All Programs
>

overview
Curriculum
BA vs. BFA
Professional Development
IN LOS ANGELES
APPLICATION OVERVIEW
Overview
The BFA in Acting for Stage and Screen connects the foundation of classical theatre with innovative training for the contemporary performing artist in the digital landscape — including on-camera techniques, voice over and much more. An emphasis on professional development and networking culminates this groundbreaking degree offering in the heart of Hollywood, envisioned to be the standard-bearer for the next generation of acting programs.
Featured Faculty
Work with a faculty of accomplished professionals with extensive experience in theatre, film and television.

Michele Shay
Professor of Theatre Practice in Acting
Chair of Performance

Anita Dashiell-Sparks
Burns Distinguished Professor
Professor of Theatre Practice in Acting
Associate Dean of Community & Culture
Vice Chair of Performance

Stephanie Shroyer
Professor of Theatre Practice in Acting

Laura Flanagan
Associate Professor of Theatre Practice in Acting

Zachary Steel
Associate Professor of Theatre Practice
Director of Comedy

Kirstin Eggers
Assistant Professor of Theatre Practice in Comedy Performance
Curriculum
In addition to a thorough acting curriculum, all candidates for the BFA degree must complete a series of general education courses required by the university. The USC Core and General Education Program has been designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to be informed citizens of the 21st century, who understand its challenges and participate in the debates of their time. It requires eight courses in six Core Literacies, plus two courses in Global Perspectives (which may double-count with courses in the Core Literacies) and two courses in writing.
For complete curriculum requirements, please visit the USC Catalogue.
Year One
THTR 125 Text Studies for Production (4 units)
THTR 115a Movement I (4 units)
THTR 120a Acting (4 units)
General Education Seminar 120-161 (4 units)
Elective (2 units) optional
THTR 225 Theatre Across History & Cultures (4 units)
THTR 120b Acting I (4 units)
THTR 140b Voice I (4 units)
Writing 150 (4 units)
Elective (2 units) optional
Year Two
THTR List A Critical Studies (4 units)
THTR 130 Introduction to Theatrical Production (2 units)
THTR 214a The Actor’s Instrument: Voice & Body I (4 units)
THTR 220a Acting II (4 units)
General Education (4 units)
THTR List A or B Critical Studies (4 units)
THTR 214b The Actor’s Instrument: Voice & Body II (4 units)
THTR 220b Acting II (4 units)
THTR 397 Theatre Practicum (2 units)
General Education (4 units)
Year Three
THTR 320a Intermediate Acting II (4 units)
THTR 339a The Actor’s Instrument: Voice & Body II (4 units)
THTR 397 Theatre Practicum (2 units)
General Elective (4 units)
Writing 340 (4 units)
THTR 320b Intermediate Acting III (4 units)
THTR 339b The Actor’s Instrument: Voice & Body II (4 units)
THTR 397 Theatre Practicum (2 units)
THTR 480a Performance for Camera (2 units)
General Education (4 units)
Elective (2 units)
Year Four
THTR 420 Senior Project (4 units)
THTR 497 Theatre Practicum (2 units)
THTR Elective (4 units)
General Education (4 units)
General Education (4 units)
THTR Elective (4 units)
THTR 427 Audition Technique for Film, TV & New Media (2 units)
THTR 457 Film Acting Practicum (4 units)
THTR 471 Industry Landscape (4 units)
Elective (4 units)
BA vs. BFA?
Not sure which program is right for you? Compare details below!
(BA) Bachelor of Arts
- A broad-based approach to dramatic arts training that allows the student to experience a core curriculum, but gives them the flexibility to choose their own journey, and allow for the selection of an emphasis to further focus their studies.
- Allows for the possibility of a double major or a minor as well as study-abroad opportunities.
- Mainstage production performance opportunities (by audition for actors, by assignment for design emphasis students).
(BFA) Bachelor of Fine Arts
- Conservatory-style programs built with a formal progression of classes and limited to a specific cohort of students.
- More focused curricular studies within the School of Dramatic Arts.
- Mainstage production performance opportunities (by audition for actors, by assignment for production and design students); cohort-based second stage performance opportunities for BFA acting and musical theatre classes.
Undergraduate Application Process

The Office of Admissions & Student Services of the USC School of Dramatic Arts looks forward to assisting you. If we can be of service to you in any step of this process, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 213-740-1286 or sdainfo@usc.edu.
Professional Development
We break the mold on career preparation by being the first drama school with a dedicated professional development center, a one-of-a-kind support office devoted to supporting our students and recent graduates as they establish successful careers as performers, creators and cultural innovators. Additionally, a wide range of distinguished talents and industry leaders of the stage, screen and digital media lead professional development sessions, lectures and master classes.

Alumni Spotlight

Alumni Spotlight
“I got my representation, managers and agents right out of the acting showcase at USC and I got my SAG card before the end of that year. About one year out of school, I booked the guest star on HBO’s True Blood which turned into a regular.”
Deborah Ann Woll
BFA Acting, Class of 2007
In the Heart of Los Angeles
As a major center of American theatre and, of course, a world center for film and television production, the city is home to an unmatched community of artists upon which the School draws for its faculty and guest artists. By working with professionals, our students receive practical insights into their art and the crucial experience of performing in “real world” conditions. They also make professional contacts that are critical for starting a career.

Related Programs
Learn More
Contact Us
To reach the Office of Admissions & Student Services, you may call us at 213-740-1286 or email us at sdainfo@usc.edu.