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Home › News & Events › News › Roxanna Denise Stevens Ibarra (’20) hired by George Lucas Foundation

Roxanna Denise Stevens Ibarra (’20) hired by George Lucas Foundation

August 19, 2022

TUCSON, Ariz. – Following a national search, University of Arizona film alumna Roxanna Denise Stevens Ibarra (BFA ’20) was selected as the inaugural Video Production Fellow at Edutopia, the educational foundation established by legendary filmmaker George Lucas.

Stevens Ibarra is just one of several School of Theatre, Film & Television (TFTV) film alumni recently earning industry recognition.

Treasures Beneath My Tree, the breakout senior thesis film of Alexandra Cerna (’21), screened at this year’s Comic-Con International. After numerous festival screenings in the U.S., the film will make its European debut at prominent Latinx and youth film festivals in Switzerland and France. Cerna was recently hired to join the office of Senator Mark Kelly as Creative Manager.

Martin Olloren’s TWIXXX, which took the top prize at TFTV’s 2022 senior film showcase I Dream in Widescreen, won the “Best Performances” award at the recent LGBTQ+ Toronto Film Festival.

“These achievements are a testament to the outstanding filmmaking talents of Roxanna, Alexandra and Martin, and to the mentorship they received from our dedicated faculty and staff,” said Brant Pope, TFTV’s interim director. “Emerging from these early career wins, I cannot wait to see what they do next.”

Roxanna Denise Stevens Ibarra

The paid position at Edutopia offers Stevens Ibarra mentorship on all aspects of production.

“Roxanna’s combination of expertise in video production together with experience in K-12 education made her stand out,” said Melissa Thompson, Senior Video Editor/Producer at Edutopia. “During her fellowship, Roxanna will get to try out all the things that go into an Edutopia video – from pitching and pre-production, through production, post, and publishing.”

Stevens Ibarra recently travelled to Skywalker Ranch, home to Lucasfilm’s celebrated sound design, mixing and audio post-production facility Skywalker Sound, to take part in a retreat with her Edutopia teammates.

“This fellowship has been more rewarding than I could have imagined,” Stevens Ibarra said. “Meeting the team at Skywalker Ranch has allowed me to see the impact of our videography work on everyday classrooms. I’m deeply grateful for this opportunity to be part of a foundation that is dedicated to transforming K-12 education.”

Alexandra Cerna

Alexandra Cerna’s senior thesis film Treasures Beneath My Tree combines stop motion with live action in a fantastical tribute to the patches of nature Cerna knew as a child – both the lone tree in her front yard in the Arizonan desert and the lush green Mexican pueblo of her father’s family.

Following its world premiere at “I Dream in Widescreen,” the short was selected by nearly a dozen film festivals including the Chicago International Children’s Film Festival, Children’s Film Festival Seattle, the Los Angeles International Children’s Film Festival, BAMKids Film Festival in Brooklyn, and the San Diego International Children’s Film Festival, which took place at Comic-Con International. The film earned “Best of the Fest” at the Children’s Film Festival Seattle and is now part of the Festival’s traveling film series.

Cerna’s film will make its European debut at Festival FILMAR en América Latina, Switzerland’s premier festival dedicated to Latin American cinema, and Festival Ciné Junior, the largest youth film festival in France.

“I am so grateful for the success of my film nationally and internationally, and it would not be possible without TFTV’s Advancement Director Kerryn Negus,” said Cerna. “She developed a film festival entry strategy tailored specifically for my film and has been mentoring me for months.”

Martin Olloren

Martin Olloren (’22) makes films dedicated to marginalized people including immigrants, LGBTQ+, and the houseless. TWIXXX stars Phoenix-based drag performer and activist Twix alongside TFTV Associate Professor and actor David Morden in a story that charts the encounter between a struggling drag queen and a persistent houseless man.

“The feedback I’ve received from the LGBTQ+ Toronto Film Festival has been amazing,” says Olloren, who was recently hired by the streaming service Tubi. “I’m so honored to receive this award for “Best Performances” on behalf of Twix, David and the rest of the cast. It’s gratifying to see that the message you wanted to convey with your art is being acknowledged by the audience.”

