Spotlight@SDA is an event series at the USC School of Dramatic Arts that brings some of the industry’s most influential artists to share their advice, perspective and experience with our students through informal Q&A sessions, workshops and master classes.
Spotlight@SDA
Recent Spotlight@SDA Events
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
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 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
Blankenbuehler’s virtual master class from his room, where it happens
The Broadway choreographer teaches subtle musical theatre moves via Zoom
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Ali Stroker talks overcoming obstacles
Tony winner visits campus and tells her inspiring career story, encouraging all to use limitations to their advantage.
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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.
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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
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
Joe Mantello talks ‘Wicked,’ acting and more
Award-winning director visits SDA for guest artist series.
Spotlight@SDA
Reflecting beyond ‘Star Wars’
Mark Hamill offers wisdom to students at the School of Dramatic Arts series.
Spotlight@SDA
Kevin Kline inaugurates first Spotlight@SDA in New York
The multi-talented actor was interviewed by SDA faculty member Kate Burton at the event for students, alumni and parents.
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Theatre critic Hilton Als on writing, performance and the challenge of creation
The Pulitzer Prize-winning, genre-defying writer shared wisdom to students in a master class and standing room only event.
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The unlimited world of a groundbreaking actress
Shohreh Aghdashloo discusses her award-winning career for students of USC’s Schools of Dramatic and Cinematic Arts.
Spotlight@SDA
Advice from one of your ‘Friends’
Lisa Kudrow shares career highs and lows with USC dramatic arts students.
Spotlight@SDA
Margaret Cho shares stories with stand-up students
The comedian discusses her own experiences as a beginner in San Francisco.
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Broadway stage manager C. Randall White on shows, employable skills and social media
Recent Spotlight@SDA guest artist discusses his career and work on hugely technical shows like Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark.
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From $75 a week to an Academy Award nomination
Prolific producer, alumnus Todd Black reminds students it takes a lifetime of hard work and study to find success in the craft.
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Nancy Cartwright (Bart Simpson’s voice) shares tips of the trade
Students share the afternoon with one of the entertainment industry’s most prolific voice-over actors.
The Simpsons
How Jay Duplass found his way
The writer, director, producer and actor held nothing back when talking to USC students.
Spotlight@SDA
Suzan-Lori Parks speaks at Town and Gown
The Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright shared an evening discussing her work during Trojan Family Weekend.
Spotlight@SDA
Simon Helberg shares wit and wisdom
The accomplished actor started the 2016-17 Spotlight@SDA series with a bang.
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Aspiring comedians learn from a master
Actor and comedian Zach Galifianakis visited the USC School of Dramatic Arts’ first-ever stand-up comedy class.
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August Wilson’s Endless Possibilities
The Spotlight@SDA event brought Wilson expert Michele Shay to campus for weekend intensive.
modern master
Blair Underwood advises students to forge their own path
Spotlight@SDA actor discusses how he stays hungry as an artist and what has influenced him most.
‘disrupt expectations’
Better call Vince
The recent Spotlight@SDA event brought the award-winning creator of AMC’s ‘Better Call Saul’ and ‘Breaking Bad’ to the Bing Theatre.
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Academy Award nominee Bryan Cranston charms SDA
The actor shared advice and humor during the Spotlight@SDA event.
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Veteran actor Dakin Matthews shares wisdom
The Spotlight@SDA masterclass focused on Restoration comedies and career advice.
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Award-winning artist Tony Shalhoub kicks off first official SDA-SCA mixer
The Spotlight@SDA event brought together students from both the School of Dramatic Arts and Cinematic Arts.
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‘Transparent’ star Alexandra Billings encourages students to ‘use your voice’
Transgender advocate and actor shares her story at the Diversity and Inclusion Summit.
power of dialogue
Celebrated playwright urges students to finish what they start
Pulitzer Prize-winning Playwright Robert Schenkkan expresses affection for his profession, offering insight to inspiration, characters and diversity in the theatre
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