYC one. </p>
<p>UCLA and CalArts have film programs and thus an abundance of opportunities to act in student films too. And in general, it is close to the resources of the film industry. </p>
<p>Back to the OP…all of those schools are excellent. I would talk to the faculty and current students to ask this question of each program.</p>