USC School of Dramatic Arts

The USC School of Dramatic Arts (commonly referred to as SDA)—formerly the USC School of Theatre, is a private drama school at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, California. It is ranked one of the top 10 dramatic arts schools in the world, according to The Hollywood Reporter's Top 25 Drama Schools. The school offers Bachelor of Arts degrees in theatre and visual & performing arts; Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in acting, design, sound design, stage management and technical direction; and Master of Fine Arts degrees in acting and dramatic writing. History Founded in 1945 as Department of Drama at USC, it became an independent school in 1991 and was named USC School of Theatre. It was renamed USC School of Dramatic Arts on July 1, 2012. In 2020, Dean David Bridel resigned after admitting to an affair with an undergraduate. Emily Roxworthy serves as the current dean of the school. Notable faculty Andy Robinson - actor (Dirty Harry, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine) and founder of the MFA in Acting Program at the USC School of Dramatic Arts. Michael Keenan - actor (Picket Fences) and professor of acting and directing; directed USC plays and stage productions from 1987 to 2015 Anna Deavere Smith - playwright, actress, author, journalist; taught acting in the MFA program from 1985 to 1989.