MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR

 

On behalf of the faculty, staff, and students, I would like to welcome you to the School of Theatre, Television, and Film at San Diego State University. Since its creation in 2002, the School has dedicated itself to the cross-disciplinary education of our students. In a world where traditional boundaries are often blurred and new forms of entertainment seem to emerge on a daily basis, we feel it is our responsibility to prepare our students for success no matter what career path they might choose. To that end, we have created a curriculum that builds on the shared body of knowledge and historical traditions that link theatre, film, and television. From that strong interdisciplinary foundation, students then select courses focused on the creative, technical, and analytical skills necessary for their specific area of study.  Since practical application is so important to our programs, theoretical discussions are balanced by hands-on experiences. Our active production and performance programs are the living laboratories of our curriculum and all students are required to participate in these valuable experiences. Such events enrich not only our students’ education but also the cultural life of the campus and the greater San Diego region. 

We are fortunate to have a talented and dedicated faculty and staff who bring years of professional experience to our classrooms, studios and laboratories. They are committed to the quality of our programs and work as a team to provide the best educational experience for our students. Special events, guest artists, and internship programs augment our rich and diverse curriculum. Students are encouraged to enrich their training through community outreach, international exchanges, and professional employment opportunities. We pride ourselves on the personal attention our students receive both in and outside the classroom.  Advanced and graduate courses are kept small to foster an atmosphere for discussion, debate and exploration. Unlike more traditional academic disciplines, the faculty, staff and students in TTF spend many hours in the evenings and on weekends working and learning together in our laboratories and studios, on film locations, or in rehearsals for our plays and musicals. These personal experiences create strong bonds that last far beyond the student’s years at SDSU.

We often refer to ourselves as an “extended family.” We applaud the achievements of our members and encourage those who may be struggling. We are there for a pat on the back, a kick in the backside, or a shoulder for support. We are sad when we must say goodbye but eagerly welcome the next generation. Most of all, we value our time together and are proud of the lifelong bonds that enrich our lives.

I invite you to explore our Web Site and find out more about our diverse curriculum, our talented faculty and staff, and our hard-working, dedicated students. Hopefully, you will be encouraged to attend our performances and screenings, participate in our classes, and support the creative work of our students.
                                                                                                               
Nick Reid, Director
School of Theatre, Television, and Film