2021/2022 University Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Television, Film, and New Media
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OFFICE: Dramatic Arts 201
TELEPHONE: 619-594-5091 / FAX: 619-594-7431
WEBSITE: http://ttf.sdsu.edu
Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre.
Director: ‘Niyi Coker, Jr., Professor of Theatre, Television, and Film (B.A., University of Ife, Nigeria; M.F.A., Brooklyn College; Ph.D., Temple University)
Undergraduate Advisers:
Stuart W. Voytilla, Lecturer (B.A. University of the Pacific; M.F.A. National University)
L. Katie Turner, Lecturer (B.A. Fort Lewis College; M.A. California State University, Northridge; Ph.D, University of California at Irvine)
Graduate Advisers:
Anne E. McMills, Associate Professor of Theatre, Television, and Film (B.F.A. Millikin University; M.F.A. Mason Gross School of Arts, Rutgers University)
Robert S. Meffe, Professor of Theatre, Television, and Film (B.A., University of Notre Dame; M.M., University of Cincinnati)
David A. Morong, Professor of Theatre, Television, and Film (B.A., State University of New York at Albany; M.F.A., New York University)
Michelle Orr, Associate Professor of Theatre, Television, and Film (B.S., Northwestern University; M.F.A., Ph.D., University of California, San Diego)
The Don W. Powell Chair in Scene Design: Ralph Funicello, Lecturer (B.F.A., New York University)
Tenured and Tenure Track Faculty:
Denitsa D. Bliznakova, Professor of Theatre, Television, and Film; Head of Costume Design and Technology; Co-Head of Design and Technology (B.F.A., Parsons School of Design, Paris, France; M.F.A., Brandeis University, Boston)
‘Niyi Coker, Jr., Professor of Theatre, Television, and Film; Director of the School of Theatre, Television, and Film (B.A., University of Ife, Nigeria; M.F.A., Brooklyn College; Ph.D., Temple University)
Donald J. Hopkins, Professor of Theatre, Television, and Film (B.A., The Pennsylvania State University; M.F.A., University of California, San Diego; Ph.D., University of California, Irvine and University of California, San Diego)
Martha M. Lauzen, Professor of Theatre, Television, and Film (B.A., M.A., University of Iowa; Ph.D., University of Maryland)
Robert S. Meffe, Professor of Theatre, Television, and Film; Head of Musical Theatre (B.A., University of Notre Dame; M.M., University of Cincinnati)
David A. Morong, Professor of Theatre, Television, and Film (B.A., State University of New York at Albany; M.F.A., New York University)
Timothy A. Powell, Professor of Theatre, Television, and Film; Head of Television, Film, and New Media (B.A., M.A., Loyola Marymount University; Ph.D., Capella University)
Randy S. Reinholz, Professor of Theatre, Television, and Film (B.A., William Jewell College; M.F.A., Cornell University)
Adrian D. Alita, Associate Professor of Theatre, Television, and Film; Head of Acting (B.A., San Diego State University; M.F.A., University of California, Irvine)
Danielle J. Bedau, Associate Professor of Theatre, Television, and Film; Head of Youth Theatre (B.F.A., California Institute of the Arts; M.F.A., University of California, Irvine)
Stephen M. Brotebeck, Associate Professor of Theatre, Television, and Film (B.F.A. Western Michigan University; M.F.A., The Pennsylvania State University)
Peter J. Cirino, Associate Professor of Theatre, Television, and Film; Head of Performance (B.F.A., Southwest Texas State University; M.F.A., University of California, San Diego)
Charles Murdock Lucas, Associate Professor of Theatre, Television, and Film; Head of Scenic Design; Head of Projection and Integrated Media Design; Co-Head of Design and Technology (B.S., Furman University; M.F.A., University of North Carolina)
Anne E. McMills, Associate Professor of Theatre, Television, and Film; Head of Lighting Design (B.F.A. Millikin University; M.F.A. Mason Gross School of Arts, Rutgers University)
Michelle Orr, Associate Professor of Theatre, Television, and Film (B.S., Northwestern University; M.F.A., Ph.D., University of California, San Diego)
Brian Hu, Assistant Professor of Theatre, Television, and Film (B.A., M.A., Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley)
Jesca Prudencio, Assistant Professor of Theatre, Television, and Film; Head of Directing (B.F.A., New York University; M.F.A., University of California, San Diego)
Christopher Warren, Assistant Professor of Music and Theatre, Television, and Film (B.A., Brandeis University; M.A., Stanford University; Ph.D., University of California, San Diego)
Lecturers:
Alexander Farnsley, M.A
Ralph Funicello, B.F.A., Don W. Powell Chair in Scene Design
Robert A. Jordan, M.A.
