<p>We have read recently on Facebook and in USC's Daily Trojan about some conflict in the School of Dramatic Arts involving students protesting an apparent failure of SDA to hire for the fall semester a couple of adjunct professors who teach in the BA Acting program. As part of the protest, there have been many negative comments about the Dean and the direction of the SDA in general. Our son is presently trying to decide among college choices, one of which is the BA program at USC's School of Dramatic Arts. Reading some of the comments of the current students has been disconcerting, to say the least, as we try to decide between USC (with a quarter tuition scholarship) and Northwestern's program, where he was also accepted to the theater program for a BA in the School of Communication. Can anyone with USC SDA connections comment about this situation? Is there widespread dissatisfaction among BA students concentrating in Acting in the SDA with the Dean and the direction of the school? The May 1 deadline is fast approaching and we are confused. We are not strangers to USC; our oldest son is an upperclassman in the Marshall School. We live in the eastern time zone, however, so information is hard to come by.</p>
<p>From what I’ve gathered, SDA has some very popular adjunct acting professors for their BA program and students became upset when their names were not listed on next fall’s class schedule (no names were listed). Adjunct professors are hired at will, so their contracts are up for review each semester/year. However, the SDA has responded that they have yet to make faculty decisions for several spots, including tenure track positions, and that has delayed the number of adjunct hires. It seems like an administrative issue, but it has raised concerns in a very protective corps of students who have loved these (and many other) SDA professors. In response to the student FB page, the Dean called an immediate student/faculty meeting and explained the status of hiring, offering reassurances.</p>
<p>As for the work done by students in SDA, the quality of instruction and of the productions, the facilities, etc, there have been no complaints that I’m aware of. As for communication between the department and the willingness of the Dean to address the immediate questions, we shall see. </p>
<p>As to other issues, I’ve heard the students would like more formal connection between the School of Dramatic Arts and School of Cinematic Arts. This, again, is a good point and may be in discussion. As it stands, SDA actors audition in a formally structured way for SCA students for film consideration, have access to a casting site for SCA film makers, and can perform in as many as they have time for. But there is no interdisciplinary degree currently offered between the two Schools.</p>
<p>That’s all I’ve gleaned, so perhaps others will post.</p>
<p>Thanks for the information. We know there can be disagreements like this from time to time but there were a few statements that seemed critical of the SDA in general and not limited to the school’s handling of the issues with the teachers. We wanted to hear from someone more familiar with the program, perhaps with a son or daughter in attendance, fearing that any questions to the SDA would only yield “spin.” Our son is interested in double majoring and has narrowed his choices to USC and Northwestern, as both schools have strong theater departments and other outstanding programs. He was worried that maybe things weren’t as they appeared at USC but hopefully the issues will be resolved to the students’ satisfaction. We like USC’s proximity to the film and tv industry, the weather, and that it has an undergraduate business school. Northwestern is closer and, at least in our area (Kentucky), appears to offer a bit more highly reputed theater program. We (the parents) aren’t crazy about the quarter system and don’t like the weather in Evanston, but our son says neither bothers him. He’ll be deciding soon, though!</p>
<p>Bluegrass, We have been struggling between USC and NU as well, and DS is drawn to both for the same reasons, including theatre (as a minor though). To my surprise, we are leaning away from NU towards USC but need to decide soon! There are a number of reasons for that (including a generous merit scholarship), but as time goes on I grow more impressed with the efforts USC makes to engage students and give them world class opportunites. Good luck with your decision!</p>
<p>Our son has decided on USC, even though NU has a fantastic theater program and facilities. USC’s location in the entertainment and media capital of the world and the opportunity to combine theater and business studies outweighed NU’s prestige in his mind. Except for Economics, some of the business-type programs at NU are small certificate programs for which additional application will be required as an older student. He can study in both the SDA and Marshall during his first year. And although he didn’t get one of the “big” merit scholarships at USC, we were pleasantly surprised to receive a letter in mid-April that he was selected for a Leadership Scholarship at USC which certainly makes USC a bit cheaper than NU, especially for expenses related to our distance from LA. We have another son who is currently a junior in the Marshall School at USC and have been pleased with his education, internship options and overall college experience.</p>
<p>Bluegrass - Our son just made the same decision as yours (but as a History major/theatre minor)! After spending a wonderful day at USC last weekend, followed by a trip to Santa Monica beach and an evening of comedy at Groundlings in Hollywood, our DS committed to USC! It was a hard call for the reasons discussed above - deciding between great options and NU in particular - but I am thrilled for him.</p>
<p>Congratulations on a final decision, Bluegrassdad and esteemom. Please PM me if you have any questions but it seems you’ve got it covered. :)</p>
<p>Madbean, thanks so much, your input was very helpful, and made it all that much clearer when we went back last weekend! I will take you up on the offer when we have questions!</p>
<p>Congratulations and on to orientation! We just learned yesterday that No. 1 Son got a fantastic summer internship (well paid!) in San Francisco, a job he got through the Marshall School without any help or connections from mom and dad – hurray! Feeling even better about opportunities at USC!</p>
<p>Thats great Bluegrass - congrats to your son! Summer in SF will be awesome… if a little on the cool side ;)</p>
<p>SDA is new. The old School of Theater was broken apart to form the school of Dramatic Arts and school of Dance. SDA prepares actors. It is not strong on academic study of drama. Sadly.</p>
<p>The School of Dramatic Arts includes other areas of study in addition to a B.F.A in acting. It offers a B.A. in Theatre and also offers B.F.A.s in Design, Sound Design, Stage Management and Technical Direction. For those interested in a broader study of the performing arts a B.A. in Performing Arts Studies is an option.</p>
<p>Dance has been available as a minor. The Kaufman School of Dance is being established at SC. It will not be a part of SDA. The Kaufman gift will provide for a new complex and faculty devoted to the art of dance.</p>
<p>Ttrojan, could you elaborate when you say the SDA is not strong on the academic side of drama?</p>