From May 1–3, CalArts’ annual MAYhem festival brought “creative chaos” to the Valencia campus through a whirlwind of performances, exhibitions, screenings, conversations, and community gatherings. Across three days, students, alumni, faculty, and visitors moved between theater productions, open studios, concerts, artist markets, and more, experiencing the collaborative spirit that defines CalArts.
One of the weekend’s highlights was From CalArts to The Lion King and Beyond: A Conversation with Rob Minkoff (Film/Video BFA 83), featuring the acclaimed director and CalArts alum reflecting on his time at the Institute, his career in animation and filmmaking, and the evolving role of technology in creative work. The conversation drew students and animation fans eager to hear firsthand stories from the co-director of The Lion King (1994) and director of Stuart Little, among other titles.
24700 student contributor Orianna Reid attended several MAYhem events throughout the weekend, including Half God of Rainfall, the Artisan Pop-Up Market & Photo Booth, and the 46th Annual World Music Festival, and shared the following reflections from her first MAYhem experience:
“The student experience of CalArts MAYhem is one of inspiration, awe, and excitement, with so many enriching and creative events at your fingertips.
Half God of Rainfall is a play by Inua Ellams directed by Kobina Hagan (Theater MFA 26). As a CalArts student, I was able to attend the show free of charge on the first day of the festival. A highlight of CalArts and MAYhem is being able to see the amazing work of other departments. When asking another CalArtian during intermission what their favorite part of MAYhem is, they talked about Half God of Rainfall and how ‘it’s really interesting that we get to see a production in the Walt Disney Modular Theater, it’s such a unique experience and the show has such a talented cast and production design team.’
On Saturday, May 2, after rehearsals, I was able to stop by the Artisan Pop-Up Market & Photo Booth, organized by the Center for Life and Work. This market was an amazing opportunity to support current CalArts students, alumni, and local Santa Clarita artists’ artistic endeavors and businesses. In the Main Gallery there were booths with ceramics, paintings, crocheted goods, jewelry, and more, as well as a photo booth.
After exploring the Artisan Pop-Up Market & Photo Booth, I stopped by The Wild Beast and watched performances as part of the 46th Annual World Music Festival. On this sunny Saturday afternoon, CalArtians gathered outside to watch and listen to performances by Grupo Pagode CalArts, the Indian Music Student Ensemble, and Plenazo Tribe.”
From performances and artist talks to open studios and community gatherings, MAYhem 2026 showcased the collaborative energy that defines CalArts.
