The USC School of Dramatic Arts is proud to announce that acclaimed actor, director and literacy advocate LeVar Burton will receive the prestigious Robert Redford Award for Engaged Artists at a special event celebrating three decades of the School’s commitment to using the transformative power of theatre to foster positive social change.
The Robert Redford Award recognizes artists who have demonstrated exceptional skill, innovation and a deep commitment to social responsibility through their craft. Named after the legendary actor and filmmaker Robert Redford, who received the inaugural award in 2010, it celebrates individuals who inspire positive change and empower communities through art.
LeVar Burton, an alumnus of the USC School of Dramatic Arts (SDA), has leveraged his incredible talent and training to become an icon cherished by generations. He has ignited a passion for reading in children across the globe and has fostered a love for literature that transcends socio-economic barriers. Through his groundbreaking work spanning five decades, he has consistently demonstrated the ability of storytellers to transform lives and promote understanding across cultural divides.
“LeVar Burton exemplifies the spirit of the Robert Redford Award through his lifelong dedication to storytelling that enlightens, educates and inspires change,” said Emily Roxworthy, dean of the USC School of Dramatic Arts. “His work has not only entertained but has actively shaped conversations about literacy, representation and social justice in America. We are thrilled to honor him with this award.”
The presentation of the Redford Award coincides with the 30th anniversary of the USC School of Dramatic Arts’ efforts to use theatre as a powerful tool to address pressing social issues and empower its students to be voices for change.
Reflecting on this honor, Burton shared: “Theatre has always been a powerful tool for change—one that allows us to see ourselves and others more clearly. To be recognized by my alma mater for work that aligns with these values is deeply humbling. I am grateful to the USC School of Dramatic Arts for this honor and for continuing to champion the arts as a force for good.”
The award presentation will be part of a larger celebration marking 30 years of the USC School of Dramatic Arts’ efforts to use theatre as a powerful tool to address pressing social issues and empower its students to be voices for change. The event will showcase the School’s legacy (through its faculty, students and alumni) of using dramatic arts as a vehicle for social transformation and community engagement.
The celebration will take place on March 12 at 6 p.m. at the Bing Theatre on USC’s University Park Campus. To reserve tickets, please visit https://bit.ly/SDAImpact.
About the USC School of Dramatic Arts
The USC School of Dramatic Arts (SDA), led by Dean Emily Roxworthy, is consistently one of the top-rated drama schools in the country. It is committed to nurturing the talents of artist-scholars who are driven to imagine and shape the future of the entertainment industry. Through its interdisciplinary and entrepreneurial approach to education, SDA provides students with exposure to diverse styles and mediums, equipping them with the skills and mindset needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape. SDA is the first drama school in the U.S. with a dedicated Professional Development Center, which provides support to students and recent graduates in achieving their career goals. SDA also offers unparalleled production opportunities for students with faculty who are working professionals from the stage and screen, and a legacy of alumni who have made their mark on every medium and platform.
About LeVar Burton
LeVar Burton launched his acting career while still a student at the University of Southern California. At 19, he found himself on the cover of Time Magazine after landing the groundbreaking role of Kunta Kinte in the landmark television series Roots. A seemingly impossible act to follow, Burton achieved further global acclaim as Chief Engineer Geordi La Forge in the iconic Star Trek: The Next Generation television series – a role he reprised in Star Trek: Picard in 2023. However, it has been his role as host and executive producer of the beloved PBS children’s series Reading Rainbow, of which he is most proud. Airing from 1983 to 2009, it was not only one of the longest-running children’s television shows in history but also one of the most acclaimed, earning over 200 awards, including multiple Emmys and a Peabody.
As the honored recipient of six NAACP Awards, a Peabody, a Grammy, and 14 Emmys, including a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Inaugural Children’s & Family Emmys, Burton has demonstrated that he can do it all. In 2024, LeVar was awarded the National Humanities Medal by the National Endowment of the Humanities, at a ceremony in the Oval Office bestowed by President Biden. Honored for his contributions to literacy in America, LeVar continues his focus on the importance of literature and storytelling in our everyday lives and is a staunch advocate against the banning of books.
With over 4 million social media followers, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and a dedicated park in his hometown of Sacramento, this pop culture icon has the unique ability to reach across all ages, ethnicities, and socioeconomic groups – communicating to a large fan base that is highly engaged and motivated to embrace his message.