The USC School of Dramatic Arts invites families of current SDA students to join us for Trojan Family Weekend, September 26-29, 2024!
Registration is available at the Trojan Family Weekend website.
For questions regarding SDA events, contact the Events Office at sdaevent@usc.edu.
For more information and to register, please visit the Trojan Family Weekend website.
2024 Schedule
Thursday, September 26, 2024
| 11-11:50 a.m. | USC School of Dramatic Arts: Principles of Community Workshop for Families | Dramatic Arts Building, Sparks Center for DEI (DAB) |
| Join Associate Dean Anita Dashiell-Sparks and Director of DEI Chevaughan Dyer for an engaging session on the USC School of Dramatic Arts’ Principles of Community. This workshop offers a unique opportunity to understand the experiences of first-year and transfer students as they embark on their SDA journey. With a maximum capacity of 25 guests, make sure to reserve your spot by emailing sdaevent@usc.edu. Don’t miss this chance to connect and learn about the vibrant SDA community! | ||
| 1-1:50 p.m. | USC Stand-Up Comedy Class | Dramatic Arts Building, Stop Gap Theatre (DAB) |
| Ready to flex your funny bone? Join Professor Judith Shelton’s popular Stand-Up Comedy session and dive into the world of writing and performing original comedy routines. This class is always a hit, so be sure to sign up early! Some family members will even get the chance to step up to the mic with their own material (don’t worry, participation is optional). Don’t miss out on this fun and engaging experience! | ||
| 2-2:50 p.m. | Experience the Magic: Professor Felten’s Enchanting Class for Kids and Adults | Dramatic Arts Building, Stop Gap Theatre (DAB) |
| Join Professor Mathew Felten’s for a magical adventure, showcasing one of the USC School of Dramatic Arts’ most popular classes. In this kid-friendly session, the history of magic comes alive with captivating performances of some of magic’s greatest hits: illusions, mentalism, vanishing coins, and card tricks. Don’t miss this enchanting event that’s sure to amaze and entertain! | ||
| 5-7 p.m. | Meet and Greet at the Sparks Center: Embracing Diversity at USC School of Dramatic Arts | Dramatic Arts Building, Sparks Center for DEI (DAB) |
| Join us for a family welcome reception at the new Sparks Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, part of the USC School of Dramatic Arts. This is the perfect opportunity to explore the Center, meet some of the School’s BIPOC faculty and staff, and discover the exciting upcoming projects. Don’t miss this chance to connect and celebrate diversity within our community! |
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Friday, September 27, 2024
| 8-10:15 a.m. | USC School of Dramatic Arts Dean Welcome & Industry Insider Panel | Queen’s Courtyard & Bing Theatre | |
| Join USC School of Dramatic Arts Dean Emily Roxworthy for a warm welcome to Trojan Family Weekend with light refreshments in the Queen’s Courtyard. Following the reception, the event will move to the Bing Theatre for an exciting panel featuring SDA alumni and industry insiders. Gain real-life insights and discover opportunities for students in the ever-changing artistic landscape. Don’t miss the chance to participate in a lively Q&A session with the panelists. This is a must-attend event for anyone passionate about the dramatic arts! | |||
| 11:30 a.m.-12:20 p.m. | Behind the Scenes: She Loves Me | Bing Theatre | |
| Join USC School of Dramatic Arts’ Production Manager, Tony Shayne, for an exclusive discussion with the stage management and design students involved in the production of She Loves Me. Get an insider’s view of the show’s design and production process and experience the creative journey through the eyes of the talented students working on it. This is a unique opportunity to peek behind the curtain and understand what it takes to bring a theatrical production to life. (Tickets for She Loves Me, directed by Jenni Barber, will be available for purchase.) | |||
| 12:30-1:20 p.m. | USC School of Dramatic Arts Professional Development and Academic Pathways: Elevate Your Journey | Dramatic Arts Building, Stop Gap Theatre (DAB) | |
| Discover how the USC School of Dramatic Arts’ Professional Development Center and other academic resources empower students to stay engaged and active in both their education and the theatrical community. This session will highlight the myriad opportunities available to students, including internships, community connections, and the development of multihyphenate skills. Learn why SDA is an exceptional place to explore diverse career options within the dramatic arts and find out how you can support your student’s success. Don’t miss this chance to see how SDA helps students take their passion to the next level! | |||
| 1:30-2:20 p.m. | Creative Play: Improv Skills for Success in Any Discipline | Dramatic Arts Building, Pollitt Rehearsal Hall (DAB) | |
| Did you know that SDA professors teach improv to students across the university, including those at the Rossier School of Education and the Viterbi School of Engineering? The valuable skills learned in these classes help students excel in any field they choose. Join us for a fun and engaging session where we’ll play games and use wordplay to get your creative juices flowing. Explore how the art of storytelling can come to life on stage, in the boardroom, or during a presentation. Led by Nick Massouh, a faculty member and alumnus of the USC School of Dramatic Arts with years of experience in improvisational theatre, this session will provide you with practical insights and techniques. Learn how to apply the principles of improvisation to your own endeavors and watch your creativity soar! | |||
| 2:30-3:20 p.m. | All About Acting Workshop | Dramatic Arts Building, Sanctuary Theatre (DAB) | |
| Step into the spotlight and experience the excitement of acting at our “All About Acting” workshop, designed exclusively for families of USC students. Led by our expert faculty, this hands-on session will have you exploring dynamic warm-ups, engaging movement techniques, and the art of character development. Discover the secrets behind compelling storytelling and bring scenes to life with your unique flair. Unleash your creativity, connect with fellow families, and experience the thrill of acting! | |||
| 3:20-4:20 p.m. | Celebrate 30 Years with USC School for Dramatic Arts: Theatre for Social Change Workshop | Dramatic Arts Building, Sanctuary Theatre (DAB) | |
| We are thrilled to celebrate 30 years of the USC School of Dramatic Arts as a hub for expressive and interactive dramatic art practices that create meaningful dialogue for social change. Join us for an enlightening workshop led by Brent Blair, Professor of Theatre Practice in Voice and Movement, and founder and Director of SDA’s Institute for Theatre & Social Change. In this workshop, families will engage in powerful interactive theatre techniques designed to promote social change and personal empowerment. You’ll have the opportunity to participate in exercises that foster dialogue and explore the dynamics of oppression and liberation through performance. This memorable session reflects on three decades of artistic excellence and community impact. Don’t miss this chance to be part of a legacy of change and creativity! | |||
| 4:30-5:20 p.m. | Drinks with the USC School of Dramatic Arts Dean | Dramatic Arts Building, Courtyard (DAB) | |
| Missed your chance to chat with Dean Emily Roxworthy of the USC School of Dramatic Arts during your visit? You’re in luck! Join us for a casual “Drinks with the Dean” in the Dramatic Arts Building Courtyard. Stop by to say hello, ask questions, or simply grab a drink and enjoy the beautiful new courtyard. We would love to hear your thoughts on the sessions and your overall experience. Don’t miss this relaxed opportunity to connect and share! | |||