Translating vision into words and action – Writing/Directing emphases (BFA)

The first year’s foundation courses combine a deep knowledge of theatre/film history, dramatic literature, production, costuming, and set design with an introduction to scriptwriting, camera techniques, filming, and editing. From this solid base, writing/directing students branch out into the realms of film/video and television.

Students proceed through their courses with an artist cohort and develop cross-discipline explorations whereby filmmakers experience the benefits of working with actors, directors, and designers as well as faculty experienced in the world of film and television. Students learn how to tell intriguing stories and how to augment and strengthen their story by incorporating aspects of performance, design, and filming/editing techniques.

Students develop skills enabling them to work in a variety of venues including theater, film/video, and television (episodic television and commercials, for example).

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.

Education for Future Professionals

Students complete the 22 credits of Theatre, Film, and Television foundation courses and then select an emphasis and complete all 51 listed credits within that emphasis area. Foundation courses include: Production/Post Production, Scriptwriting, Performance Visualization, Scenery Lab, Costume Lab, Camera Equipment Lab, and Technology and Acting Lab. All major courses must be completed with a C (2.0) or better.

You won’t have to go far to gain valuable experience in your field. Budding theatre students have their own Theatre Buffs Club. TheatreBuffs provides self-directed theatrical opportunities to the students of the Auraria Campus.

To learn more about the opportunities awaiting you in the Theatre, Film and Video Production program, please contact a College of Arts & Media advisor.

Educating and Encouraging

The Theatre, Film and Video Production faculty is comprised of artists who understand the importance of art applications both inside and outside of the classroom. For this reason, your instructors strive to be the bridge between you and the professional world. With the encouragement and efforts of faculty, students are able to involve themselves with the Denver Performing Arts Center, Denver Center Theatre Company, and various smaller theatre and film companies across the Front Fange.

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

To learn more about the admissions process or to answer any questions you might have, please contact the College of Arts & Media’s Advising Office.