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The Department of Theatre, Film and Video Production (TFVP)

The Department of Theatre, Film and Video Production (TFVP) combines coursework and skills-based training in the art and craft of performance, design, production development and direction, as well as in writing and directing. With a broad scope of educational experiences in theater, film and video production balanced with depth ofpractical training in their emphasis area, graduating students are well prepared for performing arts and production industry careers as practicing professionals today. Students are not only prepared to become prcticing professions, but they are also uniquely qualified to contribute to the changing dimensions of the industry of tomorrow.

Theatre, Film, and Video Production Classroom

All entering students beginning their studies are enrolled in an integrative course sequence designed to establish a collaborative educational context and create a foundation for advanced study that is informed by allied disciplines and an understanding of complementary areas of concentration.  This cross-disciplinary sequence is an experience in the varying techniques and modes of live and recorded drama, from conception to creation.  Topics are woven together in coursework to incorporate both theory and practice, and include studies in:

  • Performance
  • Dramatic and cinematic literature
  • Camera equipment and techniques
  • Production design
  • Costume design
  • Criticism and analysis
  • Collaborative creation
  • Scriptwriting
  • Playwriting
  • Directing
  • Staging

In addition, the College of Arts & Media and the Community College of Denver (CCA) have combined intellects and resources to create the Colorado Film School (CFS), the most extensive and dynamic film/video program in the Rocky Mountain region.  Students wishing to pursue careers in writing/directing for cinema, cinematography, and post-production are able to earn a Bachelor in Fine Arts in Theatre, Film, and Television from UCD while taking advantage of the Colorado Film School’s extensive, up-to-date inventory of film, video, sound, lighting, and digital editing equipment.

Located on the Lowry Campus, CFS offers two options for students, dependent upon their area of emphasis.  To learn more about these offerings, visit the Colorado Film School or contact a CAM advisor.

No matter what campus a student studies at, or what track they decide to endeavor down, each and every course provides students with the fundamental understanding of technical, creative, and storytelling issues, and endows them with the opportunity to focus and hone their craft, find their own expressive voice, and graduate with a portfolio of professional-quality accomplishments.

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Theatre, Film, and Video Production Faculty

TFVP faculty members are veterans of their field; most, if not all of them, began their theatrical and cinematographic endeavors in childhood.  Their experience and expertise is evident in their ardent educational methods—and in their numerous industry successes.

The faculty’s active participation in their field ensures that students receive both a traditional and a cutting-edge education.  To learn more about the Theatre, Film, and Television faculty, please select their name and you will be directed to their personal web pages, or visit the faculty home page.

Beyond the Classroom

Students are encouraged to persistently apply the knowledge they are gaining in the classroom, to survey the audio creations and projects around them, and to involve themselves in these extracurricular activities whenever possible.  Several opportunities for involvement exist right on the Auraria campus.

  • CU-Denver Live!: The program council is responsible for the booking, production, and promotion of events for the entire campus.  Students have the opportunity to sit on the board, work events, and/or assist with publicity and public relations.
  • Intership Opportunities: Students have interned at Denver's premier theatres, The Denver Center Theater Company and Curious Theatre Company.
  • Theatre Buffs Student Club: TheatreBuffs is a student-run production company that focuses on performances of their original works.

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Theatre, Film, and Video Production Facilities

The College of Arts & Media prides itself on its cutting-edge technology and pristine performance amenities.

  • King Academic & Performing Arts Center:  This complex is home to the 350-seat Eugenia Rawls Courtyard Theatre where seating can rotate into three different theatre configurations, and the variable-seat configuared UC Denver Studio Theatre. The King Center also houses a:
    • Costume Shop
    • Music and Dance Studio
    • Scene Shop
  • Colorado Film School at Lowry: With 20,000 square feet dedicated to the craft, CFS is brimming with Mac and Irix computer labs, four production studios with sets and black boxes, professional-grade production equipment, audio production and post-production equipment, and a sizable inventory of film and video cameras—all for student use and exploration.

Your Future Profession...www.collegeincolorado.org/career

  • Theatre Producer: Average salary in Colorado is $38,030 to $56,960/year
  • Technical Director/Manager: Average salary is $57,160 a year
  • Directors (Stage, Motion Pictures, Television, and Radio) Average salary is $57,160 a year
  • Set Designer: Average salary is $32,230 to $42,460/year
  • Actor: Average salary is $36,790 a year
  • Film Editor: Average salary is $36,630 to $57,720/year

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Theatre, Film, and Video Production Alumni

 The success of the Theatre, Film and Video Production program is confirmed by the success of its students. Graduates have worked or are working as Assistant and Chief Audio Engineers in radio, television, and film; as an Assistant Project Manager at Rebel Organization, a youth marketing agency and sister company to URB Magazine; and many are accomplished performers in rock, classical, folk, and pop music, as well as respected educators in the musical arts.

  • An alum's documentary film, Tapping Hidden Talents aired on the Denver PBS affiliate, KBDI-DTV
  • A 2006 film graduate short documentary, "Beers, Steers and Queers" was officially selected to play at the 28th annual Mill Valley Film Festival and the 28th annual Denver International Film Festival.
  • A 2006 film alumna is the co-founder of the Starz First Look Student Film Festival
  • Two recent Theatre graduates starred in a 2005 stage play adaptation of "Wait Until Dark" presented by the Evergreen Players

Theatre, Film, and Video Production Programs...

Bachelor of Arts in Theatre

Theatre, Film & Television (B.F.A.)

Two + Two Theatre, Film & Television B.F.A.

Please see the UCD Catalog or a CAM advisor for more information.