Private school20.4K

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA

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Program

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Ultra-Selective12-24 StudentsTransfer In Friendly

Program

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Ultra-Selective12-24 StudentsTransfer In Friendly

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BFA Acting for Stage & Screen

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Ultra-Selective12-24 StudentsTransfer In Friendly

Quick Links

BFA Musical Theatre

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Highly Selective12-24 StudentsTransfer In Friendly

Quick Links

MFA Acting

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewNo University App

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Ultra-SelectiveUnder 12 StudentsStudy Abroad

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BA Dramatic Arts

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Program profile

25-40 StudentsStudy Abroad

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BFA Dance

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

Quick Links

Dance Minors

Choreography for Stage and Screen Minor

School WebsiteSchool Website

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Dance Minors

Dance in Entertainment Minor

School WebsiteSchool Website

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Dance Minors

Dance Minor

School WebsiteSchool Website

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Dance Minors

Hip-Hop, Street and Social Dance Forms Minor

School WebsiteSchool Website

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BFA Theatrical Design

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredNo AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

Virtual Only

Program profile

Selective12-24 Students

Quick Links

BFA Sound Design

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredNo AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

Virtual Only

Program profile

Selective12-24 Students

Quick Links

BFA Stage Management

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredNo AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

Virtual Only

Program profile

Highly Selective12-24 Students

Quick Links

BFA Acting for Stage & Screen

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Ultra-Selective12-24 StudentsTransfer In Friendly

Quick Links

BM Popular Music

Songwriting Emphasis

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program Recognition

•Class size: ~18 students per year (4-6% acceptance rate)

•Conservatory-style BFA connecting classical theatre with on-camera, voice-over, and digital media

•Formal progression of classes in a limited BFA cohort

Training

•Mainstage production opportunities starting sophomore year

•Cohort-based second stage performance opportunities for BFA acting and musical theatre classes

•First drama school with dedicated Professional Development Center

Notable Alumni

•Forest Whitaker — Academy Award-winning actor (The Last King of Scotland)

•John Ritter — beloved Emmy-nominated actor (Three's Company)

•LeVar Burton — actor and television host (Star Trek: TNG, Reading Rainbow)

•Patrick J. Adams — SAG Award-nominated lead of Suits

Location

•Located in heart of Hollywood — direct access to film/TV industry

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

Official source College Scorecard

Program info updated 23h ago

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

•Class size: ~18 students per year (4-6% acceptance rate)

•Conservatory-style BFA connecting classical theatre with on-camera, voice-over, and digital media

•Formal progression of classes in a limited BFA cohort

Training

•Mainstage production opportunities starting sophomore year

•Cohort-based second stage performance opportunities for BFA acting and musical theatre classes

•First drama school with dedicated Professional Development Center

Notable Alumni

•Forest Whitaker — Academy Award-winning actor (The Last King of Scotland)

•John Ritter — beloved Emmy-nominated actor (Three's Company)

•LeVar Burton — actor and television host (Star Trek: TNG, Reading Rainbow)

•Patrick J. Adams — SAG Award-nominated lead of Suits

Location

•Located in heart of Hollywood — direct access to film/TV industry

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

•Class size: ~18 students per year (4-6% acceptance rate)

•Conservatory-style BFA connecting classical theatre with on-camera, voice-over, and digital media

•Formal progression of classes in a limited BFA cohort

Training

•Mainstage production opportunities starting sophomore year

•Cohort-based second stage performance opportunities for BFA acting and musical theatre classes

•First drama school with dedicated Professional Development Center

Notable Alumni

•Forest Whitaker — Academy Award-winning actor (The Last King of Scotland)

•John Ritter — beloved Emmy-nominated actor (Three's Company)

•LeVar Burton — actor and television host (Star Trek: TNG, Reading Rainbow)

•Patrick J. Adams — SAG Award-nominated lead of Suits

Location

•Located in heart of Hollywood — direct access to film/TV industry

Key Info

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App

Fee

$85Waiver

Deadline

Regular DecisionDec 1, 2025

Program AppApplication

Apply

SlideRoom

Fee

$40

Deadline

Dec 1, 2025

Prescreen Requirements

Monologues

Requirements

•Two MONOLOGUES, max 90 seconds each

-One classical (written before 1900)

-One contemporary (written after 1900)

Preparation

•Memorized and performed in context of entire play

•Age-appropriate characters from published plays

•Choose material that resonates with you and provides insight about you

•Not limited to characters matching your gender identity

Additional Materials

Required Documents

•Current HEADSHOT or photo

•RESUME (all performance activities: 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?"

Who Are You? 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

Official Source

Good to Know

Application Logistics

•Submit audition materials via SlideRoom

•SlideRoom supplemental goes live early September

•Must list BFA Acting as first-choice major

•Add BA Dramatic Arts as second-choice for backup consideration

•SDA majors only appear under Regular Decision

Eligibility

•If you list both BFA and BA on Common App, only submit the BFA SlideRoom application

Transfer Pathway

USC School of Dramatic Arts has a dedicated transfer applicant page. The policy separates BA and BFA timelines: BA transfer applicants use the transfer route, while BFA Acting for Stage and Screen, Musical Theatre, Theatrical Design, Stage Management, Sound Design, and Technical Direction applicants follow the first-year BFA instructions and deadline. Acting and musical theatre applicants should expect SlideRoom materials, auditions, and callbacks.

Official Source

What's The Process

Audition Process

•Prescreen decisions emailed mid-January

•Upload two filmed monologues via SlideRoom

•Invited applicants attend Callback Weekend in mid-February

•Virtual option available for invitees unable to attend in person

Decisions

•Final decisions made by USC Office of Admissions considering audition + academics + extracurriculars

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

Official source College Scorecard

Program Recognition

•Class size: ~18 students per year (4-6% acceptance rate)

•Conservatory-style BFA connecting classical theatre with on-camera, voice-over, and digital media

•Formal progression of classes in a limited BFA cohort

Training

•Mainstage production opportunities starting sophomore year

•Cohort-based second stage performance opportunities for BFA acting and musical theatre classes

•First drama school with dedicated Professional Development Center

Notable Alumni

•Forest Whitaker — Academy Award-winning actor (The Last King of Scotland)

•John Ritter — beloved Emmy-nominated actor (Three's Company)

•LeVar Burton — actor and television host (Star Trek: TNG, Reading Rainbow)

•Patrick J. Adams — SAG Award-nominated lead of Suits

Location

•Located in heart of Hollywood — direct access to film/TV industry

Updated 23h ago