About 25 years ago, I was a student at UCLA's School of Theater, Film, and Television (TFT). Fast forward to last Sunday, and I found myself at a backyard barbecue surrounded by alumni from my old alma mater. Now, I didn’t know too many folks—just three, to be exact—but that didn’t stop me from enjoying the hot dogs and the lively conversation. There we were, a bunch of actors, writers, and designers, all reminiscing about our days at UCLA, swapping stories under the California sun.
That little reunion got me thinking back to those heady days at TFT. So, naturally, I did what any curious soul would do—I started digging around the internet to see what I could find out about the school’s history. And let me tell you, I unearthed some fascinating tidbits that made me feel even more connected to the place.
Turns out, the roots of UCLA’s School of Theater, Film, and Television go way back to the 1920s and 1930s. Back then, the university was just starting to dip its toes into drama and performing arts. It all began with a few courses tucked away in the English department. But by the 1930s, as the performing arts started to gain momentum, UCLA decided to get serious about it. They set up a more formal program for theater students—teaching everything from acting and directing to the fine art of stagecraft. Pretty soon, it became one of the West Coast’s go-to spots for theater education.
Then, during the 1940s, Hollywood was booming, and UCLA wasn’t about to miss out on the action. The entertainment industry was growing like wildfire, and film was quickly becoming the next big artistic medium. So, in 1947, UCLA established the Department of Theater Arts within its College of Fine Arts. That move signaled the university’s commitment to embracing both live theater and the burgeoning world of film.
Now, the post-World War II era was an exciting time for both UCLA and Hollywood. The American film industry was hitting its stride, and the university recognized the need for education that could prepare students for this rapidly changing landscape. The Department of Theater Arts expanded, adding film studies and production courses to the mix. Being so close to Hollywood, UCLA students had unique opportunities to rub elbows with industry pros, getting hands-on experience while learning the ropes.
By the 1950s and 1960s, UCLA’s film program was gaining a solid reputation for turning out students who were not just creative but also technically savvy. This was the era of film noir and the rise of the New Hollywood movement, and UCLA was right there in the thick of it, nurturing the next generation of filmmakers who would go on to make their mark on American cinema.
Then came 1987, when UCLA recognized that television was no longer just a secondary player. It had become a powerful force in its own right. So, the university restructured the Department of Theater Arts into a full-fledged professional school, officially naming it the School of Theater, Film, and Television. This move brought theater, film, and television together under one roof, creating a dynamic interdisciplinary environment that mirrored the entertainment industry itself.
But TFT wasn’t just about producing stars—it was also a hub for research and innovation in the arts. The school established several research centers, including the Skoll Center for Social Impact Entertainment, which focuses on using storytelling as a tool for social change. And as the digital age dawned, TFT stayed ahead of the curve, integrating new technologies like digital media, interactive entertainment, and virtual reality into its curriculum.
In recent years, the school has put a strong emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion. They’ve made sure that their programs reflect the diverse world of entertainment and that students from all walks of life have the opportunity to succeed. TFT’s commitment to social consciousness is evident in its programming, partnerships, and scholarships that aim to support underrepresented communities.
Today, UCLA’s School of Theater, Film, and Television continues to shape the future of the entertainment industry. Its alumni are everywhere—writing, directing, acting, producing—and they’re playing key roles in shaping the cultural landscape of the 21st century. TFT’s impact is undeniable, and as the industry evolves, so does the school, staying at the forefront of innovation and creativity.
So, as I sat there at that barbecue, surrounded by old friends and new faces, it felt good to know that the school we all came from has such a rich and dynamic history. It’s a place that continues to nurture the next generation of storytellers, just as it did for us all those years ago.