I am delighted to have this opportunity to introduce myself and to share with you some of our goals and aspirations for the coming years.

To design an ideal academic program in the abstract is a relatively easy task, but to bring it into being in the real world requires a far more laborious effort. Toward that end we have the good fortune to start off from a position of strength: departments of theater, film and television that are ranked among the very best in the nation, a world-class film and television archive, and a professional theater that has very quickly established a respected position in the Los Angeles cultural scene. To sustain that level of excellence and to move all of these programs forward to even higher levels of achievement, requires that we plan with imagination and intelligence guided by core commitments to curricular innovation, the building of a community of artists and scholars, the adoption of new technologies and, most importantly, a shared vision of academic and artistic mission.

Curricular Innovation
In response to the many changes taking place in the fields of theater, film and television, our course offerings cross traditional disciplinary boundaries. The scholarly agenda for example, of programs in history, criticism and theory provide a conceptual underpinning for professional training in directing, writing, producing, design, acting, and animation. The convergence of moving-image and live performance art forms enables students to move freely among the plurality of media. The Geffen Playhouse and the UCLA Film and Television Archive open unique possibilities for courses to interface with fully professional arts organizations. The research and creative activities of the faculty provide still another source for curricular innovation.

The Community of Artists and Scholars
Quality of life concerns relate directly to the University's core mission of teaching, research and public service. An ambitious schedule of workshops, screenings, public lectures and theatrical productions fosters a sense of community within the School and builds bridges to the diverse communities of Los Angeles. Internships, mentoring programs and special programs ease the transition of graduates into the professional world and promote dialogue with leaders in the entertainment industry. Active alumni involvement with the School contributes to professional networking, career advising, and financial support. A culturally diverse faculty, staff and student body broadens the perspective of students whose creative works will, in the future, influence the sensibilities of, quite literally, millions of people.

Media Technologies
While affirming that media technologies are basically means to creative ends and not ends in themselves, it is nevertheless essential that our students be actively engaged in the digital and telecommunications revolution that is transforming all areas of contemporary culture. Currently, the School can boast of more than a dozen innovative initiatives that range broadly across every program including: computer assisted theater design, special effects for film and television, digital library research and archival restoration, the design of interactive texts and instructional software, computer animation, interactive television, and the development of web based media arts.

Common Purpose and Vision
TFT's educational philosophy strives to harmonize two seemingly contradictory goals: a profound respect for professional standards inherited from the past with an unbounded spirit of independent risk-taking and commitment to innovation. We invite you to know us better through our web site and look forward to hearing from you.

Robert Rosen
Dean, School of Theater, Film and Television