PAGE 3 International Artists On Campus
PAGE 5 A Celebration of John Blankenchip
PAGE 6 18th Annual Awards Ceremony
fall 2009
Robert Redford Engaged Artists Award Gala Rescheduled to February 10, 2010 The School of Theatre’s first annual Robert Redford Award for Engaged Artists gala benefit dinner has been rescheduled to February 10, 2010, at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. Mr. Redford’s film, The Conspirator, just received the ‘green light’ to go into production this fall so the gala has been moved to early next year to accommoThe curriculum is inspired by the work of the late Augusto Boal pictured here on the far right teaching a workshop at USC.
School of Theatre Announces New Masters in Applied Theatre Arts “ Theatre is a form of knowledge; it should and can also be a means of transforming society. Theatre can help us build our future, rather than just waiting for it.”
T
— Augusto Boal, Games for Actors and Non-actors
date his schedule. Presented to and named in honor of Robert Redford, the Engaged Artist Award has been created to honor those who have distinguished themselves not only in the exemplary quality, skill and innovation of their work, but also in their public commitment to social responsibility, to increasing awareness of global issues and events, and to inspiring and empowering young people. This award seeks to honor an individual who has used his or her fame to increase public awareness of issues that are of vital importance to us all. Robert Redford truly embodies all that an Engaged Artist represents: a distinguished actor, an Academy Award-winning director, an ardent conservationist, philanthropist and
he School of Theatre has launched a
The curriculum is inspired by the work of the
environmentalist, a man who stands for social
new Masters in Applied Theatre Arts
late Augusto Boal. Boal’s work, known as Theatre
responsibility and political involvement and
under the direction of Associate
of the Oppressed, is a popular, expressive art
an artist and businessman who is a staunch
Professor of Theatre Practice Brent Blair
form where actors and non-actors collaborate
supporter of uncompromised creative expression.
that begins in the Fall of 2010. Geared
to investigate personal, social and political
The School of Theatre is thrilled to be able to
towards community-based artists, educators,
problems toward the aim of individual and
honor him by naming this award after him.
therapists, social workers and political activists,
collective transformation. Practiced in more
the degree will explore how theatre can be
than 70 countries on five continents worldwide,
The event is chaired by School of Theatre Board
applied to non-traditional theatrical settings
Theatre of the Oppressed techniques are
of Councilors President Richard Weinberg
through a rigorous course of study over three
typically utilized in the areas of education,
with vice-chairs Sherman Alexie, Lisa Barkett,
semesters (Fall/Spring/Summer).
social work, therapy and political activism. (continued on page 3)
(continued on page 2)
SCHOOL OF THEATRE BOARD OF COUNCILORS
A m essa g e fro m the dean
David Anderle Lisa Barkett LeVar Burton
The Diversity of Theatre
Tim Curry Charles Dillingham Dean Madeline Puzo
Michele Dedeaux Engemann (Founding Chair) Michael Gilligan (Chair, USC School of Theatre Parents Council) Robert Greenblatt Patti Gribow Susan A. Grode
This is an exciting period for the School of Theatre – but then, I think I say that every fall. And every
Paula Holt
fall I mean it – each new year brings with it new excitements and new challenges. We are operating at full capacity: the classrooms, rehearsal rooms and theatres abuzz with activity that always seems
Donna Isaacson
about to become too much but never quite does – a condition that is, I’ve learned, pretty typical for
Gary Lask
our ambitious, energetic students and faculty.
Sheila Lipinsky Martin Massman
The School is in the midst of a transition of sorts: having successfully achieved an important set of
Jimmy Miller
our long term goals, we are now turning our attention to a new strategic plan and the projects that will occupy us in the coming years.
Madeline Puzo Madeline Ramer
When I became Dean seven years ago (really? only seven?), the centerpiece of our plan for the School
Andy Tennant
was to revive and revise the M.F.A. programs in Dramatic Writing and Acting. The Dramatic Writing
Allison Thomas
program was first out of the gate, but at last spring’s Commencement we awarded degrees to the
Rik Toulon
inaugural class of the new M.F.A. Acting program.
