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Home › News & Events › News › TFTV hosts Halloween-themed Behind the Scenes Experience

TFTV hosts Halloween-themed Behind the Scenes Experience

October 19, 2020

The event will offer prospective students and families a spooky sneak peek into the world of the UArizona School of Theatre, Film & Television

For Immediate Release
Press Contact: Kerryn Negus
knegus@email.arizona.edu

Tucson, AZ (October 19, 2020) – The University of Arizona’s School of Theatre, Film & Television (TFTV) will host its annual Behind the Scenes Experience event virtually on October 31, 2020. This year’s event will offer prospective students an opportunity to participate in a series of Halloween-themed workshops led by accomplished faculty members from various divisions of the School. Prospective students will also be able to interact with current students and faculty via a series of panels. An additional session panel for parents will be hosted by a representative from the College of Fine Arts. The event is open to high school and transfer students across the country. Spaces are limited and registration closes on Thursday, October 29, 2020 at 5pm. More information and online registration are available at behindthescenes.cfa.arizona.edu.

Fresh from last week’s prominent ranking in The Wrap’s annual Top 50 Film Schools issue, the School will offer a series of 30-minute workshops led by its faculty members. The workshops will range from a fight workshop with certified fight director Professor Brent Gibbs, or a zombie face makeup tutorial with costume designer and Associate Professor Patrick Holt, recently named one of the most powerful drag performers in America by New York Magazine. In “Imagining Fear,” Associate Professor Dr. Barbara Selznick will look at the impact of the film Cat People. And in an immersive sound foley production workshop led by Associate Professor Michael Mulcahy, students will learn about and help create horror sound effects.

“The event is a great opportunity for prospective students to learn about career paths in film or theatre at UArizona that they may not have previously thought about,” says Associate Professor Yuri Makino, who serves as an Associate Director of the School. “The Halloween-themed workshops and the student panel will give participants a glimpse into what it’s like being a School of Theatre, Film & Television student.”

The full lineup of workshops and panels for the Behind the Scenes Experience 2020 is as follows.

Opening Events | 10AM – 10:25 AM
Learn about our programs in Acting & Musical Theatre, Design & Technology, Film & Television Studies and Producing, Film Production and Theater Studies.

Student Panel | 10:30 – 11:00 AM
Current Students Share their experiences in a meet & greet for students

Workshops | Sessions 1 & 2 | 11:10AM – 11:40 AM, 11:45 AM – 12:15 PM

  • Imagining Fear: The Art and Industry of the film Cat People
    Led by Dr. Barbara Selznick
  • Producing Sound Foley: The Craft of Horror Sound FX
    Led by Professor Michael Mulcahy
  • Creating a Zombie Face: Special Effect Halloween Make-up on a Budget
    Led by Professor Patrick Holt
  • Learning to Fight: A fight workshop inspired by the 1940 film The Mummy’s Hand
    Led by Professor Brent Gibbs

Meet & Greet for Parents | 11:10 AM – 11:40 AM
CFA Informational Session led by Professor David Yarnelle and Recruitment Coordinator Lindsay Shekleton

Closing Event/ Meet and Greet for Prospective Students | 12:20 – 12:45 PM
Q&A with members of the faculty

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Sarah Astrowsky’s film REMEMBER OUR LEGACY has been officially selected to screen next month at the Hot Springs International Women's Film Festival, where it is also a Finalist in the Student Film category.

The story of REMEMBER OUR LEGACY is close to Sarah’s heart. The film is a tribute to her great-grandmother, Mania Lichtenstein, who survived unimaginable horrors during the Holocaust, and whose strength has shaped the lives of each subsequent generation of Sarah’s family. “My hope is that her story inspires viewers to recognize the power of resilience and the beauty of carrying forward those who came before us,” says Sarah.

The short film was created in TFTV’s Documentary Production Class and first debuted in December at the What’s Up Docs showcase. Congratulations Sarah!

Catch Sarah’s latest film THE DANCER, co-created with Sean Leeman, this week at Magic Hour!
... See MoreSee Less

13 hours ago
Sarah Astrowsky’s film REMEMBER OUR LEGACY has been officially selected to screen next month at the Hot Springs International Womens Film Festival, where it is also a Finalist in the Student Film category.

