USC Unveils New Dramatic Arts Building
The University of Southern California has unveiled its new Dramatic Arts Building in a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Set to open on April 13, the School of Dramatic Arts (SDA) revitalized one of the university’s oldest and most historical buildings on campus, the University of Southern California UUC (United University Church), to create a new home for art students and faculty.
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Dean Emily Roxworthy hopes the opening will usher in a new era for the university. In a statement to Variety, she said, “We are able to provide our students with a true home for artistic expression and collaboration. This sustainable architectural transformation blends tradition with innovative learning spaces specifically designed to elevate dramatic arts education.”
Roxworthy continued, “From our cutting-edge performance venues to dedicated teaching facilities, a vibrant student community center, and innovative production spaces, the Dramatic Arts Building provides a holistic environment tailored to the needs of the next generation of media-agile storytellers and multihyphenate entertainers. We are committed to being at the forefront of the evolving landscape in arts education.”
The building features cutting-edge performance spaces and creative studios. Roxworthy hopes the renovations demonstrate the university’s commitment to being a leader in dramatic arts education. She said, “We have created a space that nurtures authentic self-expression and creative entrepreneurship.”
Storm Reid, currently a junior at SDA, spoke at the ribbon-cutting along with alums Troian Bellisario (“Pretty Little Liars”) and LeVar Burton (“Reading Rainbow” and “Star Trek”) and USC president Carol Folt. “I didn’t come to this school with a theater background. I was like, ‘I’m not a theater kids. I don’t know if they’re going to like me,’’’ Reid told Variety. “But it’s been beautiful. I’ve learned so much through all the trials and tribulations. It’s been a really great experience.”
Burton said during his remarks at the podium, “We are part of a very very special tribe – artists. It is part of our responsibility to not just reflect the societies in which we do our work but to encourage them to move the needle. To move the culture forward. I’ve been so blessed in my career to have been able to, from ‘Roots’ to ‘Star Trek,’ represent the entire journey of African Americans in America from our enslavement to the stars.”
Alumni of USC include George Lucas, Darryl Hannah and America Ferrera. The “Barbie” actress was honored with this year’s Multihyphenate Award by the university. USC is also behind the annual USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative which studies diversity and inclusion in entertainment.
The ribbon-cutting also included a performance of “Seasons of Love” from an upcoming student production of “Rent.”
“SDA has been teaching the next generation of performers for more than three quarters of a century,” Folt said. “I am so honored that we now have this perfect and historically accurate and appropriate new home for a world renowned conservatory level school in the heart of our campus.”
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