University of Southern California
Test-OptionalGreek Life
Program
Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewIn-Person or VirtualHighly Selective12-24 StudentsUniversity App Required
Program Characteristics
Prescreen Required
Audition Required
No Interview
Highly Selective
12-24 Students
University App Required
Program Highlights
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
•Top-ranked USC School of Dramatic Arts
•Conservatory environment within major research university
•Close-knit, supportive community with small cohort sizes
TRAINING & OPPORTUNITIES
•Triple-threat training in acting, singing, and dance
•Access to professional experience initiatives and industry showcases
•First drama school with dedicated Professional Development Center
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Charl Brown '01 — Tony-nominated for Motown: The Musical (Smokey Robinson)
•Stark Sands '01 — Tony-nominated lead in Kinky Boots
•Randy Johnson '82 — playwright/director of Tony-nominated A Night with Janis Joplin
LOCATION
•Located in Los Angeles — direct pipeline to Broadway and film/TV industry
Key Info
Prescreen Requirements
Songs
TWO SONGS
•32 bar cuts, but not exceeding 60 seconds, memorized, with slate.
•From musical theatre repertoire that contrast in style and decade.
•One 32-bar cut from published musical theatre canon (Rodgers & Hammerstein, Sondheim, Bernstein, etc.).
•Second 32-bar cut may be from musical theatre canon or published contemporary piece from any genre (Schwartz, Larson, Jason Robert Brown, etc.).
•Choose songs that fit comfortably within your vocal range.
•Each cut should have emotional arch with clear objective.
Monologues
TWO MONOLOGUES
•One classical monologue (written before 1900)
•One contemporary monologue (written after 1900)
•Each piece no longer than 90 seconds with slate.
•Must be memorized and performed in context of entire play.
•Both from published plays.
•Characters suitable to natural age range (not limited to personal gender identity).
•No accents or dialects - use natural voice.
Dance
TWO SEPARATELY FILMED DANCES, 60 sec each
•One video should demonstrate technique, strength, flexibility, accuracy
•Other video should demonstrate artistry, musicality, individual movement quality
•Only feature the applicant
•Choose two different styles from: ballet, jazz, contemporary, tap, hip hop, ballroom, freestyle, traditional dance, or musical theatre choreography
Additional Materials
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?"
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
Good to Know
APPLICATION PORTAL
•Submit audition materials via SlideRoom
•SlideRoom supplemental goes live early September
COMMON APP
•Must list BFA Musical Theatre 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
What's The Process
PRESCREEN
•Prescreen decisions communicated mid-January via email
•Upload monologues, songs, and dance videos via SlideRoom
CALLBACK WEEKEND
•Invited applicants attend Callback Weekend in mid-February
•Virtual option available for invitees unable to attend in person
ACCOMPANIMENT
•When possible, work with a skilled accompanist for songs
•Digital tracks are also acceptable
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
Program info updated Mar 23, 11:43 PM
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
•Top-ranked USC School of Dramatic Arts
•Conservatory environment within major research university
•Close-knit, supportive community with small cohort sizes
TRAINING & OPPORTUNITIES
•Triple-threat training in acting, singing, and dance
•Access to professional experience initiatives and industry showcases
•First drama school with dedicated Professional Development Center
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Charl Brown '01 — Tony-nominated for Motown: The Musical (Smokey Robinson)
•Stark Sands '01 — Tony-nominated lead in Kinky Boots
•Randy Johnson '82 — playwright/director of Tony-nominated A Night with Janis Joplin
LOCATION
•Located in Los Angeles — direct pipeline to Broadway and film/TV industry
Updated Mar 23, 11:43 PM
Academic School Information
3.86
Avg GPA (W)
10%
Admit Rate
92%
Grad Rate
20,443
Enrollment
$92,498
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$72,097
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$32,740
after typical aid
Average annual cost is often lower than tuition because it accounts for grants and scholarships most students receive. It includes tuition, room & board, books, and supplies.
Family Income $0 - $30k$13,516
Family Income $30k - $48k$14,394
Family Income $48k - $75k$19,539
Family Income $75k - $110k$24,976
Family Income $110k+$56,116
