University of Southern California
Test-OptionalGreek Life
Program
Prescreen RequiredNo AuditionInterview RequiredVirtual OnlyHighly Selective12-24 StudentsUniversity App Required
Program Characteristics
Prescreen Required
No Audition
Interview Required
Highly Selective
12-24 Students
University App Required
Program Highlights
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
•Conservatory-style BFA with formal progression of classes
•Professional faculty and staff supervision
TRAINING & OPPORTUNITIES
•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
CAREER PREPARATION
•First drama school with dedicated Professional Development Center
LOCATION
•Located in Los Angeles — major center for theatre, film, and television
Key Info
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
Good to Know
APPLICATION PORTAL
•Submit portfolio and materials via SlideRoom
•SlideRoom supplemental goes live early September
COMMON APP
•Must complete Common Application for Regular Decision to see SDA majors
•SDA majors only appear under Regular Decision
PORTFOLIO TIPS
•Portfolio is a snapshot of your skillset as an artist
•Not confined to theatre work — include concerts, fashion shows, fine art, graphic design, etc.
What's The Process
PORTFOLIO REVIEW
•Invited candidates contacted in mid-December with scheduling info
•Portfolio review takes place via Zoom in January or February
FORMAT
•Conversation with production faculty about submitted portfolio and career goals
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
•Conservatory-style BFA with formal progression of classes
•Professional faculty and staff supervision
TRAINING & OPPORTUNITIES
•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
CAREER PREPARATION
•First drama school with dedicated Professional Development Center
LOCATION
•Located in Los Angeles — major center for theatre, film, and television
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