Joe Tremaine Like many of our graduates, we have not paused to celebrate but are already at work on the next phase of the School’s development. This includes reviewing and, where appropriate, revising all of our programs and introducing a Masters program in Applied Theatre Arts. We are also
Richard Weinberg (Chair)
creating a Continuing Education curriculum to serve artists and entertainment professionals, as well as interested lay people. And, of course, the major challenge facing the School is raising the increasingly necessary funds to grant scholarships to our students. The articles in this issue of Callboard illustrate the dynamic, ever-evolving life of the School. There are reports of exits, such as the graduating Class of 2009, and, less happily, the passing of the incomparable Professor John Blankenchip. But also of entrances; new programs and people, including four new members of the School’s Board of Councilors.
Robert Redford Award Gala Rescheduled (continued from cover)
Alex & Linda Cappello, Jake Eberts, Michele
I find also that this Callboard offers a revealing “snapshot” of the extraordinary variety of theatre at USC: contemporary drama in India; classical Greek tragedy recreated by the National Theatre of Cyprus; and the internationally known Theatre of the Oppressed. The presence of such a diversity of theatrical forms and techniques, dramatic literatures, and aesthetic ideas is of incalculable value for the development of sophisticated and engaged artists and citizens. Or, for that matter, the ongoing development of a great School of Theatre.
Dedeaux Engemann, Sally Field, Jane Fonda, Susan A. Grode, Alan & Cindy Horn, Alan Ladd, Jr., Pat Mitchell, Madeline Ramer and Michael Ritchie. To become a sponsor or to purchase tickets, you may call the School of Theatre Development office at (213) 821-4262 or visit us at
I hope you get a chance to come and experience first-hand the life and work of the School. Until then, I wish you all the best.
2
http://theatre.usc.edu/Robert-Redford-Award.
Distinguished International Artists Come to Campus In association with Visions and Voices, the USC Arts & Humanities Initiative, the School of Theatre was pleased to present three special events at our Bing Theatre this fall, featuring international artists from as far away as Cypress and India, to meet, interact and work with our students. On September 2, Antigone: Law, Ethics and
and film and television director. He has
Morality was presented with acclaimed
received numerous awards for his work,
artists from the National Theatre of Cyprus,
including the Jnanpith, India’s highest
including actress Elena Papadopoulos and
distinction for lifetime contribution to
director/actor Nicos Charalambous. Merging
literature and the arts. School of Theatre
live and filmed performances, Antigone,
Associate Dean Jack Rowe staged scenes,
performed in Greek with English supertitles,
performed by our own theatre students,
illuminated the passion and drama of the
from Karnad’s major works.
play that has endured for 2,500 years. Provost Max Nikias, an expert in the Greek
Legendary director/choreographer Twyla
humanities, addressed the play’s relevance
Tharp (a Tony Award winner for Movin’
for the audience that first heard it in 442
Out) came to campus on October 13 to
B.C., as well as its importance to audiences
present a lecture based on her book The
today. Following the performance, Dean
Creative Habit: Learn It and Use It For Life.
Madeline Puzo moderated a discussion
Whatever creative impulse you follow —
featuring Provost Nikias, USC classics
whether you are an artist, an engineer
professor Thomas Habinek and the artists.
or a businessperson — Tharp’s talk was
Elena Papadopoulos in Antigone.
designed to open your mind to new On October 1, the USC community was
creative possibilities and offered tools
able to spend a special Evening With
that are invaluable to students as they
Girish Kanard. Girish Karnad is one of the
complete their studies at USC and
preeminent playwrights in contemporary
throughout their professional careers.
India and helped reshape Indian theatre
After the lecture, Tharp held a book
as a national institution in the later
signing in the lobby of the theatre.
20th century. His career as a dramatist has been paralleled by an equally
Twyla Tharp
Girish Kanard
celebrated career as an actor, screenwriter
New Masters in Applied Theatre Arts (continued from cover)
According to Blair, “This is a unique program in a unique setting. Situated in the heart of one of the most vibrant cultural laboratories, USC is ideal for student-community partnerships. There is truly no other program in the world that mixes theory, practice, local and international experience in such a way.” Students will learn basic techniques, including Games for Actors and Non-actors, Image Theatre, Forum Theatre, Rainbow of Desire, Legislative Theatre, and Aesthetics of the Oppressed. In addition, students will maintain an on-going partnership with local Los Angeles grass roots organizations toward the development of community-based theatre projects in the interests of liberatory education and social, political or therapeutic change. The course of study culminates with a four-week, thesis focused foreign externship, where students will observe an overseas Applied Theatre Arts organization. (Up to a $4,000 subsidy will be given to each student to support travel and housing for this externship).
Students will learn basic techniques including Games for Actors and Non-actors.
