Program Overview
Turn your creative vision into compelling work for the stage, screen, and beyond with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Cinematic Arts and Theatre from the University of North Alabama. This hands-on undergraduate program brings together storytelling, performance, production, design, writing, film, and theatre, giving students opportunities to build practical skills while developing their own artistic voice.
Why Choose This Program?
- Choose a focused creative pathway. Students complete the Cinematic Arts and Theatre core and select a concentration in Acting for Stage and Screen, Production Design and Tech, or Film Production.
- Learn by doing. Coursework includes theatre, acting, production, cinematic arts, media production, writing, and practicum experiences.
- Prepare with professional-level experiences. The Film Production concentration uses professional film equipment and facilities to train students in modern industry practices.
Curriculum & Coursework
The BFA in Cinematic Arts and Theatre includes general education coursework, a Cinematic Arts and Theatre core, a selected concentration, and general electives for a total of 120 credit hours. Students build a foundation in performance, production, writing, theatre, film, creative practice, and portfolio development before advancing into their chosen area of focus.
Sample Courses:
- CAT 100 Elements of Cinematic Arts and Theatre I
- CAT 201 Stagecraft
- CAT 220 Beginning Acting
- CAT 251 Cinematic Language
- CAT 253 Creative Media Production
- CAT 293W Writing for the Stage & Screen
- CAT 420 Portfolio Prep
- CAT 493 Practicum
Career Paths & Outcomes
Graduates of the BFA in Cinematic Arts and Theatre can pursue creative and technical roles in theatre, film, media production, live performance, design, directing, writing, and related fields. Students also develop transferable skills in collaboration, communication, storytelling, project management, and creative problem-solving.
Common Career Paths:
- Actor for stage or screen
- Film producer or director
- Screenwriter or playwright
- Production designer
- Stage manager
- Lighting, costume, or scenic designer
- Video editor
- Creative media producer
- Theatre technician
- Graduate study in film, theatre, or performance
Student Experience
Cinematic Arts and Theatre students are part of a creative undergraduate community where they can participate in productions, creative projects, film events, student organizations, and scholarship opportunities. Students have opportunities to build a portfolio, collaborate with peers and faculty, and gain applied experience in film, theatre, and production.
Opportunities include:
- George Lindsey UNA Film Festival
- Scholarships for CAT students
- Portfolio development
Meet the Faculty
Mr. Mike Johnson
Associate Professor
mjohnson31@una.edu
Mr. Mike Johnson
Department Chair, Associate Professor, Film Production
mjohnson31@una.edu
Ms. Suzanne Reese-Mills
Assistant Professor, Theatre
mreese1@una.edu
Mr. Lucas Skjaret
Assistant Professor, Theatre
lskjaret@una.edu
Dr. Nora Stone
Assistant Professor, Film Production
nstone1@una.edu
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