Theatrical Production Fund

Quality Performances Begin at UCLA TFT

John Rubenstein originated the role of Pippin on Broadway in 1972 and returned to play Charlemagne in the triumphant, critically acclaimed revival in 2013. After a long and storied film and television career, Kathleen Freeman snagged her first Tony nomination for The Full Monty at the age of 82. In 2014, the NAACP Image Awards nominated M.K. Asante for Outstanding Literary Work – Biography/Autobiography. Justin Lin has conquered film, television and digital media, originating such properties as The Fast and the Furious film franchise and directing the next installment of the Bourne franchise. Since 1981, Oscar winner Tim Robbins has explored and supported live theater with substance through The Actors Gang theater company.

What is the common thread? The UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television. These are just a few of the countless creative artists who have honed their performance, production and storytelling skills at the UCLA TFT. Many, including Rubenstein, Robbins and Carol Burnett, have returned to UCLA to share their knowledge and experience with current students.

At UCLA TFT, we’re pioneering a completely new curriculum for a rapidly changing world, a truly interdisciplinary experience where entertainment, performing arts and cutting-edge research can thrive. It’s an environment where the storytellers, performers, scholars and industry leaders of tomorrow begin their journey.

UCLA TFT’s Department of Theater is a creative force recognized throughout the world and with a solid reputation for creating the next generation of educated artists through a comprehensive program that uniquely combines the study of the performing arts with exploration of the principal areas of theater practice. The program is designed to ensure that students graduate with a sound humanistic and experiential base for further pursuits in education and in life beyond the university.

UCLA TFT’s Department of Theater graduates are world-renowned in every area of theater, film, television and the media arts and have won prestigious awards including Tony Awards, Academy Awards, Golden Globes, Primetime Emmys, Drama Desk Awards, Ovation Awards and Independent Spirit Awards, among many others.

You can ensure that today’s students get training and experience in live performance through your support of the Theater Production Fund. The fund supports 12 student productions created each academic year directly tied to the department’s curriculum. The curriculum is hands-on and collaborative, providing a fertile environment for students to make significant contributions to all aspects of a production from lighting, sound and costume design to acting, dance, directing and choreography. Private support is critically needed for our students to receive the valuable training unique to a UCLA TFT education.