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Department of Communication, Film, and Theatre

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Story is everything and everything is story.

Storytelling is central to everything we do in the Department of Communication, Film, and Theatre. We hold the conviction that stories have the power to connect, inspire, and educate us. Whether it's crafting news segments in a TV studio, designing stage sets, embodying characters in a performance, or framing a visual narrative, storytelling is the unifying thread that ties together the concentrations within our major.

We place storytelling at the core of the Communication, Film, and Theatre curriculum, empowering students to create narratives across various mediums and platforms. From the outset of their educational journey in our program, students acquire the skills needed to excel in a wide array of career paths.

We believe that confidence is forged through experience. To that end, we prioritize hands-on learning through an extensive range of activities and projects. This practical approach not only enriches students' portfolios and resumes but also cultivates a proactive "I can" mindset.

Furthermore, we encourage Communication, Film, and Theatre students to venture into innovative storytelling by providing them with state-of-the-art equipment and facilities. Our faculty prepares students for post-graduation success through a host of employability initiatives and events. In doing so, we aim to equip our students with the necessary tools and experience to flourish in their future endeavors.

Launch Communication Building (Radio Station)

Department Chair
Kristen Morgan
FAIC Rm. 229
(860) 465-5058
(860) 465-5073
morgankr@easternct.edu		 Secretary II
Lauren Hockla
FAIC Rm. 244
(860) 465-5325
(860) 465-5073
hocklal@easternct.edu
Associate Department Chair
Andrew Utterback
FAIC Rm. 309
(860) 465-4836
(860) 465-5073
utterbacka@easternct.edu
student at news desk
students in control room
Students at BBC

Communication Faculty

Kristen Morgan

Professor - Design and Media Technology

"Get a liberal arts education; designers need to know about philosophy, history, literature, art, science, math, psychology and sociology, just to name a few. The larger your breadth of knowledge, the better equipped you are to analyze a script for design." Read More

Kristen Morgan

Brian Day

Assistant Professor - Directing and Film

“I came to Eastern to help develop filmmaking courses and a filmmaking program. I have found that there are many students at Eastern and in Connecticut who are interested in learning filmmaking and there wasn’t a clear program to address this.” Read More

Brian Day

Biology and Arts News

From left: Karim Ismaili, Xing Liu, Cheryl Wilson

Academic year closes with 7 faculty, staff awardees

May 19, 2026

Seven faculty and staff members received University and Board of Regents awards at the conclusion of the 2025-26 academic year, representing the best of excellence in teaching and service to the Eastern community.

Biology Professor Jonathan Hulvey participates in a lab demonstration at Tiny Earth Day.

VIDEO: Eastern joins global effort to find new antibiotics

May 04, 2026

Biology Professor Jonathan Hulvey recently involved his students in an event meant to educate students at Norwich Free Academy (NFA) about the growing problem of antibiotic resistance, as well as to pique high schoolers’ interest in science careers and student research at Eastern.

Student presenting

VIDEO: Students shine at CREATE conference

 May 04, 2026

Student research and creative activity took center stage at Eastern Connecticut State University on April 24 during the annual CREATE conference, a campus-wide celebration of undergraduate scholarship.

Programs of Study

  • Eastern's Communication, Film, and Theatre major provides hands-on learning in state-of-the-art facilities like the Fine Arts Instructional Center and newly renovated Communication Building. Students gain practical experience through hands-on media and performance projects and professional internships. The major prepares students for careers in filmmaking, multimedia journalism, performance, and more, with concentrations in Design, Technology, and Performance Media; Film and Video Production; Multimedia Journalism: News and Sports; and Performance: Acting, Choreography, and Playwriting. The collaborative, interactive learning environment fosters creativity as faculty use professional examples to teach classes.

    View Major Details

  • Leadership Communication prepares students for careers in a variety of organizations. Students will demonstrate a professional level competency in verbal, nonverbal, written and digital communication skills common to institutional settings, including public speaking and presentation, conflict management and persuasive communication.

    View Minor Details

    View Concentration Details

  • Through classes, independent studies, internships, practica, and study tours, Theatre and Performance Media majors at Eastern examine the history of performance and gain practical experience in production. In addition to one- acts, short films, original plays, and staged readings, the program produces four main stage shows each year, giving students many opportunities to develop skills and talents in all areas of performance and filmmaking. Students choose from one of three concentrations: Performance; Design, Technology, and Performance Media; or Directing and Filmmaking.

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  • Those who minor in Theatre gain earn performance, writing and technical skills in class, backstage and onstage as they learn theatre technology, management and design as well as directing, acting, dance and playwriting. Theatre majors work on stage and on-camera, as well as backstage and front-of-house. They explore the human condition, learn to express human emotions and reflect on man’s rich diversity.

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  • The interdisciplinary minor in Costume and Fashion Design helps students develop skills and abilities in costume and fashion design. Using hands-on and computer-aided design & illustration techniques, students accessories and learn the basics of textile design & production.

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  • The Cinema Studies minor complements majors in Communication, the Visual and Performing Arts, English, History and Modern Languages. Students are prepared for careers or further study in the areas of film and video techniques, history and criticism.

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