Recent Guests

  • Sterling K. Brown, Professor Mia Barron and MFA in Acting students pose following the Q&A session.

    Award-winning actor Sterling K. Brown encourages MFA Acting students looking toward “the real world”

    Brown spoke with MFA in Acting students about transitioning from an MFA program into their professional careers.

    star power
  • Dean Emily Roxworthy, Events Manager Jen Franco, and six panelists make the

    “An Extraordinarily Custom Career”: SDA families engage with alumni industry insiders at annual panel

    A panel of alumni industry insiders shared their varied journeys through the arts and entertainment industry as part of Trojan Family Weekend.

    insiders
  • Jonathan Mangum, Wayne Brady and two students lock arms in an improv comedy sketch.

    “The Mount Rushmore of Improv”: Wayne Brady teaches masterclass to SDA students

    All-time improv great Wayne Brady led a masterclass on musical theatre improv for USC students.

    star power
  • Matthew Lillard sitting in a chair gesturing, with Professor Oliver Mayer listening to his right.

    “Be the antelope”: Hollywood icon Matthew Lillard preaches heart and hard work to USC students

    Matthew Lillard spoke about his storied career, his directorial debut and his various companies with SDA faculty and longtime friend Oliver Mayer.

    star power
  • America Ferrera sits next to Professor Luis Alfaro on the Bing Stage, having a lively discussion.

    “Storytelling Matters”: Oscar nominee America Ferrera accepts School of Dramatic Arts’ Multihyphenate Award

    The USC School of Dramatic Arts honored award-winning actress, writer, producer and activist America Ferrera with the second annual Multihyphenate Award.

    multihyphenate
  • Jason Bateman and Alexandra Billings take a selfie in front of an audience of hundreds of USC students.

    Jason Bateman talks vulnerability, subtlety and kindness to students of the School of Dramatic Arts

    Hollywood superstar Jason Bateman stopped by the School of Dramatic Arts for a wide-ranging discussion on acting and directing with faculty member Alexandra Billings.

    star power
  • Six artists sit onstage discussing a projected image of a

    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.

    multihyphenate
  • l to r: Sheldon Candis, Rob Schiller, and Bayo Akinfemi sitting in a semicircle and gesturing with their hands.

    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.

    multihyphenate
  • Four panelists and a moderator sit side by side on a stage.

    Annual industry insider panel gives Trojan Families a glimpse into their students’ future

    A panel of industry insiders shared their unique journeys into the arts and entertainment industry as part of Trojan Family Weekend.

    insiders
  • Anita Dashiell-Sparks, Anthony Sparks, Sharon Washington and Chuck Schulz sit side by side on the stage, discussing writing.

    Writing your own opportunities

    A panel of writer-actors and a documentarian gathered to discuss how to develop a career in writing at 2023’s final Multihyphenate Masterclass.

    multihyphenate
  • Professor Natsuko Ohama and voice coach Louis Colaianni sit in chairs in disucssion.

    Voice and voiceover for multihyphenates

    A celebrated voice coach and a panel of professional voice actors dove into techniques and strategy for making a career in voice and voiceover at the eighth Multihyphenate Masterclass.

    multihyphenate
  • Isaac Gomez sits next to Professor Luis Alfaro, who is gesturing and addressing a group.

    Producing 101 for multihyphenates

    Producer-artist multihyphenates conducted an interactive workshop for students and alumni on the essentials of producing at the seventh Multihyphenate Masterclass.

    multihyphenate
  • Will Ferrell sits on stage next to Professor Natsuko Ohama, chatting amiably.

    Comedy legend Will Ferrell brings wisdom and wit to SDA

    Comedy legend and proud Trojan Will Ferrell spoke with Professor Natsuko Ohama about his career, acting advice, and why studying acting is a great way to spend your college years.

    star power
  • Students holding hands behind another student in a USC sweatshirt acting

    SDA faculty help student-athletes tackle microaggressions

    SDA faculty arranged an event that uses theatre techniques to let student-athletes grapple with religious microaggressions.

    fight on
  • Emily Roxworthy, Michele Shay, Judith Light, Larry Powell, and Jonas Pate flash a

    Mental health for multihyphenates

    A constellation of insiders discussed psychology and mental health in the arts and entertainment industry at the sixth Multihyphenate Masterclass.

    multihyphenate
  • L to R: Lori Furie, Kate Burton, and Gigi Pritzker talk artistic entrepreneurship in Cammilleri Hall. (Photo by Ryan Miller/Capture Imaging)

    Finding the path to leadership

    A host of multihyphenate directors, producers, and executives discussed strategies for artistic entrepreneurship at the fifth Multihyphenate Masterclass.

    multihyphenate
  • Debbie Allen and Kate Burton sit on chairs holding microphones and talking.

