The University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film & Television has paused recruiting for the BFA degree program in Acting/Musical Theatre and the BFA and MFA programs in Design Technology for 2023/2024 academic year and to not admit new students into those programs.
The school is undergoing a period of self-assessment regarding the future direction of the program.
“What is without question is that our programs are excellent and very highly regarded,” said Brant Pope, interim director for the school. “They feature exceptionally gifted faculty, highly talented actors, designers, and technicians, and are passionately supported by alumni, parents, and of course, our current students. We are all proud of their accomplishments. However, the financial and faculty resources to support these outstanding programs are very extensive.”
Pope was hired as the interim director of the School of Theatre, Film & Television last spring, after his retirement as chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance at the University of Texas in Austin. Over the course of his distinguished career, he previously led Theatre programs at Penn State, Florida State, and the University of Illinois, and he has been a leader in several national organizations.
His main directive was to evaluate our curriculum considering current and future trends in the marketplace and a need to most effectively allocate limited resources within the school and college while maximizing opportunities for student success.
“Brant is exceptionally well qualified and capable of very ably leading the school through this important phase in its development,” said Andy Schulz, vice president for the arts for the university and dean of the College of Fine Arts.
“The BFA in professional actor training will always be a fundamental part of our school,” said Pope. “There is no question that the foundational training our students receive is central to their career success. The question for the future is what the focus of that actor-training training should be. The same questions are relevant to the program of theatre design and technology.
“This is what the college and the TFTV faculty are assessing at this moment. The renovation of the Marroney Theatre will allow it to serve all students in the school, and when finished (Fall 2023), it will be a showcase for theatre, live events, and film screenings.”