A method for forming a CMC article (200) is disclosed, including forming a CMC precursor ply assembly (100). Forming the CMC precursor ply assembly (100) includes laying up a plurality of CMC precursor plies (102) and entraining a melt infiltration agent (104) to form an entrained agent supply (106). Each of the plurality of CMC precursor plies (102) includes a first matrix precursor (108) and a plurality of ceramic fibers (110). The plurality of CMC precursor plies (102) and the entrained agent supply (106) are arranged to form the CMC precursor ply assembly (100), which includes an article conformation (112). The method further includes carbonizing the CMC precursor ply assembly (100), infusing the melt infiltration agent (104) from the entrained agent supply (106) into the plurality of CMC precursor plies (102), and densifying the CMC precursor ply assembly (100) with the melt infiltration agent (104) to form the CMC article (200).