Photo Courtesy Matt Dean.
In our new Student Q&A series, we showcase Matt Dean, a BFA Musical Theatre senior who demonstrates that dedication to training and professional excellence can coexist. From performing in LA Opera’s West Side Story to building a strong foundation across acting, voice, and movement, Dean has embraced every opportunity the USC School of Dramatic Arts (SDA) offers. Here, he discusses balancing professional work with academic commitments, the importance of initiative in training, and how Los Angeles has shaped his artistic journey.
Why did you choose your program?
Dean:I chose USC’s BFA Musical Theatre program for its well-rounded approach to artistic training and academics. The access to brilliant faculty, the range of techniques offered, and the encouragement to explore multiple disciplines gave me the freedom to discover what best supports my growth as a complete artist.
What is your favorite SDA class so far, and why?
My favorite classes have been my private voice lessons and the full progression of acting training throughout my time at USC. It’s hard to isolate a single class because what has been most meaningful is how each course built on the last. Together, they’ve created a strong foundation and a deep confidence in my process; no matter the show, role, or style.
What is something you wish you had known when you started at SDA?
I’d tell my younger self that the resources here are only as impactful as the initiative you bring to them. SDA offers incredible opportunities to learn, evolve, and perform. You get out what you put in, and the more curiosity and commitment you bring, the more the program gives back.
What’s the best advice you’ve received so far?
The quote that has stayed with me the most is something my teacher Hugh O’Gorman shared: “Love the art in yourself, not yourself in the art.” – Stanislavsky. It grounds me in humility, curiosity, and the joy of process over perfection.
Have any professors been particularly impactful on your professional journey?
Yes! So many. Hugh O’Gorman and Laura Flanagan have been integral in shaping my acting process. Melissa Treinkman and Jared Gertner have been deeply influential in my vocal and performance-through-song development. Each of them has expanded the way I work and understand myself as an artist.
What is your fondest SDA memory?
It’s hard to choose just one, but my fondest memories come from the productions I’ve been a part of—whether performing, choreographing, or when I worked backstage for the first time. Being in the room creating alongside my classmates and SDA faculty has been the most meaningful part of my experience here.
You just worked professionally in the LA Opera’s highly anticipated production of West Side Story. Can you tell us a little about that experience and how you managed to balance your professional commitment with your academic and artistic pursuits at SDA?
Balancing West Side Story with my academic and artistic responsibilities was challenging, but it was the most rewarding challenge I’ve taken on. My professors were incredibly supportive throughout the process, which made the balance possible. I’ve learned how to be extremely efficient with my time; juggling assignments, rehearsals, classes, and, most importantly, rest. This experience taught me that sustainable high-level performance requires intentional recovery. To perform at my best in every arena, my free time becomes the priority. Whether that means focused preparation, active rest, or sometimes blending both at once.
Has being in Los Angeles affected your training and the opportunities you’ve had?
Absolutely. Being in LA has given me access to both the film/television world and the live theatre community. With how interconnected auditioning has become through technology, you can submit from anywhere, but being here has allowed me to take advantage of the proximity. Many LA initial auditions have led to callbacks or finals in New York. The blend of opportunities in this city has expanded my understanding of the industry and where I fit within it.
Are there any classes you would recommend for students who are interested in musical theatre?
For Musical Theatre students, I strongly recommend taking classes that help you seamlessly integrate scene work into song with truthful storytelling. Script and score analysis classes are incredibly valuable for understanding how to make that transition feel organic and grounded. I’d also recommend dancing consistently. Movement training deepens your relationship to music and storytelling, and pairing that with strong acting-into-song work helps create a fully embodied, versatile performer.