The Theatre and Film Department’s new Film and Digital Video Production emphasis aims to provide students with an interdisciplinary dynamic that will expand educational opportunities and academic offerings.  

Lori Siekmann, a professor of Theatre and the chair of the Theatre and Film Department, shares her vision for the program. 

Siekmann said, “The first goal would be to build the emphasis to the point where our students are creating film projects that we submit into film festivals.” Siekmann envisions an environment where students can achieve “high level professional excellence” in the industry without compromising their values, aiming to prepare them for successful careers while maintaining a mindset for the Lord. 

The Film and Digital Video Production emphasis is the newest addition to the Theatre major. The other two emphases that a student could choose from in the Theatre major include the Acting and Directing emphasis and the Design and Technical Production emphasis. 

The department is in the process right now of changing the name of the major to “Theatre and Film major,” a change that has yet to be approved. The name change should help reduce confusion regarding adding film to the existing major. New, prospective students considering attending Concordia in any of these areas in the Theatre and Film Department can seek scholarship opportunities on the department’s website: https://www.cui.edu/arts/theatre/scholarships. Note that current students are not able to add this specific scholarship opportunity to their existing financial aid package.

The department uses a 360-degree approach that makes students more competitive in their chosen field and better at their artistic craft. For example, “We make everyone in the major take an acting class,” Siekmann explained, “so that directors know what actors need and we make everyone take a directing class so that actors know what the director is looking for.”

Reflecting on the unique challenge of integrating film into the existing Theatre framework Siekmann said, “A unique challenge is to show that connection that theater and film are both ways that we tell stories. One is live on stage and one is on screen but there is so much overlap that it makes a lot of sense to put film and theater together.” 

This year also marks the first time with a full-time faculty dedicated to the film emphasis. Andrew Gutierrez, assistant professor of film and media studies, graduated from Chapman University with a master’s in Film Directing. Gutierrez brings with him an extensive background in film that is sure to inspire and attract students who are passionate about cinema. His goal stems from his own experience in film. 

Gutierrez said, “I want to be what I never had because where I grew up and in the environment that I grew up in, getting into film was…might as well have said that I was going to the moon. That is why I want to help.” 

“There’s things that we are going to be doing here that no other school is doing and how do I know? It’s because I was there.” Gutierrez acknowledges that spreading the word about this new program is a significant challenge, as other established universities have longer lasting reputations. He noted, “We are the new kid on the block and that’s the tough part.” 

Gutierrez is hoping that in the future the department can hold film screenings in the soon-to-be newly remodeled CU Center. These films aim to inspire prospective students into joining the Theatre and Film Department. Gutierrez also hinted at a special project that he and a couple of other departments have been working on. 

The project involves a collaboration with the Music and Graphic Design Departments. This interdisciplinary program will allow seniors in the Theatre and Film Department to petition for an opportunity to have their film scored by the Music Department and their movie poster and credits can be designed by the Graphic design Department. Gutierrez said, “ No other school is doing that.” 

This innovative partnership between theater and film is sure to give students a well rounded and opportunity filled education. If you want to join the Theatre and Film Department or want more information, contact lori.siekmann@cui.edu andrew.gutierrez@cui.edu.

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