Themed Events Development Practicum

This course will focus on the two largest internal
events CalArts produces: Halloween and Drag Ball.
Both of these events, requiring a well developed
theme, and artistic and managerial participation
from all areas of the school, are funded by the
institute (through the Student Union) and
therefore are developed at an institute level.

Halloween, being both famous and infamous for its
themed implementations and high energy execution,
has been a part of the CalArts experience since
its beginnings in the early 70's. This
multidisciplinary collaboration sets forth the
development of this year's event through story
development, design, marketing, immersive sound
scapes, and musical performances.

Drag Ball, while a more recent development within
CalArts culture, is an expression of CalArt's
commitment to queer performance and celebration.
Still constructed on a foundation of
multidisciplinary collaboration, Drag ball is a
kaleidoscope of themed entertainment, performance
based experimentation, high energy music
productions all resulting in a show that has
launched the careers of multiple drag performers.

This practicum will develop and construct the
theme, scenic, lighting, soundscape, experience
design, and management of production of the
events, build and produce the events at a high
level with materials sourced from rental houses or
paid for by the institute for the production of
them.

Students will develop pieces for their portfolio,
and engage with industry professionals, including
alumnx producers and designers, at the Industry
Walkthrough, when these outside guests are given a
tour of the spaces in advance of the event
opening.

(THIS IS NOT A CALL FOR PERFORMERS, DJs, OR BANDS
- THAT WILL HAPPEN LATER IN THE SEMESTER)