The story of REMEMBER OUR LEGACY is close to Sarah’s heart. The film is a tribute to her great-grandmother, Mania Lichtenstein, who survived unimaginable horrors during the Holocaust, and whose strength has shaped the lives of each subsequent generation of Sarah’s family. “My hope is that her story inspires viewers to recognize the power of resilience and the beauty of carrying forward those who came before us,” says Sarah.

The short film was created in TFTV’s Documentary Production Class and first debuted in December at the What’s Up Docs showcase. Congratulations Sarah! 

Catch Sarah’s latest film THE DANCER, co-created with Sean Leeman, this week at Magic Hour!Image attachment
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IDIWS Sneak Peek: NOSTALGIATHON '99 by Cailan Compierchio. After losing their practice space, an inexperienced riot grrrl band's skills and friendships are tested as they attempt to throw an epic final show for their entire town.

"Going into this process, I knew I wanted to do something that was weird, funny, and featured strong female friendships (three phrases that also describe the past four years of my life here in Tucson)," reflected writer/director Cailan Compierchio . "Nostalgiathon '99 was conceived as a pastiche of 90s/early 2000s comedies, so a lot of those were huge influences. Stylistically, we were drawn to the aesthetics of skate videos and stoner buddy comedies. Narratively, we drew inspiration from large ensemble pieces of the time, like Clerks ('94), Dazed and Confused ('93), Slacker ('90), and Empire Records ('95). In terms of my broader career, the person who made me realize I wanted to be a writer was Tina Fey, and her work on Saturday Night Live and 30 Rock."

Premiering at I Dream in Widescreen 2025! More info and tickets at idiw.tftv.arizona.edu.

$5 | May 10 at 7pm | Fox Tucson Theatre
Doors open at 6pm. Arrive early to ensure your seat!
... See MoreSee Less

3 days ago
IDIWS Sneak Peek: NOSTALGIATHON 99 by Cailan Compierchio. After losing their practice space, an inexperienced riot grrrl bands skills and friendships are tested as they attempt to throw an epic final show for their entire town.

Going into this process, I knew I wanted to do something that was weird, funny, and featured strong female friendships (three phrases that also describe the past four years of my life here in Tucson), reflected writer/director Cailan Compierchio . Nostalgiathon 99 was conceived as a pastiche of 90s/early 2000s comedies, so a lot of those were huge influences. Stylistically, we were drawn to the aesthetics of skate videos and stoner buddy comedies. Narratively, we drew inspiration from large ensemble pieces of the time, like Clerks (94), Dazed and Confused (93), Slacker (90), and Empire Records (95). In terms of my broader career, the person who made me realize I wanted to be a writer was Tina Fey, and her work on Saturday Night Live and 30 Rock.

Premiering at I Dream in Widescreen 2025! More info and tickets at idiw.tftv.arizona.edu.

$5 | May 10 at 7pm | Fox Tucson Theatre
Doors open at 6pm. Arrive early to ensure your seat!Image attachment
View on Facebook
· Share
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
View Comments
  • likes 0
  • Shares: 1
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IDIWS Sneak Peek: THE GRIT OF IT ALL by Alek Mendez. In 1988 Arizona, Detective James, a man struggling with past trauma, is assigned to investigate a grisly murder in “Las Sombras”, an abandoned western show town.

“Throughout my journey in film school, I’ve been drawn to narratives exploring complex human emotions and psychological themes. With ‘The Grit of It All,’ I wanted to harness those interests into something distinctly cinematic—a story about confronting trauma, guilt, and repressed emotion, layered beneath psychological horror. The film was more than just another assignment; it was an artistic pursuit where I could authentically showcase my voice and vision as a filmmaker,” says writer/director Alek Mendez.

Premiering at I Dream in Widescreen 2025! More info and tickets at idiw.tftv.arizona.edu.

