Major: Film and Television with an emphasis in production and Theatre Arts with an emphasis in performance
Why did you choose your majors?
I chose to be a film major since my ultimate dream and career goal is to work within the film industry. Upon hearing about Cal Lutheran’s film and television program, I became very excited. Knowing that the program is only a few years old, the equipment and spaces are pretty new and up to date, which is super helpful when transferring into the field. I also saw the connections they have to production studios, notably Disney, Netflix, and many sports and news channels, which provide great internship and job opportunities for students. These connections are also super helpful considering the proximity to LA, the home of Hollywood and the film industry.
I chose to be a theatre major because theatre is something I am incredibly passionate about, and I thought the major would provide me with more knowledge and proficiency in this art I care for so deeply. While researching the school, I saw the long list of faculty and professors involved within the department, all with incredible experiences within the field and advice and knowledge to share with students. The tight-knit community within the department also really drew my attention.
Would you recommend them to a future student? Why?
I would recommend the Film and Television major to students for several reasons. Dr. Fitch, Professor Salimi, and Professor Grannis are all supportive and want students to succeed. The facilities and equipment available to students are amazing; we have the TV studio in the Spies-Bornemann Building with green screens and a set that students can transform and change. Students can use that space for independent projects like short films, or take classes like Cinema Production or TV Production where they can use the studio. The studio also has a control booth attached where students can test sound, and graphics, switch between cameras, etc. We also have Media Services next to the TV studio, where students can rent cameras, lighting equipment, sound equipment, etc. The program is very hands-on as well, which gets you comfortable with the equipment quickly.
I would recommend the theatre major to incoming students for several reasons. The professors in the theatre department are caring and take the time and put in the effort to get to know their students and everyone within the department. The department is also small in size, which is beneficial for a couple of reasons. Community in theatre is really important, and the small department size gives you the chance to know everyone within the department. Students at many other colleges and universities are unable to perform in production until they are upperclassmen, but the small department size provides you with many opportunities to perform, which is great for building a really strong resume. If you come into the program interested in one side of theatre (tech or performing), the curriculum encourages students to get involved in both sides of the theatre, really expanding your knowledge and allowing for growth and discovery of new passions.
What are your future plans?
In the future, I hope to work in each stage of production if I can. In pre-production, I hope to work in casting. For production, my goal is to act and work as a production assistant, and/or director. If given an opportunity in post-production, I have dreamt of being an editor. Warner Brothers is my dream production site.
In the future, I hope to partake in different productions across the country, whether that be community theatre productions, regional theatre productions, or the ultimate dream: a touring production of a show. I also really hope to teach youth theatre to a wide variety of students to teach the benefits and importance of performing arts.
Are there any particular experiences — in or out of the classroom — that have helped you identify that path?
I have been passionate about the film industry for as long as I can remember, but the department at Cal Lutheran has confirmed those passions and has provided the resources to make a career out of my passions.
I have been passionate about theatre and performing for the majority of my life, but the theatre department at Cal Lutheran has confirmed those passions. I have met many people within the department, all with different backgrounds, and their experiences and life goals have influenced and inspired my own career goals.