    Debbie Allen and alumni on transitioning from acting to directing

    Legendary multihyphenate Debbie Allen and a panel of Trojan alumni talked transitioning from acting to directing in the fourth Multihyphenate Masterclass.

    multihyphenate
  • David Warshofsky and Adrien Brody sit on stage and chat.

    Oscar winner Adrien Brody talks shop with SDA students

    Oscar-winning actor Adrien Brody stopped by SDA for a Q&A with David Warshofsky

    star power
  • Michael Schwartz, Princess Isis Lang, Storm Reid, Amanda Angeles, and Clare Foley sitting on a stage

    Halloween at SDA: A conversation about horror acting for stage & screen

    Filmmaker and SDA alum Michael Schwartz sat down with students for a Halloween conversation about acting in horror.

    scream queens
  • Rodric David stands on stage in front of a Thunder Studios logo.

    SDA and Thunder Studios give students a glimpse of the future of performance at the third Multihyphenate Masterclass

    SDA students and alumni got a glimpse into the future of live performance at October’s Multihyphenate Masterclass in collaboration with Thunder Studios.

    multihyphenate
  • Mindy Kaling

    “There’s no ‘no’”: Mindy Kaling accepts inaugural Multihyphenate Award

    Kaling recieved award during event led by Colman Domingo, and also featured Franklin Leonard, Paula Wagner, and Sean San José.

    multihyphenate
  • Photo of Mindy Kaling

    Mindy Kaling to receive inaugural Multihyphenate Award from USC School of Dramatic Arts

    Kaling to recieve the award during event launching Multihyphenate Masterclass Series at SDA. Led by Colman Domingo, event will also feature Franklin Leonard, Paula Wagner, and Sean San José.

    multihyphenate
  • Guy Pearce

    Guy Pearce reflects on his extensive career

    The veteran actor shares the highs and lows of working in the business and advice for students.

    Spotlight@SDA
  • Spotlight@SDA artist Jane Lynch

    Jane Lynch encourages students to “know thy self” to find success in life and career

    The multi-award-winning actor talks about the importance of “yes,” her approach to comedy and drama, and more during the virtual event in fall.

    Spotlight@SDA
  • Aubrey Plaza during Spotlight@SDA event

    Aubrey Plaza keeps it authentic, encourages students to do the same

    The seasoned actor, comedian, producer and writer discussed her experiences with the School of Dramatic Arts community in the summer.

    Spotlight@SDA
  • Andy Blankenbuehler

    Blankenbuehler’s virtual master class from his room, where it happens

    The Broadway choreographer teaches subtle musical theatre moves via Zoom

    virtual virtuosity
  • Ali Stroker onstage

    Ali Stroker talks overcoming obstacles

    Tony winner visits campus and tells her inspiring career story, encouraging all to use limitations to their advantage.

    groundbreaker
  • Kristin Linklater

    Spotlight@SDA: Kristin Linklater

    Acclaimed voice coach Kristin Linklater joined Dean David Bridel and professor of theatre practice Natsuko Ohama for a conversation about Shakespeare, breath, nature, and more.

    #enunciate
  • Ben Kingsley at USC School of Dramatic Arts

    Ben Kingsley reflects on Gandhi, other top projects

    The Oscar-winning actor looks back at a stellar career that once included work with 300,000 extras and a funeral carriage.

    Spotlight@SDA
  • Spotlight@SDA artist Josh Gad with Dean David Bridel

    Josh Gad inspires drama students with tales of career missteps

    Actor shares stories with students, faculty and Dean David Bridel at first USC School of Dramatic Arts Spotlight@SDA event of the year.

    Spotlight@SDA