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

Still from Loren Waters film 'Tiger' Short Films and Conversation with Loren Waters Venue: Marroney Theatre November 5, 2026 at 6:00pm
Graphic for Stop Kiss, TFTV Fall 2026 Stop Kiss Venue: Tornabene Theatre November 15, 2026 to December 6, 2026
What’s Up, Docs? Venue: Marroney Theatre December 16, 2026 at 7:00pm

News

Stop Kiss media photo When a first kiss changes everything: TFTV presents ‘Stop Kiss’

The University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film & Television (TFTV) presents Stop Kiss, the next offering in its 2026/27 Theatre Season, Nov. 20–Dec. 6 at the Tornabene… More

BTS Film set picture University of Arizona film school ranked No. 4 among public film schools in The Wrap’s 2026 Top 50

The University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film & Television (TFTV) has once again been ranked among the nation’s top five public film schools by The Wrap, earning… More

Group photo from TFTV October 2026 Trip TFTV students explore film history, archival research and career possibilities in Los Angeles

Ten students from the University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film & Television (TFTV) travelled to Los Angeles Oct. 21–24 for an immersive exploration of film history, archival… More

Featured Faculty & Staff

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

Orquidea Morales Assistant Professor

Dr. Orquidea Morales is an assistant professor in the School of Theatre, Film, and Television at the University of Arizona. Her work on border violence, Latine media, and… More

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

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

Photo of Adam Harper TFTV Alum Adam Harper (’24) Joins Expedition to Explore Pacific Seafloor

  University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film & Television alum Adam Harper (BA Film & Television, ’24) will spend 30 days aboard a research vessel helping collect… More

Photo of Annika Maher Annika Maher (’20) directs the Arizona Premiere of the darkly comic ‘I’m Gonna Marry You Tobey Maguire’

TFTV alum Annika Maher (’20) has built a career that spans stage management, design, producing and directing. Now Co-Artistic and Managing Director of The Scoundrel & Scamp Theatre… More

Bachelor the Musical in Los Angeles. Photo Credit: Sydney Angel How Richelle Meiss (’08) Turned Her Performance Background into a Television Writing Career

From performing in musical theatre to writing comedy for television, University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film & Television alum Richelle Meiss (BFA Musical Theatre, ’08) has taken… 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

Meet Callie.

A young professional in New York City, Callie is drifting aimlessly through her life when she meets Sara. What follows challenges and changes her in ways she never expected.

Sophie Bartholomew-Gonzalez brings Callie to life. “Playing Callie has challenged me to explore what it means to be vulnerable, to let someone in, and to find the courage to be true to yourself,” says Sophie. “The shifting timelines and emotional weight of the story make this a demanding role, but at its heart, Stop Kiss is a story about connection and the ways love can change us. I hope audiences leave thinking about the importance of embracing who they are and the people who make them feel seen.”

STOP KISS by Diana Son runs Nov. 20–22 and Dec. 4–6 in the Tornabene Theatre, with preview performances Nov. 15 and 19.

Tickets: tickets.arizona.edu

$5 student tickets are available in person at the Arizona Arts Box Office.

Media photo taken at Surly Wench Pub by Julius Schlosburg.

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Sometimes the most unexpected connections change everything.

Diana Son’s poignant drama, STOP KISS, will take center stage in the Tornabene Theatre from Nov. 20 to Dec. 6 with preview performances on Nov. 15 & 19. 

Tickets at tickets.arizona.edu.

$5 student tickets are available in person at the Arizona Arts Box Office. 

📹 Gage Judd
🔊 Tommy Martinez-Rivera

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We’re proud to share that the University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film & Television has been ranked No. 4 among public film schools and maintained its position among the top dozen programs nationwide in The Wrap’s 2026 Top 50 Film Schools, published today.

TFTV students gain hands-on production experience, connect with entertainment industry professionals through our partnership with Film Independent, and take part in the Sundance Film Festival as members of its official volunteer team. They also receive strategic guidance on festival submissions and awards opportunities, helping their films reach audiences and gain industry recognition.

The ranking reflects TFTV’s commitment to connecting creative education with professional experience, preparing students to pursue careers across film and television.

Read more at the link in bio.

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