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
- CAT 201 Stagecraft
- CAT 220 Beginning Acting
Cinematic Arts and Theatre Concentrations:
Acting for Stage and Screen
This concentration helps students build performance skills for both live theatre and on-camera work through courses in movement, voice, acting for the camera, and classical and contemporary acting styles. Students also explore directing for theatre or film for a broader understanding of both sides of the process.
Production Design and Tech
This concentration focuses on the visual, technical, and behind-the-scenes elements that bring productions to life. With coursework in rendering, scenography, drafting, stage design, lighting, costumes, stage management, audio, and live production technology, students build practical skills for theatre, film, events, and more.
Film Production
This concentration prepares students to create, direct, and produce stories for the screen. With coursework in narrative film, documentary production, film directing, screenwriting, editing, producing, and sound for video, students gain experience across the creative and technical stages of filmmaking.
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
Admissions Requirements
Prospective students should apply to the University of North Alabama prior to completing the entrance requirements for the Cinematic Arts and Theatre program. Apply to the university by visiting the link found here: UNA Application for Admission.
Students who wish to pursue a major or minor in Cinematic Arts and Theatre must complete the brief application and entrance requirements detailed below. To submit your requirements:
- Visit https://app.getacceptd.com/unaschoolofthearts, where you will create your Acceptd profile and complete the Cinematic Arts and Theatre application.
- Upload your materials to your Acceptd profile.
- Submit your application.
Additional Required Guidelines:
- A statement of intent. In up to 500 words, tell us about yourself. Who are you as an artist? Why do you want to pursue a degree in Cinematic Arts and Theatre? Discuss the type of creative work you’re making now and/or what type of work you hope to explore during your study at UNA.
[UNA: Please confirm the current admissions requirements for all BFA applicants]
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:
- CAT Guild Student Organization
- George Lindsey UNA Film Festival
- Alpha Psi Omega Theatre Honor Society
Meet the Faculty
Mr. Mike Johnson
Associate Professor
mjohnson31@una.edu
Ms. Melissa Littlejohn
Senior Administrative Assistant; Cinematic Arts & Theatre/Communication
mlittlejohn@una.edu
Ms. Suzanne Mills
Assistant Professor
mreese1@una.edu
Dr. Nora Stone
Assistant Professor
nstone1@una.edu