$5 | May 10 at 7pm | Fox Tucson Theatre
Doors open at 6pm. Arrive early to ensure your seat!
... See MoreSee Less

3 days ago
IDIWS Sneak Peek: THE GRIT OF IT ALL by Alek Mendez. In 1988 Arizona, Detective James, a man struggling with past trauma, is assigned to investigate a grisly murder in “Las Sombras”, an abandoned western show town.

“Throughout my journey in film school, I’ve been drawn to narratives exploring complex human emotions and psychological themes. With ‘The Grit of It All,’ I wanted to harness those interests into something distinctly cinematic—a story about confronting trauma, guilt, and repressed emotion, layered beneath psychological horror. The film was more than just another assignment; it was an artistic pursuit where I could authentically showcase my voice and vision as a filmmaker,” says writer/director Alek Mendez.

Premiering at I Dream in Widescreen 2025! More info and tickets at idiw.tftv.arizona.edu.

$5 | May 10 at 7pm | Fox Tucson Theatre
Doors open at 6pm. Arrive early to ensure your seat!Image attachment
View on Facebook
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Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
View Comments
  • likes 0
  • Shares: 1
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El mejor Director el Mejor cortometraje felicidades Alek Mendez lo hiciste Excelente ❤️❤️❤️

IDIWS Sneak Peek: PARALLEL LINES by Neylani Castro. Two strangers repeatedly cross paths without noticing, until a brush between them unveils the invisible thread of their intertwined fates.

“I’ve always been a firm believer that everything we live through and every person we meet has a purpose, nothing is ever a coincidence. The concepts of fate, in-yun, the invisible string theory, and past lives have always intrigued me. Friendships, romantic relationships, and the family you are born into all consist of fate,” reflects writer/director Neylani Castro. “My dad is from Caimanero, Sinaloa. He was invited by his cousin to come to this retreat in Nogales, Sonora - 9 hours from where he lived. There he saw my mom for the first time. My dad says he felt a pull, a sort of magnetism towards my mom. At the end of the first day the new members were asked to pick out of a bowl who will be their guide for the rest of the retreat. When my dad picked out the paper, my mom’s name was written on it. My parents were two parallel lines, and when the time was right their fates intertwined.”

Premiering at I Dream in Widescreen 2025! More info and tickets at idiw.tftv.arizona.edu.

$5 | May 10 at 7pm | Fox Tucson Theatre
Doors open at 6pm. Arrive early to ensure your seat!
... See MoreSee Less

4 days ago
IDIWS Sneak Peek: PARALLEL LINES by Neylani Castro. Two strangers repeatedly cross paths without noticing, until a brush between them unveils the invisible thread of their intertwined fates.

“I’ve always been a firm believer that everything we live through and every person we meet has a purpose, nothing is ever a coincidence. The concepts of fate, in-yun, the invisible string theory, and past lives have always intrigued me. Friendships, romantic relationships, and the family you are born into all consist of fate,” reflects writer/director Neylani Castro. “My dad is from Caimanero, Sinaloa. He was invited by his cousin to come to this retreat in Nogales, Sonora - 9 hours from where he lived. There he saw my mom for the first time. My dad says he felt a pull, a sort of magnetism towards my mom. At the end of the first day the new members were asked to pick out of a bowl who will be their guide for the rest of the retreat. When my dad picked out the paper, my mom’s name was written on it. My parents were two parallel lines, and when the time was right their fates intertwined.”

Premiering at I Dream in Widescreen 2025! More info and tickets at idiw.tftv.arizona.edu.

$5 | May 10 at 7pm | Fox Tucson Theatre
Doors open at 6pm. Arrive early to ensure your seat!Image attachment
View on Facebook
· Share
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
View Comments
  • likes 0
  • Shares: 0
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0 CommentsComment on Facebook

IDIWS Sneak Peek: THE GLASS PLANET by Gaël Baup. A young astronaut defies all odds to search for his long-lost father on a perilous, uncharted glass planet—an unforgiving world where no one has ever returned, and where he must confront both the planet’s dangers and the haunting mystery of his father’s disappearance.

"It was one of my dream films to make since I was 10 years old ... It is the most ambitious project I have made so far, we got to travel with my crew to Page, Arizona and make our own space suit and shoot in amazing locations with a crew and cast of 4 people," says writer/director Gaël Baup.

