Author: Geoff Waring
![Will Ferrell gestures with his hands upright speaking into a microphone.](https://dramaticarts.usc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/will-ferrell-2-250x250.jpg)
Top stories of 2023
From an inspiring gift naming our DEI center to a special visit from a Trojan superstar, here are a selection of the most-viewed stories of 2023.
![Six artists sit onstage discussing a projected image of a](https://dramaticarts.usc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Character-by-Design-4-250x250.jpeg)
The design that brings characters to life
Six artists at the top of their fields met to discuss the world of design and the costumes, makeup and visual effects that make characters jump off the screen.
![Members of the Black Art Collective pose in colorful costumes during a performance of](https://dramaticarts.usc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/The-Colored-Museum-250x250.jpg)
Student Group Spotlight: Black Art Collective
The Black Art Collective has already organized a dizzying array of educational workshops and productions aimed at centering Black voices and providing opportunities to USC’s Black artists.
![Dean Emily Roxworthy, Richard Weinberg and USC President Carol Folt.](https://dramaticarts.usc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/53319364834_6cccae0301_k-250x250.jpg)
2023 Fall Alumni Celebration
The 2023 Fall Alumni Celebration gave members of the Trojan Family a chance to reconnect and honored alum Richard G. Weinberg with the SDA Alumni Service Award.
![Headshot of Summer Grubaugh smiling at the camera.](https://dramaticarts.usc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/IMG_1402-250x250.jpg)
Alumni Q&A: Summer Grubaugh BFA ’16
For our Alumni Q&A series, Summer Grubaugh BFA ’16 talks about her new role as SDA’s Alumni Relations Manager, staying connected after graduation and what makes the Trojan Family so special.
![l to r: Sheldon Candis, Rob Schiller, and Bayo Akinfemi sitting in a semicircle and gesturing with their hands.](https://dramaticarts.usc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Masterclass-Directing-1-250x250.jpeg)
Delving into the world of directing
The year’s first Multihyphenate Masterclass featured a 2-time Emmy winner and a Sundance Grand Jury finalist dispensing advice and wisdom on directing.
![Auditorium full of students watching an orientation presentation.](https://dramaticarts.usc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/liberation-arts-co-1-240x250.jpeg)
For incoming USC students, a taste of the Liberation Arts
The Liberation Arts Company uses Theatre of the Oppressed techniques to train people how to handle tough situations. This year they performed for incoming students at the Welcome Trojans Experience.
![A girl stands in front of an elaborate Dia de los Muertos display.](https://dramaticarts.usc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Good-Neighbors-feature-250x250.jpg)
At the School of Dramatic Arts, October is for Good Neighbors
For nearly three decades, SDA, the USC Good Neighbors Campaign and 24th STreet Theatre have teamed up to make a difference in South LA.
![Assistant Professor of Costume Design Ann Closs-Farley.](https://dramaticarts.usc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/AnnClossFarley-250x250.jpeg)
Faculty Q&A: Ann Closs-Farley
Faculty member Ann Closs-Farley talks about fashion and identity, USC’s new fashion minor and how to make a killer Halloween costume.