Private school20.4K

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredNo AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

Virtual Only

Program profile

Highly Selective12-24 Students

Program

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredNo AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

Virtual Only

Program profile

Highly Selective12-24 Students

Browse programs

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

Program Recognition

Conservatory-style BFA with formal progression of classes

Professional faculty and staff supervision

Training

Students stage manage at least one production each academic year

Real-world experience through school's ambitious season of productions

Notable Alumni

Jamie Salinger '20 — stage management team for Kimberly Akimbo, The Lion King, and MJ: The Musical on Broadway

Alice M. Pollitt '15 — Assistant Stage Manager for Swept Away on Broadway

Jennifer Wheeler Kahn '04 — founded Scenery Bags, sustainable company repurposing theatre materials

Professional Development

First drama school with dedicated Professional Development Center

Location

Located in Los Angeles — major center for theatre, film, and television

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.86

Admit rate

10%

school-wide

Grad rate

92%

Enrollment

20.4K

Earnings

$92K

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 6d ago

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

Conservatory-style BFA with formal progression of classes

Professional faculty and staff supervision

Training

Students stage manage at least one production each academic year

Real-world experience through school's ambitious season of productions

Notable Alumni

Jamie Salinger '20 — stage management team for Kimberly Akimbo, The Lion King, and MJ: The Musical on Broadway

Alice M. Pollitt '15 — Assistant Stage Manager for Swept Away on Broadway

Jennifer Wheeler Kahn '04 — founded Scenery Bags, sustainable company repurposing theatre materials

Professional Development

First drama school with dedicated Professional Development Center

Location

Located in Los Angeles — major center for theatre, film, and television

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

Conservatory-style BFA with formal progression of classes

Professional faculty and staff supervision

Training

Students stage manage at least one production each academic year

Real-world experience through school's ambitious season of productions

Notable Alumni

Jamie Salinger '20 — stage management team for Kimberly Akimbo, The Lion King, and MJ: The Musical on Broadway

Alice M. Pollitt '15 — Assistant Stage Manager for Swept Away on Broadway

Jennifer Wheeler Kahn '04 — founded Scenery Bags, sustainable company repurposing theatre materials

Professional Development

First drama school with dedicated Professional Development Center

Location

Located in Los Angeles — major center for theatre, film, and television

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

$30

Deadline

Dec 1, 2026

Undergraduate · dramaticarts.usc.edu

Prescreen Requirements

Required Documents

Current headshot or photo

Resume (include all production activities — drama, dance, vocal performance)

LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION from drama teacher/coach

Portfolio (Max 15 Slides)

Extracts of your prompt book demonstrating organizational process

Sample blocking and calling script pages, paperwork, etc.

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 (1-2 Min)

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

No monologues, cover songs, or dancing

Not considered an audition piece

BFA · dramaticarts.usc.edu

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

Good to Know

• Application Logistics

Submit portfolio and materials via SlideRoom

SlideRoom supplemental goes live early September

Must complete Common Application for Regular Decision to see SDA majors

SDA majors only appear under Regular Decision

What's The Process

• Audition Expectations

Invited candidates contacted in mid-December with scheduling info

Portfolio review takes place via Zoom in January or February

Conversation with production faculty about submitted portfolio and career goals

Portfolio is a snapshot of your skillset as an artist

Not confined to theatre work — include concerts, fashion shows, fine art, graphic design, etc.

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

Avg GPA (W)

3.86

Admit rate

10%

school-wide

Grad rate

92%

Enrollment

20.4K

Earnings

$92K

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

Conservatory-style BFA with formal progression of classes

Professional faculty and staff supervision

Training

Students stage manage at least one production each academic year

Real-world experience through school's ambitious season of productions

Notable Alumni

Jamie Salinger '20 — stage management team for Kimberly Akimbo, The Lion King, and MJ: The Musical on Broadway

Alice M. Pollitt '15 — Assistant Stage Manager for Swept Away on Broadway

Jennifer Wheeler Kahn '04 — founded Scenery Bags, sustainable company repurposing theatre materials

Professional Development

First drama school with dedicated Professional Development Center

Location

Located in Los Angeles — major center for theatre, film, and television

Updated 6d ago