The short film version of THE GLASS PLANET will be premiering at I Dream in Widescreen 2025 - a feature length version is currently in production! More info and tickets at idiw.tftv.arizona.edu.

$5 | May 10 at 7pm | Fox Tucson Theatre
Doors open at 6pm. Arrive early to ensure your seat!
... See MoreSee Less

4 days ago
IDIWS Sneak Peek: THE GLASS PLANET by Gaël Baup. A young astronaut defies all odds to search for his long-lost father on a perilous, uncharted glass planet—an unforgiving world where no one has ever returned, and where he must confront both the planet’s dangers and the haunting mystery of his father’s disappearance.

It was one of my dream films to make since I was 10 years old ... It is the most ambitious project I have made so far, we got to travel with my crew to Page, Arizona and make our own space suit and shoot in amazing locations with a crew and cast of 4 people, says writer/director Gaël Baup.

The short film version of THE GLASS PLANET will be premiering at I Dream in Widescreen 2025 - a feature length version is currently in production! More info and tickets at idiw.tftv.arizona.edu.

$5 | May 10 at 7pm | Fox Tucson Theatre
Doors open at 6pm. Arrive early to ensure your seat!Image attachment
View on Facebook
· Share
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
View Comments
  • likes 0
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IDIWS Sneak Peek: PIZZA GUY RETURNS by Philip D. Summers. A timid pizza delivery guy unknowingly interrupts a cult meeting and must fight for his survival as interdimensional chaos ensues.

"'Pizza Guy Returns' is a remake of the first short film I ever made: 'Pizza Guy'. When I was 15, my high school friends and I made the original film in my dad's garage with an iPhone 6 and old Halloween decorations. I decided to screen the film at a party later that year, and to my complete surprise, my friends and parents loved it. And from that moment on, I have been working on honing my skills as a writer, director, costumer, props master, set designer, and even actor both independently and through my BFA degree here at the U of A. Before I was even accepted into the BFA program, I knew EXACTLY which film I would make as my thesis: Pizza Guy...Returns! With the script pulling thematic inspiration from actual life events that I have endured and through the extreme dedication and creativity of my team, I have been able to bring my dream to life," says writer/director Philip D. Summers.

Premiering at I Dream in Widescreen 2025! More info and tickets at idiw.tftv.arizona.edu.

$5 | May 10 at 7pm | Fox Tucson Theatre
Doors open at 6pm. Arrive early to ensure your seat!
... See MoreSee Less

6 days ago
IDIWS Sneak Peek: PIZZA GUY RETURNS by Philip D. Summers. A timid pizza delivery guy unknowingly interrupts a cult meeting and must fight for his survival as interdimensional chaos ensues. 

Pizza Guy Returns is a remake of the first short film I ever made: Pizza Guy. When I was 15, my high school friends and I made the original film in my dads garage with an iPhone 6 and old Halloween decorations. I decided to screen the film at a party later that year, and to my complete surprise, my friends and parents loved it. And from that moment on, I have been working on honing my skills as a writer, director, costumer, props master, set designer, and even actor both independently and through my BFA degree here at the U of A. Before I was even accepted into the BFA program, I knew EXACTLY which film I would make as my thesis: Pizza Guy...Returns! With the script pulling thematic inspiration from actual life events that I have endured and through the extreme dedication and creativity of my team, I have been able to bring my dream to life, says writer/director Philip D. Summers.

Premiering at I Dream in Widescreen 2025! More info and tickets at idiw.tftv.arizona.edu.

$5 | May 10 at 7pm | Fox Tucson Theatre
Doors open at 6pm. Arrive early to ensure your seat!Image attachment
View on Facebook
· Share
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
View Comments
  • likes 0
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0 CommentsComment on Facebook

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School Of Theatre, Film & Television

Theatre

P.O. BOX 210003
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Email: theatre@cfa.arizona.edu

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Please note: The Box Office observes limited hours or is closed during most university recognized holidays. If purchasing tickets in person, please call ahead to confirm hours.

Online: tickets.arizona.edu

Phone: (520) 621-3341


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College of Fine Arts

P.O. BOX 210004
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