Nothing can replace the magic of live theatre: the intimate connection between performers and an audience, the thrill that anything is possible and the ephemerality of a live performance are all part of the appeal. But for those who can’t attend in person, the USC School of Dramatic Arts (SDA) offers streamed performances of select productions, bringing the remarkable work of artist-scholars to a streaming platform that can be watched around the globe.
What started as a Covid-era necessity has evolved into an opportunity for students to learn media skills and a platform to expand the reach and visibility of their designs and performances.
“The whole essence of our art form, by its nature, is communal and collaborative,” said Professor Anita Dashiell-Sparks, Vice Chair of Performance. “Having an opportunity for family members and community members from all across the globe to tune in and experience the work is exciting.”
While not all productions can be streamed—obtaining permission to stream a performance ultimately depends on a work’s rights holder—productions that have included streamed performances have been a great option for those unable to attend in person. They also increase the visibility of student work beyond Los Angeles audiences. For a recent streamed performance of Pippin, SDA hosted an industry night in New York to introduce agents and managers to the work of the School’s talented students.
“It makes our students’ work more accessible to the industry,” said Professor Dashiell-Sparks. “Supporters and advocates for our students—industry professionals, donors and community partners—if they’re not able to attend our Industry Night performances, can view the work through streaming. It allows them to engage with and experience our students’ work in a way that wasn’t possible before.”
The streamed performances have been made possible by a collaboration between SDA and the USC School of Cinematic Arts (SCA), which has supported numerous streamed performances and provided opportunities for dramatic arts and cinema students to work together. “This collaboration brings in students with skills and experience we can really use. SCA provides student directors who call and cut the show, plus crew from Trojan Vision [the campus television station] who help out as camera ops and technical directors,” said SDA’s Video & Streaming Manager Joe Shea. “There’s a lot of potential to build on what we’ve started with this collaboration.”
A hands-on learning experience
Streamed performances not only expand the reach of SDA’s productions; they also offer an incredible learning opportunity for students interested in the nexus between film and live theatre.
“One of the main benefits is that it’s another learning opportunity and medium for theatre,” Shea explains. “It’s very hands-on learning.”
Shea relishes his role as a mentor to the students and enjoys teaching them how to navigate the unique challenges that come with recording a live theatrical performance. With this medium there are no second chances or re-dos. So, it’s important to feel prepared to handle anything that can come up during a performance.
“It’s not like you can say, ‘Stop, let me come and take a look at [the footage],’” Shea laughed. “You have to really be in the moment.”
Streamed performances help the breadth of SDA’s students build new skills and apply lessons from their classes – a little differently.
“A core part of our curriculum is helping students to be media-agile and facile,” said Professor Dashiell-Sparks. “It’s interesting to see how those fundamental skills translate when you’re working in on-camera or digital media spaces.”
This semester, three mainstage productions include scheduled streaming performances. Troilus & Cressida can be streamed February 27 to March 2; Blue Stockings will stream from April 3 to 6; and the musical Something Rotten! will stream April 17 to 20.
For Professor Dashiell-Sparks, streamed performances are one more way that the School is creating opportunities for the students. “Our stories are the things that connect us,” she said. “I see the streaming performances as another way to connect and build community.”