About the School of Theatre, Film & Television
The School of Theatre, Film & Television is a member of the Arizona Arts division at the University of Arizona. The school nurtures and develops artists and scholars via rigorous training and mentoring by dedicated faculty. Students have access to high-level internship, industry resources, and hands-on production experience. TFTV offers training programs to prepare students to succeed in a wide range of careers – in the industry, the arts, and higher education. Each year students can showcase their talents and tell compelling stories through plays, musicals, screenings and more. TFTV regularly ranks in The Wrap’s “Top 50 Film Schools,” Onstage’s “Top 30 College Musical Theatre Programs” and “Top 30 College Theatre Design & Tech Programs.”

Contact

Kerryn Negus
Director, Advancement and External Relations
School of Theatre, Film & Television
knegus@arizona.edu

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CASTING CALL: Does your dog want to be a star?

We are searching for a small-medium sized well-trained dog to play Bruiser Woods in our upcoming production of LEGALLY BLONDE.

The show dates will be October 2-16 with rehearsals beginning in September (more details to follow).

If interested please contact Christie Kerr (Director) for more information: ckerr1@arizona.edu or 520-621-1324.
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6 months ago
CASTING CALL: Does your dog want to be a star?

We are searching for a small-medium sized well-trained dog to play Bruiser Woods in our upcoming production of LEGALLY BLONDE.

The show dates will be October 2-16 with rehearsals beginning in September (more details to follow).

If interested please contact Christie Kerr (Director) for more information: ckerr1@arizona.edu or 520-621-1324.
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Margie Perry!

Lisa

This weekend TREASURES BENEATH MY TREE, the senior thesis film directed by TFTV alum Alexandra Cerna ('21), screened at Comic-Con International as part of the 18th annual San Diego Children’s Film Festival. Alexandra travelled to the world-famous convention to take part in a festival panel - watch an excerpt below!

TREASURES BENEATH MY TREE has now been officially selected by nearly a dozen film festivals. Additionally, on being awarded “Best of the Fest” at the Children's Film Festival Seattle, Cerna’s film is part of the Festival’s traveling film series currently screening in cinemas around the country. Next, the film will make its European debut at Festival FILMAR en América Latina, Switzerland’s premiere festival dedicated to Latin American cinema, and Festival Ciné Junior, the biggest youth film festival in France with an annual audience of 45,000.

“I am so grateful for the success of my film nationally and internationally, and it would not be possible without TFTV's Advancement Director Kerryn Negus.” says Cerna. “She developed a film festival entry strategy tailored specifically for my film and has been mentoring me for months, encouraging me to set high standards when it comes to marketing myself and my work. I am very proud of everyone involved with 'Treasures Beneath My Tree,' and excited for its upcoming European premiere in November!"
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6 months ago
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✨ 2022/23 Theatre Season Announcement ✨

The University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film & Television is excited to announce our 2022/23 theatre season. A mythologically inspired play, two award-winning musicals, a world-premiere production of visual theatre, and the ultimate love story all feature in the 2022/23 theatre season. Starting October 2022, we invite you to join us on campus to be among the first to discover the next generation of outstanding theatre makers.

Hailed by Broadway World as “a stellar program to rival some of the nation’s most reputable institutions,” the UA Arizona Repertory Theatre, led by Artistic Director Hank Stratton and comprising students in the University of Arizona: Acting/Musical Theatre, presents LEGALLY BLONDE, POLAROID STORIES, HEAD OVER HEELS and ROMEO & JULIET. The Next Performance Collective, a program of the School’s BA Theatre Studies division, will present the balance of the season with two original productions: VAUD and the second annual NEW DIRECTIONS FESTIVAL. All productions are supported by students in the UA School of Theatre, Film, and Television Design & Technical Production program.