Brian J. McVicker, M.F.A.
Sharon R. Oppenheimer, D. Art Ph.D.
Gregory M. Penetrante, B.S.
Jerome J. Sheehan, Stage Management
Sam Shpigelman, M.F.A.
L. Katie Turner, Ph.D., Undergraduate Adviser
Richard A. Underwood, M.F.A.
Stuart W. Voytilla, M.F.A., Head of Undergraduate Advising
Emeritus Faculty:
Bonnie M. Anderson, Ph.D., 1988-2011, Assistant Dean, Undergraduate Studies; Lecturer in Theatre, Television, and Film
Alicia M. Annas, M.F.A., 1970-2000, Professor of Theatre
Carroll Parrott Blue, M.F.A., 1984-2004, Professor of Theatre, Television, and Film
Gregory C. Durbin, M.F.A., 1989-2019, Professor of Theatre, Television, and Film
Mark W. Freeman, M.F.A., 2000-2020, Professor of Theatre, Television, and Film
Michael L. Harvey, Ph.D., 1969-2001, Professor of Theatre
Anne-Charlotte Harvey, Ph.D., 1984-2003, Professor of Theatre
Elizabeth J. Heighton, M.S., 1966-1992, Professor of Telecommunications and Film
Sybil E. Jones, M.A., 1925-1946, Director of Dramatics
Paula Kalustian, M.F.A., 1989-2015, Professor of Theatre, Television, and Film
Carolyn C.J. Keith, M.A., 1994-2018, Lecturer in Theatre, Television, and Film
Margaret C. Larlham, M.A., 1989-2014, except 1992, Professor of Theatre, Television, and Film
Peter F. Larlham, Ph.D., 1987-2012, Professor of Theatre, Television, and Film
Roy P. Madsen, Ph.D., 1966-1991, Professor of Telecommunications and Film
Donald R. Martin, Ph.D., 1969-2004, Associate Dean, College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts; Associate Professor of Communication
Margaret McKerrow, Ph.D., 1971-2003, Professor of Theatre, Television, and Film
Thomas C. Meador, M.A., 1966-2001, Associate Professor of Communication
Terry L. O’Donnell, D.M.A., 1975-2008, Professor of Music and Theatre, Television, and Film
Jack Ofield, M.A., 1988-2009, Professor of Theatre, Television, and Film
Michael R. Real, Ph.D., 1980-2000, Professor of Communication
Nick W. Reid, M.F.A., M.A., 1983-2007, Professor of Theatre, Television, and Film
Beeb Salzer, M.F.A., 1982-2008, Professor of Theatre, Television, and Film
Loren P. Schreiber, M.F.A., 1994-2015, Professor of Theatre, Television, and Film
Rick A. Simas, Ph.D., 1992-2014, Lecturer in Theatre, Television, and Film
R. Craig Wolf, M.F.A., 1987-2010, Professor of Theatre, Television, and Film
Filmmaker in Residence
The position of Filmmaker in Residence is unique in the CSU system. It was established to provide a professional link between the Television and Film program and the media industry in a rapidly evolving technological environment.
Distinguished Visiting Artists
Through the generosity of the College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts, the School of Theatre, Television, and Film is fortunate to have distinguished theatre and film artists spend time with students and faculty each year. These guests generously share their insights and are examples for our students of the highest professional achievements. Artists and guests have included Edward Albee, Darla K. Anderson, Brad Buckner, Russell Carpenter, Kristin Chenoweth, Destin Daniel Cretton, Justin Halpern, Morgan Hay, Quiara Alegría Hudes, Kenny Leon, David McKenna, Ryan Scott Oliver, Joshua Oppenheimer, Suzan-Lori Parks, Marion Ross, Duncan Sheik, J. Michael Straczynski, and B.D. Wong; with support from film producer Kathleen Kennedy and other alumni and benefactors.
