Welcome

Welcome to the University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film & Television (TFTV), one of the most dynamic and innovative programs in the United States. We bring together theatre with film and television in an integrated approach - preparing you to become a versatile storyteller across stage, screen, and emerging media.

Our Live & Screened Performance program equips students with cross-platform skills in acting, directing, writing, stage design, management, and dramaturgy for both live and recorded media. Thanks to our programs in Film & Television, TFTV is ranked the No. 4 public film school in the U.S. by The Wrap, offering hands-on training alongside academic grounding in critical studies and courses in the art and business of storytelling.

At TFTV, you’ll learn directly from world-renowned scholars, award-winning creators, and industry professionals from across academia, the arts, and entertainment. Regular guest artists and insiders from the field don’t just visit — they mentor, collaborate, and connect you to real-world opportunities, including internships. It’s more than education — it’s an immersive experience that launches your career.

Our FTV LA initiative, in partnership with Film Independent, offers unique access to the Los Angeles entertainment industry—screenings, networking events, workspace, and eligibility for prestigious fellowships like Project Involve.

Our home in Tucson, Arizona, offers more than a stunning desert landscape: it hosts a vibrant cultural scene with repertory and art theaters, film festivals, and permanent theatrical showcases. TFTV also produces numerous student-led performances, including live musical theater, fostering collaboration across disciplines.

We’re proud to be the only National Top 10-ranked film school that combines theatre with film and television into a collaborative and cohesive learning experience. This rare model ensures that you graduate not only in the medium of your choice, but with cross-disciplinary training that expands your creative and professional possibilities.

At TFTV, you’ll find a supportive, challenging, and inclusive space for artistic exploration—just steps from the mountains and a short trip to the heart of the entertainment industry.

Dr. Frances Gateward
Director

Events

Performance Season

Jerry’s Girls Venue: Marroney Theatre April 19, 2026 to May 3, 2026

Screening Events

I Dream in Widescreen 2026 Event Image I Dream in Widescreen 2026 Venue: Fox Tucson Theatre May 9, 2026 at 7:00pm

Workshop Productions

No events currently scheduled.

News

Photo from USITT 2026. University of Arizona Students Gain Real-World Design and Technical Production Experience at USITT 2026

A cohort of senior Theatre Production students at the University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film & Television (TFTV) returned energized from the United States Institute for Theatre… More

Photo from Our American Tragedy On the Mainstage: Angelique Fustukjian (’16) Presents ‘Our American Tragedy’ in Phoenix after Hollywood Fringe Premiere

Since graduating from the University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film & Television (TFTV) in 2016, Angelique Fustukjian has established herself as a producer, actor, and writer in… More

Student filmmakers bring Tucson’s heritage to the screen in Pima County documentary series

A series of short documentaries created by students from the University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film & Television (TFTV) is now publicly available as part of Pima… More

Featured Faculty & Staff

Christie Kerr Associate Director, Associate Professor

Christie Kerr is the Associate Director of the School of Theatre, Film & Television and an Associate Professor of Musical Theatre at the University of Arizona. Prior to… More

Matthew S. Marcus Associate Professor of Practice

Matt Marcus is Associate Professor of Practice in Sound Design and runs the theatre sound area. He teaches courses in sound for live production, sound design, and entertainment technology, Matt has… More

Jessica Maerz Academic Advisor

PhD in Dramatic Theory and Criticism, University of Georgia MFA in Dramaturgy, Stony Brook University BA in English Literature, Berea College Jessica has been with the School of… More

Student Work

UA FTV Fiction Films

Our students' films have gained recognition at the world's top films festivals, including the Berlin Intl. Film Festival and Sundance, and feature stellar performances from rising stars in the Theatre programs. BA and BFA students in the film program work collaboratively on films, with BA students applying skills learned in producing and studies courses to lead projects in the producer role. Magic Hour and I Dream in Widescreen are the popular showcases for fiction produced in the program. More

