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University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA

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Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Program profile

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Program profile

Study Abroad

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BA Dramatic Arts

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Program profile

Study Abroad

Program Recognition

Blends conservatory training with major research university experience

Close-knit, supportive environment for artistic exploration

Emphases available: Acting, Comedy, Design, Musical Theatre, Directing

Training

Access to USC's vast liberal arts curriculum alongside dramatic arts coursework

Students participate in School of Dramatic Arts productions and showcases

Notable Alumni

Swoosie Kurtz — Tony and Emmy Award-winning actress (The House of Blue Leaves)

Charl Brown '01 — Tony-nominated for Motown: The Musical (Smokey Robinson)

Location

Top-ranked USC School of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles, city synonymous with artistic innovation

School Info

Snapshot

3.86

Avg GPA (W)

10%

Admit Rate

school-wide

92%

Grad Rate

20.4K

Enrollment

$92K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

Tuition & Fees

$77,336

Before aid

Cost of Attendance

$103,162

Before aid

Average Net Price

$32,740

After aid

Cost Of Attendance · financialaid.usc.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated Aug 23, 9:11 PM

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

Blends conservatory training with major research university experience

Close-knit, supportive environment for artistic exploration

Emphases available: Acting, Comedy, Design, Musical Theatre, Directing

Training

Access to USC's vast liberal arts curriculum alongside dramatic arts coursework

Students participate in School of Dramatic Arts productions and showcases

Notable Alumni

Swoosie Kurtz — Tony and Emmy Award-winning actress (The House of Blue Leaves)

Charl Brown '01 — Tony-nominated for Motown: The Musical (Smokey Robinson)

Location

Top-ranked USC School of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles, city synonymous with artistic innovation

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

Blends conservatory training with major research university experience

Close-knit, supportive environment for artistic exploration

Emphases available: Acting, Comedy, Design, Musical Theatre, Directing

Training

Access to USC's vast liberal arts curriculum alongside dramatic arts coursework

Students participate in School of Dramatic Arts productions and showcases

Notable Alumni

Swoosie Kurtz — Tony and Emmy Award-winning actress (The House of Blue Leaves)

Charl Brown '01 — Tony-nominated for Motown: The Musical (Smokey Robinson)

Location

Top-ranked USC School of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles, city synonymous with artistic innovation

Key Info

Enrollment Term

Fall 2027

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App

Fee

$85

Deadline

Regular DecisionDec 1, 2026

First Year Students · admission.usc.edu

Program AppApplication

Apply

SlideRoom

Fee

$20

Deadline

PriorityDec 1, 2026

First-Year FinalJan 10, 2027

Transfer FinalFeb 15, 2027

Undergraduate · dramaticarts.usc.edu

Submission Requirements

Required Documents

Current headshot or photo

Resume (performance activities including drama, dance, vocal)

LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION from drama teacher/coach

Video Essays (90 Sec Each)

Essay #1: "What strengths will help you thrive in this next chapter, and what personal challenges might inhibit you from growing into the person you want to become?"

Essay #2: "What excites you the most about pursuing your training at the USC School of Dramatic Arts?"

'The Real Me' Video (90 Sec)

Showcase your personality — blank canvas to creatively show your unique self

No monologues, cover songs, or dancing

Not considered an audition piece

Ba · dramaticarts.usc.edu

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

Good to Know

• Application Logistics

Submit BA supplemental materials via SlideRoom

SlideRoom supplemental goes live early September

Complete the Common Application for Regular Decision to see SDA majors

Select BA in Dramatic Arts in the USC School of Dramatic Arts major list

Important Notes

If you also listed a BFA major, only submit the BFA SlideRoom application

Emphases (Acting, Comedy, Design, Musical Theatre, Directing) are selected after enrollment, not at application time

What's The Process

• Audition Process

No audition or prescreen required

Admission based on SlideRoom supplemental materials + university application

Scholarship Info

Departmental Scholarships

SDA offers merit and need-based scholarships during the admissions process

More than a dozen named scholarships funded by individual donors, corporations, and foundations

Allocated by the admissions team — no separate scholarship application required

Faculty-Nominated Awards

Available after completing at least one year as a dramatic arts major

Includes Jack Nicholson Award, James and Nony Doolittle Awards, John Ritter Memorial Award, and more

Selected by the Dean and faculty committee based on merit and talent

School Info

Snapshot

3.86

Avg GPA (W)

10%

Admit Rate

school-wide

92%

Grad Rate

20.4K

Enrollment

$92K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

Tuition & Fees

$77,336

Before aid

Cost of Attendance

$103,162

Before aid

Average Net Price

$32,740

After aid

Cost Of Attendance · financialaid.usc.edu College Scorecard

Program Recognition

Blends conservatory training with major research university experience

Close-knit, supportive environment for artistic exploration

Emphases available: Acting, Comedy, Design, Musical Theatre, Directing

Training

Access to USC's vast liberal arts curriculum alongside dramatic arts coursework

Students participate in School of Dramatic Arts productions and showcases

Notable Alumni

Swoosie Kurtz — Tony and Emmy Award-winning actress (The House of Blue Leaves)

Charl Brown '01 — Tony-nominated for Motown: The Musical (Smokey Robinson)

Location

Top-ranked USC School of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles, city synonymous with artistic innovation

Updated Aug 23, 9:11 PM