For more information, please visit us at http://theatre.usc.edu/graduate or call (213) 821-4163. 3
USC FRIENDS OF THEATRE DONOR MARQUEE The USC School of Theatre would like to recognize the tremendous generosity of the following individuals and organizations whose cumulative giving has exceeded $1 million. Their foresight and commitment to the arts and higher education have helped transform the School into a leader in theatre education.
VISIONARY CIRCLE
Dr. & Mrs. Peter Bing and the Anna H. Bing Living Trust George N. Burns Trust Katherine B. Loker
The School of Theatre is grateful to those who have given wisdom, talent, time and financial resources to the benefit of the School’s Annual Fund. Our Donor Marquee recognizes those members who have made pledges of $500 or more over the past year. We hope that you will consider becoming a member as well by joining these supporters. Please take a moment to return the enclosed reply envelope. For more information about giving to the School of Theatre, please contact Chris Cook at 213.821.4047 or cc.cook@usc.edu.
Inger A. Armour Ong • Dawn Balcazar • California Civic Light Opera • Michael & Debbie Felix • Eric T. Kalkhurst & Nora K. Hui
Robert & Elizabeth Plumleigh in honor of Claire Cortney • Meredith & Drew Rowley • Pamela & Charles Schroeder • Joe Tremaine
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS
ANGELS
Herb & Lani Alpert • Lisa & Bill Barkett • Roger & Michele Dedeaux Engemann • Catherine Gousha • Jean & Steve Hamerslag • Howard & Holly Kalmenson • Sheila & Jeff Lipinsky • Moss Foundation • Bruce Vanyo
Lou Adler • David & Merryl Alpert • Gary & Annette Angiuli • Gary E. Bashian • Randolph P. Beatty • Howard & Robin Beckerman • Dr. Rosula A. Bell in honor of Luisa S. Andaya • Juliana Carnessale • Pierson & Sara Bancroft Clair • William & Drue Chamberlin • Robert & Rachel Clifford • The Patrick Cole Family • Barbara Cotler • Arthur J. & Theodora Edelman • David Emmes & Paula Tomei • William & Marcia Frank • GGE Foundation, INC. • Patricia J. Higgins • Julie Ingram • Robert R. & Ann S. Kelly • Laura Langford • The Bridges Larson Foundation • David & Eva Leaf • Jimmy Miller • Debbie & Robert Myman • Samuel & Frances Myman • Graham & Susan Nash Fund of RSF Social Finance • Christine Marie Ofiesh • Ostin Family Foundation • Harry & Jacqueline Pappas • Madeline Puzo • Nancy Ritter • Rick Silverman • Nancy Sinatra, Sr. • Abe Somer • Jeffrey & Sharon Walsh • Rebecca & John Walsh in honor of Jordan Walsh • JoAnne & Robert Westbrook • Lynne & Steve Wheeler • Woodell-Mascall Family • Bill & Jeanie Zwiener
SEASON SPONSORS
PRODUCERS
Bob & Terry Berenson • The Friesen Family Foundation • Lynn Davis Lasher • Gary & Karen Lask • Raymond & Peggy Rosenthal • Iris & Matthew Strauss Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation • Andy Tennant • Malcolm Waddell & Suzanne Bruce • Richard & Diane Weinberg DIRECTORS
John & Leslie Burns • Angela & Amir Bozorgmir • Tate Donovan • Susan A. Grode • Fred & Emily Nason • Sally & Howard Oxley in honor of Dean Madeline Puzo • Rik Toulon • Linda Yu PATRONS
David Anderle • Anonymous • The Emanuel Bachmann Foundation • Mitch & Bonnie Bloom • Richard & Gabrielle de Forest • Robert Greenblatt •
BENEFACTORS
Marie & Bruce Botnick • Paul Comi, Sr. • Heidi Crane • Kathleen Easterling • Judith Lee Feder • Fred & Andrea Fenster • GRANT, TANI, BARASH, & ALTMAN, LLC • Doyle Gray • Patti Gribow • K. Robert Hahn • Gregory Robert Holford • William Huss & Marlene Coleman • Cynthia & Jim Keltner • Kazumi & Masako Maki • Sandra Moss • William Mullin • Jerry Henderson Neill • Irene & Andrew Robinson • Steven Rudnitsky • Dean Robert Scales • Bernard Schwartz • Gary Solnit • Terrence Michael Sullivan • Naomi J. Sultan • Maria & Albert Sun • Jennifer Thibault • The Wilson Family Trust • Brian & Rulivia Wong
We have taken care to list names and gift designations accurately. If you believe there has been an error or omission, please contact development assistant J. D. Brown by phone at 213.821.4262 or send a note via email addressed to jeffrey.d.brown@usc.edu.
