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

The Department of Theatre, Film and Video Production prepares students for advanced degree programs in graduate schools as well as careers in theatre and/or film, television and video, within the context of a strategically designed liberal arts education. The department offers courses in the disciplines of Theatre (THTR) and Film/Video (FILM) through an innovative curriculum built on a shared foundation of integrative courses as well as specialized advanced courses.

Students also have the opportunity to work directly with faculty, guest artists, and fellow students in the creation of live and recorded performance works through participation in the department's production program of plays, films, television, and video projects, and through co-requisite laboratory experiences. Denver area theatre productions, artist residencies, film screenings, lectures, concerts, exhibits and other cultural resources of the metropolitan are regularly utilized throughout each student's course of study.

Students wishing to earn degrees in Theatre, Film and Television from the University of Colorado Denver may choose from two four-year program options. All students are initially entered into the BA program upon acceptance from the University.

(BA) Bachelor of Arts in Theatre, Film and Television

The BA is designed for students who are interested in multiple aspects of Theatre, Film and Television, as well as, for students who are transferring with advanced standing. The BA degree has an integrated sequence of courses in both theatre and film. After completion of the Foundation Sequence, students choose from either a wide range of electives or a concentration of courses in one area, to complete their BA degree. Sample advising sheet with Core Courses and Electives located in FORMS section of this manual.

(BFA) Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre, Film and Television

For a limited number of students with exceptional abilities:
 The department offers a rigorous and structured BFA program. The BFA program goal is to provide training at a professional skill level while implementing the overall departmental goals. This intensive program will prepare students to begin their careers with entry level positions in their areas of study, or start their personal creative work, or continue their studies in a graduate program. Majors will take a series of courses in the Foundation Sequence. Upon successful completion of the foundation courses and a demonstration of competence and potential through the interview/audition process in their desired area of focus, the majors would specialize with more intensive course work and production activities in the BFA Program. Intensive tracts would include writing, directing, design, performance, cinematography, Producing/Management and post production. This intensive work will culminate in a comprehensive review which will require the successful completion of a portfolio and or thesis project for a degree. Prospective students are urged to review the Departmental Policies and Expectations portion of this document, to better understand the demands, conditions and requirements of the BFA program. Sample advising sheet with Core Courses and Electives located in FORMS section of Student Handbook.

Admission Procedures and Incoming Assessment Criteria for BFA:
For specific requirements for Admission to the programs please view our newly adopted Theatre Department Handbook section III. Department Policies This is the current procedure for admittance into the BFA program.

THEATRE MINOR: For students with other majors, the UC Denver TFVP department offers a minor in Theater. For specific information about the classes and program, please consult the University catalogue or contact the Department Chair 303-556-6352.

TFVP Major Requirements & Degree Plans (BA & BFA)

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.
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.

To Prospective Students (freshmen & transfer): 

While the Department of Theatre, Film & Video Production currently accepts applications for the Spring and Summer semesters, students are strongly encouraged to apply for a Fall semester start.  This is due to the fact that the majority of the first-semester courses are offered in Fall semesters only.  The Department of Theatre, Film & Video Production majors are highly sequenced and pre-requisites are strictly enforced.  Students who begin in the Spring and Summer semesters may find that their required courses are not offered until the Fall semester. 

PRIORITY APPLICATION DEADLINES for Summer 2009, Fall 2009, Spring 2010, and Summer 2010

  • Fall applicants are encouraged to apply by March 1 (Fall registration opens in early April). 
  • Spring applicants are encouraged to apply by October 1 (Spring registration opens in mid-November). 
  • Summer applicants are encouraged to apply by February 1 (Summer registration opens mid-March).

Beginning Fall 2010, the Department of Theatre, Film & Video Production will accept Fall applications only.  The deadline to apply for the Fall 2010 semester will be April 1, 2010; however, students are encouraged to submit applications by February 15, 2010.

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

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.

  • UC 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

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

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