About the Department
Department Overview
The Department of Theater, Film, and Television offers two distinct majors: a Bachelor of Arts in Cinema and Broadcast Arts (CBA) and a Bachelor of Arts in Theater Arts (THTR). The cinema and broadcast arts major offers the choice of a track in narrative cinema, documentary/television, or media ministry. The theater arts major is constructed by students with their academic advisor by choosing courses from a list of performance courses, theory and criticism courses, and applied theater courses. This enables the student to tailor the major to a particular career in theater including: directing, technical theater, dramaturgy, acting, or musical theater.
Additionally, students from other majors can earn a minor in Theater Arts which offers an overview of performance, production, and literary courses. A minor in Cinema and Broadcast Arts is also offered.
The department produces nine faculty-directed main stage theater productions annually and several smaller student-directed productions in the studio theater. Additionally, several off-campus performance opportunities exist including: Azusa Renaissance, a community outreach program bringing theater to the city of Azusa; the Azusa Pacific Players, a traveling drama ministry team performing at more than 20 venues each year; and the Senior Hollywood Showcase, introducing select members of the graduating class to the Hollywood industry.
The department also boasts a thriving alumni company, Marmac Repertory Theater Company, providing internships and performance opportunities for students alongside theater professionals.
The department co-sponsors several student films annually, and has a history of films achieving nationwide collegiate acclaim.
The department hosts two major film events each year: the APU Film Premier Night and the Faith and Media Arts, a symposium of industry professionals, alumni, and students. This event includes Iron Sharpens Iron, a screening of films from local CCCU schools.
The department also produces a television program utilizing writers, actors, and technicians to create the Interdisciplinary Sitcom Workshop, as well as a satirical news television broadcast, Azusa Takeoff. Additionally, there exists a thriving Azusa Film Society which creates student films and hosts the very popular annual 48-Hour Film Festival.
To graduate as department majors, students must maintain a minimum 2.0 grade-point average in their major courses.
Mission
The Department of Theater, Film, and Television offers undergraduate degree programs in Theater Arts and Cinema and Broadcast Arts, supports the general studies program with elective and core courses in theater and mass media, and prepares undergraduate students for professional placement and/or graduate programs. Department faculty emphasize the integration of a Christian worldview into the study of the history, theory and philosophy of visual and performing arts, guiding students as they develop, write, produce, and evaluate creative efforts preparing them for careers in the fields of entertainment, education, and ministry.
Goals
The Department of Theater, Film, and Television prepares students who can:
- Apply the basic concepts of their undergraduate education and research to their life’s work.
- Understand the moral and ethical implications of the artist’s responsibilities in the construction of communicative media.
- Articulate and demonstrate an understanding of the dynamic and fruitful tension between a vibrant and foundational Christian faith and the challenges to be faced in the creation and development of creative and analytical work.
- Define, defend, discuss, and analyze the complex ethical, social, philosophical, and moral issues endemic to the entertainment and communication industries, with insight, intelligence, humility, and spiritual discernment.
- Demonstrate in writing and discussion a familiarity with and understanding of the history, theory, aesthetic philosophy, and cultural impact of theater, cinema, television, and broadcast arts, as well as insight into the events, issues, and perspectives that are the working knowledge of academics and professionals in the field.
- Give evidence of a depth of knowledge and a breadth of familiarity with the literature of the field, as well as the ability to examine, evaluate, and discuss, clearly and cogently, ideas and concepts contained in that literature.
- Explore, articulate, document, and demonstrate an understanding of the creative process.
- Initiate and participate in all the steps of the creative process studied in their chosen major.
The Department of Theater, Film, and Television offers the following programs:
- Cinema and Broacast Arts Major
- Theater Major
- Cinema and Broadcast Arts Production Minor
- Theater Minor