General Information
The School of Theatre, Television, and Film provides high quality education for undergraduate and graduate students that emphasizes excellence in the arts and technology, grounded in conceptual and historical foundations. Our students collaborate with faculty to develop and realize their creative potential as artists, global citizens, leaders, and scholars. We practice diversity, equity, and inclusion and support pluralism through theoretical explorations and practical experience in theatre, television, and film. Our pedagogical approach leads students from critical analysis through problem solving into practical action and the realization of art, scholarship, and transformational educational experiences.
Impacted Programs
All programs in the School of Theatre, Television, and Film are impacted. To be admitted to the selected program, refer to the program description for specific impacted criteria.
Major Academic Plans (MAPs)
Visit http://www.sdsu.edu/mymap for the recommended courses needed to fulfill your major requirements. The MAPs website was created to help students navigate the course requirements for their majors and to identify which General Education course will also fulfill a major preparation course requirement.
Graduate Information
Associateships and Assistantships
Graduate teaching associateships and graduate assistantships are available to a limited number of qualified students. Application forms and further information may be obtained from the school.
General Information
The School of Theatre, Television, and Film offers graduate study leading to the Master of Fine Arts in film and television production. This degree prepares students for careers in creative areas of media design and production.
Master of Fine Arts Degree in Film and Television Production
The School of Theatre, Television, and Film, in the College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts, offers graduate study leading to the Master of Fine Arts degree in film and television production. This degree stresses hands-on creative endeavors. It is especially useful for those pursuing careers in film, television, radio, or related production activities where a sophisticated and disciplined ability to conceive, initiate, and complete original media is required. Graduates of this program gain the essential education, technical training, and creative experience necessary for professional careers and/or teaching. The degree offers advanced study in the history and criticism of broadcasting and film; scriptwriting; financing, preproduction, and postproduction; advanced audio, video, and film production; production design and art direction; international cinema; and development of production expertise in a wide range of emerging communication technologies. The Master of Fine Arts degree in film and television production emphasizes advanced media design and production. Admission to this degree program requires undergraduate preparation, documented through submission of a portfolio reel of previous creative activity or other evidence of relevant creative activity. Postbaccalaureate students who are without previous media production education or experience and who wish to learn television and film production should consider pursuing a second bachelor’s degree in media production or completing basic production courses elsewhere before enrolling in graduate study at San Diego State University.
Teaching facilities in the School of Theatre, Television, and Film include a large state-of-the-art television studio, digital editing suites, Foley room, animation suite, scene shop and an equipment checkout center stocked with film and digital cameras and recording equipment, lighting, and grip equipment. Major public broadcasting stations, KPBS-TV and KPBS-FM, are located on campus and offer internship opportunities. The university operates a campuswide, closed-circuit, instructional television service and Multimedia Center, and is also home to the International Center for Communications and a student-operated radio station. San Diego offers abundant internship opportunities in production companies and television and radio stations, such as the leading cable carrier, Cox Communications.
Admission to Graduate Study
Students will be admitted for the fall semester only. Application packages must be received and complete by the previous March 1.
In addition to meeting the general requirements for admission to the university with classified graduate standing, as outlined in Admission and Registration , students applying for admission to the Master of Fine Arts degree in film and television production are evaluated according to the following criteria:
- Undergraduate major or minor in television, film, or a related communication discipline. Those lacking adequate undergraduate preparation or equivalent professional experience for the program should consider enrolling in media courses at community colleges or in intensive craft training programs before applying to the program.
- Minimum grade point average of 3.0 (when A equals 4.0) in the last 60 semester (90 quarter) units attempted (this calculation may not include lower division courses taken after award of a baccalaureate degree).