The School of Theatre would like to announce the newest members of our Board of Councilors: Michael Gilligan
Allison Thomas
Michael Gilligan is a founding general partner of Heritage Partners, a private equity
Allison Thomas is a film producer whose credits include The Tale of Despereaux,
firm focused on family and founder-owned businesses seeking a partner to provide
Seabiscuit (nominated for a Best Picture Academy Award in 2003) and Pleasantville.
transition capital and help their businesses grow. He has served principally as the
Allison, and husband Gary Ross, created Larger Than Life Productions, which has a
lead director on the majority of Heritage’s portfolio companies, working with the
production deal with Universal Pictures. They currently have 15 projects in develop-
management teams to achieve their strategic objectives and create value. Michael
ment. Prior to the creation of Larger Than Life Productions, Allison founded several
is the new President of the School of Theatre’s Parents Council and is also a
companies in the technology and entertainment marketing area, launching such
member of the boards of City Year’s flagship Boston operation, LIFT, a DC-based
companies as NeXT Computer (Steve Jobs), Pixar and RealNetworks. The California
poverty alleviation organization, and The Children’s Room, a grief counseling
Women’s Law Center honored Allison with their Pursuit of Justice Award in 2004.
organization. Michael, his wife, Anne, and their three children reside in Belmont,
Allison is a graduate of Princeton University. She went on to earn her Executive
Massachusetts.
M.B.A. from USC.
Donna Isaacson
Jimmy Miller
Donna Isaacson holds her B.F.A. and M.F.A. from New York University. She began
Jimmy Miller, owner of Mosaic (management/production company), manages some
her career at Manhattan Theatre Club where she worked for 12 years casting over
of the most sought-after talent in show business today, including actors Jim Carrey
100 plays. Donna was then asked to move to Los Angeles in 1993 to create the
and Will Ferrell, as well as writer/directors Judd Apatow (Funny People, 40 Yr Old
Feature Talent division at 20th Century Fox. She has overseen the casting of over
Virgin, Knocked Up, TV’s Freaks and Geeks), Adam McKay (Talladega Nights: The
300 films, including Titanic, the X-Men and Night at the Museum franchises,
Ballad of Ricky Bobby, Step Brothers, Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy),
as well as the critically acclaimed projects Quills, Romeo and Juliet and Walk the
and Jay Roach (of the Austin Powers franchise and both Meet the Parents and Meet
Line. Donna has had the pleasure of working alongside very talented and notable
the Fockers, as well as the upcoming Dinner for Schmucks). Miller’s film producing
writers, directors and producers, including The Coen Brothers, Philip Kaufman,
credits include the worldwide blockbuster Elf, Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky
Lynne Meadow, Terrence McNally, Ridley Scott, Douglas Hughes and Danny Boyle.
Bobby and the soon-to-be released Paramount production She’s Out of My League.
4
Commencement 2009
W
hat a joyful noise!” declared Dean
“USC is not a school that is training us to fit into
Madeline Puzo as the jubilant
the marketplace,” said Joseph Sofranko, speaking
School of Theatre graduates,
for the Bachelor of Fine Arts graduates. “It’s a
including the first graduating
school that has nurtured in each of us an artistic
class of the School’s re-established
spirit.” And should any of his colleagues ever feel
M.F.A. program in Acting, filled the Bing Theatre
adrift or uncertain, Sofranko suggested they ask
for a ceremony in which the importance of being
themselves the question that was asked in his first
true to one’s values would be a recurring theme.
acting class, “‘Why are you doing this?’ Answer from your heart,” said Sofranko, “And you’ll
Representing the Bachelor of Arts graduates,
remember the passion, the love and the drive
Ray Chase offered wry and pointed comic
of your artistic spirit.”
aphorisms. “It’s a good thing that failure hurts us because otherwise everyone would want to fail
For R. Ernie Silva, raised in the brutal Bushwick
all the time and then we wouldn’t have doorways,
Projects of Brooklyn and the first in his family
golf balls, mirrors or sandwiches,” he observed
to attend college, earning his M.F.A. in Acting
while gently strumming a ukulele. “Whatever
had special significance: it marked, he said, the
happens, it’s OK,” Chase concluded. “You’re still
breaking of a “curse” that had for generations
alive. And being alive is being full of hope.”
