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

Graphic for Stop Kiss, TFTV Fall 2026 Stop Kiss Venue: Tornabene Theatre November 15, 2026 to December 6, 2026
Long Story Shorts graphic Long Story Shorts Venue: Marroney Theatre December 10, 2026 at 7:00pm
What’s Up, Docs? Venue: Marroney Theatre December 16, 2026 at 7:00pm

News

Photo of Elaine Romero Beginner’s Mind: A Q&A with Guggenheim Fellow Elaine Romero

The University of Arizona continues to celebrate new Guggenheim Fellows among its world-class faculty. Fellow Elaine Romero once believed her work wasn’t good enough to publish, but she… More

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

Featured Faculty & Staff

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

David Yarnelle Assistant Professor of Practice

David Yarnelle, Theatre Studies, has been a member of The School of Theatre, Film and Television faculty for nearly twenty years teaching theatre arts courses to students across… 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

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

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

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

Sensation Cinema: New Book from Mike Plante (’94) Spotlights Groundbreaking Film Exhibitor Louis Sher and the Art of Finding an Audience

For more than three decades, University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film & Television alum Mike Plante (’94) has been finding audiences for films that might otherwise slip… 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

A chance encounter. An unexpected kiss. A moment that changes everything.

When Callie and Sara share an unexpected kiss, a sudden act of violence turns their lives upside down. Tender and deeply moving, STOP KISS is Diana Son’s powerful story about love, courage, and the moments that change us.

Join us this weekend for our first preview performance!

Previews: Nov. 15 & 19
Performances: Nov. 20 - 22, Dec. 4 - 6
Location: Tornabene Theatre

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. Costume Design by Scarlett Manzo.

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How would you describe your character in just three words? The cast of STOP KISS takes on the challenge!

Experience each of these unique characters with us! 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.

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Meet George.

A bartender in NYC, he’s a regular presence in Callie’s life - a friend, and occasionally, a friend with benefits. In the aftermath of the events that change Callie’s life, George does his best to be there for her, offering friendship and support when she needs it.

U of A senior Hector Ruben Durazo portrays George in our production of STOP KISS. “Playing George has taught me to relax a little and enjoy the moment,” shares Hector. “He’s the kind of friend you can laugh with, but he also notices when you’ve been quiet. That’s something I want to take with me from playing him. Even when I don’t hear back, I can put my ego aside and reach out again because I love and care.” 

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. Costume Design by Scarlett Manzo.

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