- The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required of all applicants; however, in some cases it may be waived. The waiver may be granted for an applicant who, at the time of application, (a) earned a bachelor’s degree at a U.S. institution with a final GPA of at least 3.0, or (b) has a bachelor’s degree in progress at a U.S. institution and current GPA is at least 3.25. Applicants who meet either criteria will be granted the waiver when an official transcript has been provided and reviewed by the department and Graduate Admissions. International applicants and students below the target GPA must take the GRE. Applicants taking the GRE must post a verbal score of 450 or higher; a quantitative score of 450 or higher; a combined verbal and quantitative score of 950 or higher; and a GRE writing assessment (GRE-W) of level 4 or higher. For applicants deficient in the GRE quantitative, a score of 450 or higher on the GRE analytic may be substituted.
- All graduate and post-baccalaureate applicants, regardless of citizenship, whose native language is not English and whose preparatory education was principally in a language other than English must demonstrate competence in English. Those applicants who do not possess a bachelor’s degree from a postsecondary institution where English is the principal language of instruction must submit official TOEFL or IELTS results. The minimum TOEFL required score for admission is 80 for the iBT test or 550 for the PBT test. The minimum required IELTS score for admission is 6.5. Please note scores must be recent; within the past two years.
- Students who have received a M.A. degree in film, television and new media production from SDSU within the past six years may apply for this degree and transfer up to 24 credits from the M.A. degree toward this M.F.A. Applicants holding a M.A. or pursuing a M.F.A. from an acceptable accredited institution may transfer up to 18 units upon review and recommendation by the graduate adviser and with approval of the dean of the College of Graduate Studies.
Students applying for admission should electronically submit the university application available at http://www.calstate.edu/apply along with the application fee.
All applicants must submit admissions materials separately to SDSU Graduate Admissions and to the School of Theatre, Television, and Film.
Graduate Admissions
The following materials should be submitted together directly to:
Graduate Admissions
Enrollment Services
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA 92182-7416
- Official transcripts (in sealed envelopes) from all postsecondary institutions attended;
- Students who attended SDSU need only submit transcripts for work completed since last attendance.
- Students with international coursework must submit both the official transcript and proof of degree. If documents are in a language other than English, they must be accompanied by a certified English translation.
- GRE scores (http://www.ets.org SDSU institution code 4682);
- English language score, if medium of instruction was in a language other than English (http://www.ets.org SDSU institution code 4682).
School of Theatre, Television, and Film
The following admissions materials must be submitted electronically by April 1:
- Three letters of recommendation. At least one letter from an academic reference and at least one letter from a professor or professional acquainted with the applicant’s creative activities;
- Curriculum vitae or resume that includes any film and/or video production experience you have had;
- Evidence the applicant can provide creativity relevant to media productivity, technical skill level, and command of the medium. Generally, a sample reel is the most useful. The sample reel may be uploaded, delivered by link to a website such as Vimeo or YouTube, or sent directly to the department on a USB flash drive. Detailed instructions are provided on the school’s website at http://ttf.sdsu.edu. Include work in which applicant held a key creative role (writer/director, cinematographer, editor, sound designer, production designer). Credits must be clearly indicated. Even though long work may be submitted, no more than 10 minutes of the work provided will be viewed, so cue, or specify appropriate cueing, of sample. In lieu of a sample reel, other examples might include a sample of original textual work (play, story, or screenplay for writers/directors) or visual material (drawings, storyboards, designs, or studio photography that may reflect lighting, framing, or composition skills);
- A list, by author and title, of six books (essays, novels, plays) that have influenced applicant artistically;
- A list of three films (documentaries, experimental, narratives), plays or television programs that applicant admires, devoting one paragraph to each work;
- A list and description (in a sentence) of applicant’s hobbies and interests outside of film, theatre, and video;
- Personal Statement: A short essay describing your creative and career goals and how you think this program will benefit you. (Maximum two pages.)
Admission to the program is competitive, and satisfying these requirements does not guarantee admission. The decision to admit is based on consideration of the entire application file; promising applicants in unusual circumstances are encouraged to apply.
Students accepted for graduate study in the Master of Fine Arts degree in film and television production are initially admitted with conditional graduate standing (classified). Full classified standing is awarded only after the student has completed TFM 605 with a grade of B or better.
Programs
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