Summer ProgramsHigh School Summer Conservatory

Photo of students participating in the High School Summer Programs

June 16-July 11, 2025

The four-week pre-college immersion programs at the USC School of Dramatic Arts offer high school students the opportunities to work with theatre professionals and explore a creative experience in the dramatic arts.

Highlights:

  • Students may live on campus or commute daily
  • Field trips to see professional theatre in Los Angeles
  • College credit offered: 3 units of USC elective credit
  • Classes culminate in a workshop performance

Detailed information, deadlines and instructions on how to apply can be found on the Summer@USC website.

Courses

Acting Intensive
A conservatory-style training course that challenges students and offers a strong foundation in the craft of acting. Taught by the School’s world-class faculty, the program emphasizes process and includes scene study, movement, voice, as well as on-camera acting workshops and a monologue audition master class. The four-week class culminates in a public workshop performance for family and friends.
Faculty Lead: Zachary Steel

Comedy Performance
More and more television shows and movies are populated by well-trained improv and sketch comedians. Study with USC’s distinguished comedy team in improvisation, stand-up comedy, sketch writing, as well as physical comedy and industry-focused master classes. Plus, specialty workshops in acting for commercials and voice over in our state-of-the-art studio. Four weeks of training culminates in a public performance for family and friends.
Faculty Lead: Kirstin Eggers

Musical Theatre
Immerse yourself in music, movement (or dance) and play in this intensive, conservatory-style course that celebrates your unique self through musical theatre. During movement classes, you will be exposed to different styles of dance that will enhance your ability to tell a story physically. In vocal performance classes, you will learn how to act the song and feel the music. Meanwhile, acting classes will be devoted to your personal connection to character and text and the basic principles of acting. Please note: Admission to the Musical Theatre course is by audition — please see the website for more information. 
Faculty Lead: Anthony Lucca