CalArts - Providing a Foundation for Actors

Art Manke’s theater career as a director, producer, and playwright spans over 30 years. Art Manke is a frequent guest instructor at the country's top actor training programs, and recently offered a day-long workshop in auditioning for the graduate students at CalArts School of Theater..

CalArts School of Theater is considered one of the country’s premier training grounds for contemporary actors. In proximity to the epicenter of film and television, the school’s graduate program focuses on fully preparing actors for careers in these platforms as well as theater.

The program’s objectives include helping students become versatile performers who are comfortable with working on multiple platforms. Another is to help them build relationships with people already in the field that will help them with transitioning into a career in the arts.

Students become polished, professional actors, regardless of the platform, in the MFA program offered through the School of Theater. They are taught to act in traditional and emerging mediums, and are given rigorous courses in acting, speech, movement, and theatrical production.

MFA curriculum is designed to cater to the specific needs of each student. Areas of focus include movement and physical expression while on stage. The latter part of the program focuses on on-camera technique and practical tips for entering the field.