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

Almost, Maine Venue: Tornabene Theatre February 22, 2026 to March 8, 2026

Screening Events

Frances Reid with camera crew, late 70’s. Lesbian Looks – 2 Restored Vintage Docs from the Gay Liberation Era Venue: Loft Cinema February 15, 2026 at 2:00pm

Workshop Productions

New Directions Festival Venue: Tornabene Theatre March 26, 2026 to March 29, 2026

News

Photo of Rafael Gomez behind the camera. Film Independent Names TFTV Alum Rafael Gomez (‘14) as 2026 Project Involve Fellow

Rafael Gomez (BFA Film & Television, ‘14) has been named a 2026 Cinematography Fellow of Project Involve, Film Independent’s renowned mentorship program which has fostered the careers of… More

Poster for Guillermo del Toro's 'Frankenstein'. Best Picture Oscar Nominee ‘Frankenstein’ Produced by TFTV Alum Scott Stuber

The University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film & Television (TFTV) proudly congratulates alum Scott Stuber (’92), a producer of Frankenstein, on the film’s Academy Award® nomination for… More

Portrait of Kelsie Ramos. TFTV’s Kelsie Ramos Named College of Fine Arts Outstanding Senior

The School of Theatre, Film & Television (TFTV) is proud to share that Theatre Arts major Kelsie Ramos has been selected as a College of Fine Arts Outstanding… More

Featured Faculty & Staff

Patrick Holt Associate Professor

Patrick Holt is an Associate Professor at the University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film, & Television. His work has been seen at The Guthrie Theater, The Kansas… More

Jacob Bricca Professor

Jacob Bricca, ACE is an award-winning film editor, director, producer, and scholar. He has thirteen feature documentaries including the international theatrical hit Lost In La Mancha, the Independent… More

Yuri Makino Associate Professor, Associate Dean of Academic and Student Affairs

In 1998, Yuri Makino joined the School of Media Arts, now the School of Theatre, Film & Television where she is an Associate Professor. Currently she is the… 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

Founding The Story Theatre in Chicago: TFTV Alumni bring a Collective Vision to life

In the decade since graduating from the University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film & Television (TFTV), BFA Acting alumni Brenna DiStasio (‘15) and Paul Michael Thomson (‘15)… More

From TFTV to Comic-Con: Student Film ‘Active Imagination’ Inspires Audiences

Each year at Comic-Con, the San Diego International Children’s Film Festival (SDICFF) presents a curated collection of films for audiences of all ages. As well as showcasing high-quality… More

Taking the stage at sea: Holden Jones (‘25) joins Oceania Cruises as vocalist

Just a few months after walking the graduation stage, School of Theatre, Film & Television alum Holden Jones (BFA Musical Theatre, ’25) has taken his talents to the… 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

TFTV is at Sundance! We’re excited and grateful to be at the festival for the school’s 4th annual trip to the festival - the final edition at Park City and the first without its founder, Robert Redford. Follow the adventures of 11 seniors (along with Film & Television Prof. Jacob Bricca and Director of Industry & Outreach Kerryn Negus) this week on our stories ✨🎞️

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Attention High School Thespians: Heading to Arizona Thespians this weekend?
 
Don’t miss TFTV faculty at their awesome workshops - plus, stop by the exhibit hall for U of A swag and to chat about our programs with our recruiter, Matt Denney!
 
Workshops to check out:

• Heard but Not Seen – Musical Theatre Sound Design with Matt Marcus
• YOU are the Art: Devising Relevant Physical Theatre with Rick Wamer
• Permission to Play: Fun, Fearless Acting with Erin Roberts
• Careers in Costuming with Rick Tuckett
 
See you there!

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