As part of a Q&A series with our faculty, the USC School of Dramatic Arts asked faculty member Zachary Steel about the thriving comedy community at USC, his favorite advice for students, and more.
Tell us a little about your professional career.
Zachary Steel: I am an experimental, improvisational, paramedical, non-spooky, and sometimes funny clown professor who dabbles in long-form improvisational ensemble clown performance and has a monthly show at the Elysian Theatre called Cruel Babes.
What is the most rewarding part of teaching?
The money. JK. Access to the hottest clubs in Downtown LA. JK WeHo. JK watching the students blossom into flowers or whatever.
No, seriously, I do love playing the role of “guide” in young students’ lives, providing a platform for them to discover their own unique artistic voice, and watching them cultivate the bravery to be their authentic selves.
What is your favorite advice to give to students?
Get comfortable with failure. The path to success is riddled with it.
Tell us about the thriving comedy community at USC.
Ok fine! It’s fabulous. There are A LOT of student-run comedy troupes, all with a distinctive approach to comedy performance, whether it be sketch or improv or something else. And most of them have a free weekly show on campus. And SDA’s sketch, stand-up, and improv classes all have an end of semester culmination show, including our class “USC Comedy Live,” which has three SNL style live-taped comedy shows every Spring. Come take a class!
Are there any classes or on-campus comedy organizations you would recommend to students who would like to be introduced into the world of comedy?
Take one of our stand-up classes. Our stand-up teachers are fantastic and they are real pros. By the end of the semester, you will have actual stand-up material that you can write and perform.
What would you say to someone who may be comedy curious but a little nervous?
I always recommend the “Intro to Improv” class as they are the most fun and the teachers are great at teaching a variety of levels and having sensitivity to those who might not be as comfortable performing in front of other people. It is a great class to discover how anyone can be funny. Yes, even you!
SDA offers a minor in Comedy (Performance), as well as a degree emphasis in Comedy. What makes those programs special, and how can one get more involved?
Kirstin Eggers, comedy faculty at SDA, says, and I agree with her, that EVERY undergrad at USC should have a comedy performance minor. Not only will it help you with confidence, collaboration, listening skills, presence, and a bunch of other things that will enrich your life, but the classes are the most fun, the most laughs, and the comedy program holds the single-semester record for most friends made in a class by a single student: 6.
You have never won the Bill White Faculty Recognition Award, which is voted on by SDA students and presented each year. How will you approach the campaign season this year to ensure success?
I don’t know what else I can do. Drippier ‘fits?
Any fun facts we should know about Zach Steel?
I have two kids, neither of which inherited my gorgeous head of hair, making me the last of my kind. Other than that, my kids are great. And so is my wife.