“I am excited to welcome audiences to campus for a season that blends exciting new devised work with beloved classics of love and longing, contemporary stories of resilience and triumph, and buoyant musicals that will inspire joy at a time when our community needs it the most,” said Dr. Brant Pope, the School’s new Interim Director.

Subscription packages for TFTV’s new theatre season are now on sale in-person at the Arizona Arts Box Office, and by mail, phone, or online. Individual tickets will be available from August 23.

Get your subscription here: am.ticketmaster.com/uacfa/buy
... See MoreSee Less

7 months ago
✨ 2022/23 Theatre Season Announcement ✨

The University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film & Television is excited to announce our 2022/23 theatre season. A mythologically inspired play, two award-winning musicals, a world-premiere production of visual theatre, and the ultimate love story all feature in the 2022/23 theatre season. Starting October 2022, we invite you to join us on campus to be among the first to discover the next generation of outstanding theatre makers.

Hailed by Broadway World as “a stellar program to rival some of the nation’s most reputable institutions,” the UA Arizona Repertory Theatre, led by Artistic Director Hank Stratton and comprising students in the University of Arizona: Acting/Musical Theatre, presents LEGALLY BLONDE, POLAROID STORIES, HEAD OVER HEELS and ROMEO & JULIET. The Next Performance Collective, a program of the School’s BA Theatre Studies division, will present the balance of the season with two original productions: VAUD and the second annual NEW DIRECTIONS FESTIVAL. All productions are supported by students in the UA School of Theatre, Film, and Television Design & Technical Production program.

“I am excited to welcome audiences to campus for a season that blends exciting new devised work with beloved classics of love and longing, contemporary stories of resilience and triumph, and buoyant musicals that will inspire joy at a time when our community needs it the most,” said Dr. Brant Pope, the School’s new Interim Director.

Subscription packages for TFTV’s new theatre season are now on sale in-person at the Arizona Arts Box Office, and by mail, phone, or online. Individual tickets will be available from August 23.

Get your subscription here: https://am.ticketmaster.com/uacfa/buyImage attachmentImage attachment+4Image attachment
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Here's Assistant Professor of Practice Darnell T. Roulhac in his "The Room Where it Happens: Guide to Auditioning Successfully" workshop at the International Thespian Festival 2022!

"The Room Where it Happens" is a masterclass-style workshop to better prepare young singers as they are auditioning for schools and shows. Participants get tips on how to pick impactful songs as well as how to get the attention of the panel one's performing for. They will also discuss 32-bar cuts and what else one should have prepared.

Hosted at Indiana University, the festival is a celebration of school theatre and gathers thespians from around the globe for performances, workshops, and college auditions!
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8 months ago
Heres Assistant Professor of Practice Darnell T. Roulhac in his The Room Where it Happens: Guide to Auditioning Successfully workshop at the International Thespian Festival 2022!

The Room Where it Happens is a masterclass-style workshop to better prepare young singers as they are auditioning for schools and shows. Participants get tips on how to pick impactful songs as well as how to get the attention of the panel ones performing for. They will also discuss 32-bar cuts and what else one should have prepared.

Hosted at Indiana University, the festival is a celebration of school theatre and gathers thespians from around the globe for performances, workshops, and college auditions!
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Three of our University of Arizona: Acting/Musical Theatre faculty members are spending the week in Indiana at the International Thespian Festival 2022! The University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film & Television is one of the participating colleges and faculty members Christie Kerr, Darnell T Roulhac, and Hank Stratton are in attendance.

Hosted at Indiana University, the festival is a celebration of school theatre and gathers thespians from around the globe for performances, workshops, and college auditions! This year over 5,000 students are attending the festival, and our faculty members are there promoting all the TFTV degree offerings. Our faculty members are also participating in two different workshops at the festival, including 'In the Room Where it Happens: Guide to Auditioning Successfully,' and 'Defying Gravity: Belting 101.'

They are currently located at Booth 46 if you are attending and want to chat with any of them! Thank you for your amazing recruitment work Christie, Darnell, and Hank, Bear Down!
... See MoreSee Less

8 months ago
Three of our University of Arizona: Acting/Musical Theatre faculty members are spending the week in Indiana at the International Thespian Festival 2022! The University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film & Television is one of the participating colleges and faculty members Christie Kerr, Darnell T Roulhac, and Hank Stratton are in attendance.

