At the beginning of the school year, the USC School of Dramatic Arts asked the Office of Admissions & Student Services staff a few questions for our new students to get to know them. Here are their responses (in alphabetical order of last name).
Aspen Cole
What do you do? What’s the most common question you get from students? What’s your response? Favorite organization on campus? Favorite theatrical production at SDA? Fun Fact? What do you do? What’s the most common question you get from students? What’s your response? Favorite organization on campus? Favorite theatrical production at SDA? Fun Fact? What do you do? What’s the most common question you get from students? What’s your response? Favorite organization on campus? Favorite theatrical production at SDA? Fun fact? What do you do? What’s the most common question you get from students? What’s your response? Favorite organization on campus? Favorite theatrical production at SDA? Fun fact? What do you do? What’s the most common question you get from students? What’s your response? Favorite organization on campus? Favorite theatrical production at SDA? Fun fact?
I am an academic advisor
The most common question I get is “Can I double major or minor?” to which I most likely will say, “It depends on how many extra units you have available, your program of interest, and how long you intend to be at USC for. We can update your course plan during your mandatory advising appointment and see what option works best for you.”
SAGE (Student Assembly for Gender Empowerment)
My favorite shows at SDA thus far have been we, the invisibles, and of course, one of my favorite musicals, Spring Awakening.
The arts are a huge part of my life. I majored in Theatre with an Acting emphasis at UCLA and currently dance with the Leigh Purtill Ballet Company.Meghan Laughlin
Director of Internships & Special Programs. I help students find cool opportunities outside USC and bring in awesome guest artists!
Q: “What kind of internship can I get?”
A: Meet with me! Let’s talk about your goals and interests and see what’s possible.
Visions and Voices. It’s not technically an “organization”… but the programs and events they offer all year are AMAZING — and free!
Our 2012 production of City of Angels still reigns supreme for me. I loved everything about it — direction, design, performances. That cast and crew nailed it! Urinetown in spring 2023 is a close second.
I got my BA in Theatre from Michigan State University, and my job allows me to be a ‘forever theatre major’ (the best undergrad major ever…). I love campus, our theatres and SDA students! Mabel Lopez
Office Manager of Admissions & Student Services.
Q: How can I register for a class with a “D”?
A: You may submit a “D” (Departmental) clearance on our student portal at sdastudents.usc.edu and select D-Clearance Course request.
All Acapella groups.
My favorite was Grease!
I love to sing so much that I joined my church choir six years ago.Sergio Ramirez
Associate Dean of Admissions & Student Services.
Q: What does it take to get into USC?
A: Academically, it takes hard work and to take the most rigorous curriculum at your high school. Artistically, it takes imagination and a driving spirit.
SoCal Vocals. I love listening to them!
My favorite musical would be Grease. My favorite stage-play would be The Kentucky Cycle.
When I am not cheering on my USC Trojans, I love watching old movies and TV shows.Ramón Valdez
I am the Assistant Director of Admissions. In my role, I work with prospective students to our undergraduate and graduate programs through the application process.
Q: What is your favorite thing about USC?
A: For me, my favorite thing is the people. In my experience at USC, from being a student in the classroom to my work in admissions, the variety of personalities, experiences and unique offerings everyone brings to our dynamic community is extremely rewarding.
The Spirit of Troy. The Greatest Marching Band in the History of the Universe.
Grapes of Wrath.
I share my name with a very well-known Mexican actor.