doomed anyone in his family who dared to
Keynote speaker actor Joe Mantegna. (continued on page 6)
A Celebration of the Life of John Edward Blankenchip On September 12, 2009, friends, colleagues, current and former students gathered at the Bing Theatre to celebrate the life of Professor Emeritus John Edward Blankenchip who died earlier this year at the age of 89. Guest speakers included Gretchen Kanne, Paul Comi, Kevin Tighe, Mike Etzrodt, Rikki Josephson Juès, John Blankenchip
Dylan Kenin, Marcy Lafferty,
Alan Neal Hubbs and Margo Upham. A highlight of the afternoon was a video tribute compiled by Andy Tennant. Gretchen Kanne and Paul Comi spoke at the celebration. Sketch of John Blankenchip by Scott Atkinson.
Blankenchip joined the University of Southern California in 1955, just a decade after the Department of Drama was founded by
Fringe, performed in London, Amsterdam and
Blankenchip’s professionalism manifested itself
playwright and director William C. DeMille. Born
Paris and completed three tours for the AMERIKA
through former students who have gone on to
in Independence, Kansas in 1919, he earned a
Houses in Germany for the U.S. State Department.
successful careers both in and out of the theatre.
B.F.A. in design and directing from Carnegie-
He received Fringe First Awards for the British
He played a key role in developing the original
Mellon in 1941. He immediately went to Yale
premieres of Buried Child and Follies. He directed
B.F.A. and M.F.A. theatre programs at USC, and
University, attaining an M.F.A. in design and
the critically acclaimed production of Vivien
from almost the beginning, had been vital to the
directing in 1943.
Leigh: The Last Press Conference at the Edinburgh
School of Theatre’s growing excellence. In celebra-
Fringe Festival, in London, off-Broadway and
tion of Blankenchip’s golden anniversary of service
Professor Blankenchip founded, produced, and
in Los Angeles at the Tiffany Theatre. Professor
to USC, the School of Theatre established the John
directed Festival Theatre USC-USA, a company
Blankenchip also designed at Tanglewood, the
Blankenchip Visiting Artist Endowment in 2005.
comprised of USC students and alumni who were
Guild Opera, and the La Jolla Playhouse, directed
the first American artists to perform on the Fringe
and designed for the Ebony Showcase, and
of the Edinburgh International Festival. From 1966
was Ray Bradbury’s preferred designer at his
classes in directing and experimental theatre until
to 2005, the company mounted 23 seasons on the
Pandemonium Theatre Company.
a month before he passed away.
5
Active until the very end, he continued to teach
18th Annual Awards Ceremony The School of Theatre’s 18th Annual Awards Ceremony acknowledged the exceptional work done by students in all areas of discipline over the last academic year, including acting, design, stage management and technical direction. We are extremely proud of the extraordinary work of our talented students and of the dedicated faculty who guide them with such skill and expertise. Congratulations to all!
2008-09 award recipients Aileen Stanley Memorial Award For Undergraduate Students Margaret Ivey Molly McGraw John Blankenchip/Bill White Scholarship For Outstanding Contributions Nathan Singh Melissa Trupp USC Alumni and Friends Award For Creative Student Activities Lili Fuller Ruth and Albert McKinlay Award For Two Undergraduate B.A. Students Performer: Madeline Hanson Highest G.P.A.: Amanda Waddell Student Council Award For a Graduating Senior Lauren Rayner Nancy Kehr Reed Award For funding an Independent Student Production Brien O’Loughlin
John Ritter Award For Comic Performance Jon Rudnitsky Stanley Musgrove Award For Outstanding Creative Talent Julia McIlvaine Jack Nicholson Award For Outstanding Undergraduate Actor/Actress Matthew Little Lindsey Garrett Ritchie Spencer Memorial Award For a Graduating Designer Griffin Behm James and Nony Doolittle Award For Graduating Seniors Troian Bellisario Tommy Bertelsen Joseph Sofranko Jessica Williams
David Dukes Acting Scholarship For a Junior Student Jesse Einstein
Outstanding Dance Choreographer Awards Fall Concert: Erika Humphies Diana Vaden Spring Concert: Jaclyn Russell
Ava Greenwald Memorial Award For a Graduate Actor Miriam Glover
Dance Leadership Awards Christian Kitamura Nolan Chung
James B. Pendleton Award For Outstanding Contributions Briga Heelan
Bill White Faculty Recognition Award Paul Backer
Commencement 2009 (continued from page 5)
pursue “grandiose dreams.” Speaking for himself and his colleagues, Silva told the packed house, “As the first graduating M.F.A. in Acting class, it’s been an honor to be your experiment; it’s been an honor to be your student; and, greatest of all, it’s been an honor to be your friend.” In the keynote address, Tony Award-winning actor Joe Mantegna noted that he was approaching his 40th anniversary as a professional actor and proceeded to both delight and inspire the attendees with his heartfelt advice to the graduates just starting on their careers and lives. Drawing on his own experience, Mantegna
B.A. speaker Ray Chase
The first graduating class of M.F.A. actors
discussed practical aspects of acting, such as how the formal skills he was taught in acting school proved crucial to his success, and the
Broadway play and win the Tony, Mantegna had
“You have to follow your heart. Your career will
importance of being fully prepared. “Always
replied, “It’s like winning the lottery – but I
follow as long as your life ideals are strong. First,
go into an audition with ultimate confidence,”
bought a lot of tickets.”