Hosted at Indiana University, the festival is a celebration of school theatre and gathers thespians from around the globe for performances, workshops, and college auditions! This year over 5,000 students are attending the festival, and our faculty members are there promoting all the TFTV degree offerings. Our faculty members are also participating in two different workshops at the festival, including In the Room Where it Happens: Guide to Auditioning Successfully, and Defying Gravity: Belting 101.

They are currently located at Booth 46 if you are attending and want to chat with any of them! Thank you for your amazing recruitment work Christie, Darnell, and Hank, Bear Down!
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Welcome Wildcats!

On Saturday night Zach Lovvorn (BFA Film & Television ’20) walked the red carpet as a nominee at the Next Generation Indie Film Awards in Los Angeles. It’s the latest achievement for Zach and his senior thesis short IRIS, which is set in a world where everyone owns - or is owned by - a companion in the form of a sentient human eyeball. “I’m very grateful to the Next Generation Indie Film Awards for including IRIS in this year’s lineup for Best Sci-Fi Short Film!” said Zach. “It’s been a long, and often unforgiving last couple of years, so having IRIS be recognized was such a great feeling. It was an amazing opportunity and a night I’ll never forget!”

IRIS, written and directed by Zach Lovvorn and produced by Antonia Maher (BFA Film & Television ’21) and Lana Moltrop, with eyeball voiced by Alex Simpson (BFA Acting '23) has also been an official selection at the Brooklyn SciFi Film Festival in New York, the Phoenix Film Festival in Arizona, and Phoenix Shorts in Ottawa Canada, where it won Best SciFi/Fantasy Short. Last week the film was part of a special screening presented by the Bristol Science Film Festival in the UK, where it was included in a lineup of science fact or fiction films with a data science and AI theme shortlisted for the Jean Golding Institute prize.

Congratulations Zach!
... See MoreSee Less

8 months ago
On Saturday night Zach Lovvorn (BFA Film & Television ’20) walked the red carpet as a nominee at the Next Generation Indie Film Awards in Los Angeles. It’s the latest achievement for Zach and his senior thesis short IRIS, which is set in a world where everyone owns - or is owned by - a companion in the form of a sentient human eyeball. “I’m very grateful to the Next Generation Indie Film Awards for including IRIS in this year’s lineup for Best Sci-Fi Short Film!” said Zach. “It’s been a long, and often unforgiving last couple of years, so having IRIS be recognized was such a great feeling. It was an amazing opportunity and a night I’ll never forget!”  
 
IRIS, written and directed by Zach Lovvorn and produced by Antonia Maher (BFA Film & Television ’21) and Lana Moltrop, with eyeball voiced by Alex Simpson (BFA Acting 23) has also been an official selection at the Brooklyn SciFi Film Festival in New York, the Phoenix Film Festival in Arizona, and Phoenix Shorts in Ottawa Canada, where it won Best SciFi/Fantasy Short. Last week the film was part of a special screening presented by the Bristol Science Film Festival in the UK, where it was included in a lineup of science fact or fiction films with a data science and AI theme shortlisted for the Jean Golding Institute prize.
 
Congratulations Zach!
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School Of Theatre, Film & Television

Theatre

P.O. BOX 210003
1025 N Olive Rd.
Drama Bldg, Rm 239
Tucson, AZ 85721-0003

Email: theatre@cfa.arizona.edu

Phone: (520) 621-7008

Fax: (520) 621-2412

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Tucson, AZ 85721-0158b

Email: ftvinfo@cfa.arizona.edu

Phone: (520) 621-7352

Fax: (520) 621-9662


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P.O. BOX 210004
1017 N Olive Rd.
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Tucson, AZ 85721-0004

Email: finearts@cfa.arizona.edu

Phone: (520) 621-1302

Fax: (520) 621-1307