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

The Chaplain and The Doctor still The Chaplain & The Doctor Venue: Marroney Theatre March 2, 2026 at 7:00pm

Workshop Productions

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

News

Portrait of Clayton Lukens. Clayton Lukens (’24) Returns to Centennial Hall with ‘The Book of Mormon’ National Tour

University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film & Television alum Clayton Lukens (BFA Musical Theatre ’24) is returning to Centennial Hall as a member of the national tour of… More

Photo from ALMOST, MAINE rehearsal. University of Arizona Theatre Students Explore Human Connection in “Almost, Maine”

TUCSON, Ariz. – The University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film & Television (TFTV) proudly presents Almost, Maine by John Cariani, a heartwarming and whimsical exploration of love in… More

TFTV cohort at Sundance Film Festival 2026. University of Arizona Shines at Final Sundance in Park City

The University of Arizona Film & Television students who participated in TFTV’s fourth annual trip to the Sundance Film Festival returned energized, inspired, and more connected than ever.… More

Featured Faculty & Staff

Barbara Selznick Associate Professor

Dr. Barbara Selznick, Associate Professor, received her doctorate from Northwestern University’s Department of Radio-Television-Film in 1997. Dr. Selznick’s research examines how films and television series are shaped by… More

James Pack Scenic Shop Manager

James Pack is a graduate of Full Sail University with a Master of Science in Entertainment Business. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Arizona majoring… 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

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

TFTV Alumni Shine at the Loft Film Fest

The Loft Film Fest returns to Tucson November 5–13, and the School of Theatre, Film & Television (TFTV) is proud to celebrate multiple alumni filmmakers in this year’s… More

TFTV alumni filmmakers Justin Martinez and Ben Turner debut latest installment of ‘V/H/S’ horror film series

TFTV alumni Justin Martinez (BFA, ’04) and Ben Turner (BFA ’03) are the creative talents behind Live and Let Dive, a nail-biting segment of V/H/S Beyond, the horror… 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

Join us next week for a free sneak preview screening of THE CHAPLAIN & THE DOCTOR.

We’ll be joined by director Dr. Jessica Zitter and producer Jen Gilomen for a post-screening Q&A moderated by the film’s editor, TFTV Professor Jacob Bricca, ACE. 

Monday, March 2 at 7pm
Marroney Theatre
FREE

Filled with warmth and humor, this buddy film follows two unlikely allies working to bring curiosity, connection, and compassion to a broken healthcare system - one patient at a time. The Chaplain & The Doctor models a new kind of care, one that honors both spirit and body, the diverse backgrounds of patients, and the most human needs we all share.

More information and a link to RSVP is available in our bio.

...

39 1
Huge congrats to alum Rafael Gomez ’14 on being named a 2026 Project Involve Fellow by Film Independent and receiving the inaugural TFTV Fellowship, an unrestricted grant recognizing his talent, dedication, and creative vision. This honor marks the first year the fellowship is awarded as part of FTV LA, the University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film & Television’s Los Angeles initiative in partnership with Film Independent that supports alumni and student success in the heart of the industry. Rafael’s selection reflects his impressive body of work, as well as TFTV’s shared commitment with Film Independent to supporting emerging filmmakers. As Rafael says, “When I think about my selection … the most poignant emotion I feel is gratitude. This achievement confirms that my chosen path was well worth it.”

Read more at the link in our bio.

...

186 12