LOS ANGELES, CA —A ribbon cutting, conducted by Dr. Emily Roxworthy, Dean of the School of Dramatic Arts (SDA), kicked off the grand opening of the new School, housed in the former United University Church on the campus of the University of Southern California.
USC President Carol Folt addressed the crowd, as did alums and actors LeVar Burton (Star Trek: The Next Generation), Troian Bellisario (Pretty Little Liars), and current student and actor Storm Reid (Euphoria). SDA students currently appearing in the school’s production of Rent, performed “Seasons of Love” from the musical, and the ceremony wrapped with a smudging ceremony performed by Andrew Morales, Spiritual Leader of the Gabrieleno Tongva San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians, to bless the project, which is located on what was originally tribal land.
“We are able to provide our students with a true home for artistic expression and collaboration,” stated Dr. Emily Roxworthy, Dean. “This sustainable architectural transformation blends tradition with innovative learning spaces specifically designed to elevate dramatic arts education.”