Design Tech Showcase Reveals Secrets

Every year, the school brings agents, professional designers and production specialists to campus to view the work of our actors and design and technology students. The annual Showcase of Talent offers our students a valuable next step into the business and direct access to industry professionals. More

UA FTV Documentaries

Our production students gain experience in documentary, and are taught by working filmmakers whose films can be seen on HBO, Netflix, and PBS. The documentary work is original and eclectic, and reflects the rich culture of Tucson. Student work is regularly showcased at What’s up, Docs at The Loft Cinema and at I Dream in Widescreen, the gala event of BFA senior thesis films that regularly draws crowds of over 1000 to the historic Fox Tucson Theatre. More

Alumni Spotlight

Asst. Editor Stephanie Silva (’19) talks about her work on upcoming Nicole Kidman-starrer ‘Holland’

Assistant Editor Stephanie Silva (BFA Film & Television ’19) is collecting some high-profile film credits to her name. As well as her assistant editing work on this summer’s… More

YouTube Exec Kendall Ostrow (’07) earns TFTV’S Young Professional Achievement Award

The School of Theatre, Film & Television (TFTV) recently presented the inaugural Young Professional Achievement Award to alum Kendall Ostrow (‘07), acknowledging her singular career as a pioneer… More

Naphtali Curry (BFA ‘20) has a full circle moment as ‘Shrek the Musical’ comes to Tucson

This week School of Theatre, Film & Television alum Naphtali Yaakov Curry (BFA Musical Theatre, ’20) returned to Tucson, playing a lead role in the national touring production… More

Take a virtual tour of the University of Arizona

Take a quick virtual tour of the Fine Arts District and the rest of the UA Campus, click here.

Instagram

Theatre Production senior students took Long Beach by storm at USITT 2026!

From hands-on labs to industry panels and cutting-edge tech on the expo floor, our seniors gained real-world design and technical production experience alongside professionals shaping the future of live entertainment.

“The conference really brought to light how versatile my degree is, and how many possibilities there are in the world of entertainment,” said Riley Baheshone.

Congratulations to Riley, Bree, Emma, Anna, Elizabeth, Sean, and Ellie for representing TFTV so well, and thanks to Daniel Staggs for guiding the group.

With our new Design and Production emphasis launching in Fall 2026, TFTV continues to build pathways from classroom to career.

Read more at the link in our bio!

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The countdown to the 21st annual I Dream in Widescreen is on! 🎬

Tickets are officially on sale for the world premiere of 11 brand new senior thesis films created by emerging filmmakers at @uarizona School of Theatre, Film & Television, taking place at the Fox Tucson Theatre on May 9, 2026. Mark your calendars!

All tickets are $5. Learn more about this year’s films and grab your seats now at idiw.tftv.arizona.edu or at the link in our bio.

Thanks to our incredible sponsors for their support of TFTV’s signature annual event: @filmtucson @monsoonproductionservices @neilbentonartsyentertainment @adobe @blackmagicnewsofficial Hanson FilmTV Endowment @theloftcinema Jane Decker & Gary Dillahunty @canonusa @soundsnapsfx. 

Please note: The Fox now enforces a clear bag policy and is cash-free. See foxtucson.com for details.

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From Tucson to the Oscars: University of Arizona alumni made their mark at this year’s Academy Awards, showing up across some of the night’s biggest moments - on stage and behind the scenes.

“Frankenstein,” co-produced by School of Theatre, Film & Television alum Scott Stuber, earned three Oscars for Makeup & Hairstyling, Production Design, and Costume Design.

School of Art attendee Kristen Wiig reunited with the “Bridesmaids” cast to present, bringing a little Wildcat star power to the stage.

And “F1: The Movie,” produced by alum Jerry Bruckheimer, raced ahead to win Best Sound.

Both “F1: The Movie” and “Frankenstein” were also nominated for Best Picture - a strong showing for Wildcats on Hollywood’s biggest stage - again!

Photos: Valerie Goodloe/Alamy (Scott Stuber: MediaPunch/StringersHub/Sipa USA; Kristen Wiig: MediaPunch)

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