be that human being, the best human being you
he advised, “as long as you can back it up.”
are, then you can be the best actor you are, the But Mantegna was most passionate in urging
best artist you are – it doesn’t work the other
Addressing the sensitive issue of luck, Mantegna
the graduates not to sacrifice their human values
way around.” Mantegna, an avid sports fan, was
recalled the show which, after he’d been acting
or put off things they care about – such as
himself delighted when, on behalf of the School,
for some 15 years, transformed his career, David
relationships or having children – because of
Dean Puzo gave him a very special gift: a USC
Mamet’s Pulitzer Prize-winning Glengarry Glen
a real or only hoped-for show business career.
Trojan football signed, “Thanks Joe. Fight On.
Ross. Asked at the time how it felt to be in a hit
“Your life comes first,” Mantagna declared.
Pete Carroll.”
6
Patrick J. Adams (B.F.A., 2004) guest-starred in an episode of Ghost Whisperer and filmed the TV movie The Dealership with Tricia Helfer. He will be appearing onstage opposite alum Troian Bellisario (B.F.A., 2009) in the play Equivocation at the Geffen Playhouse. Bellisario can be seen in the film Intersect and the upcoming Consent starring Kate Burton and Peter Vack (B.F.A., 2009). Vack also recently gueststarred in an episode of Ghost Whisperer. Boni B. Alvarez’s (M.F.A., 2007) play Ruby, Tragically Rotund was produced earlier this fall at Playwright’s Arena. The production also featured actor KacyEarl David (M.F.A., 2009), lighting designer Adam Blumenthal (B.F.A., 2007) and stage manager Jaclyn K. Kalkhurst (B.F.A., 2008). Kalkhurst also stage managed Boston Court’s The Sequence and Open Fist Theatre’s PlasticCrystal. Tasha Ames (B.F.A., 2001) was nominated for a 2008/2009 Ovation Award for Featured Actress in a Play for her performance as Izzy in the Malibu Stage Company’s production of Rabbit Hole. Stephanie Barnes (B.F.A., 2008), Devin Begley (B.F.A., 2008), Nick Clark (B.F.A., 2008), Clay Elliot (B.F.A., 2008), Jimmy Fowlie (B.F.A., 2008), Patrick Leslie (B.F.A., 2008), Mike McLean (B.F.A., 2008), Donald Webber Jr. (B.F.A., 2008) can be seen in the film Ted White-Knockelby Pursues the American Dream, directed by Brian Jordan Alvarez (2009). Barnes can also be seen in the film Scars of Youth and Begley in the film Cruisin (On a Saturday Night). Fowlie is featured in the upcoming film Mr. Sadman along with fellow alum John David Beaty (B.F.A., 2008). Todd Black (B.F.A., 1982) is currently producing the film The Back-Up Plan starring Jennifer Lopez. Jennifer Brienen (B.F.A., 2006) assistant stage managed the Geffen Playhouse productions of Matthew Modine Saves the Alpacas, The Seafarer featuring John Mahoney and Farragut North with Chris Noth and Chris Pine. LeVar Burton (1976) stars opposite Seymour Cassel and Alfre Woodward in the film Reach for Me and opposite James Van Der Beek in the TV movie Taken in Broad Daylight. He also narrated the film Simple Wishes. Michael Cornacchia (B.A., 1997) can be seen in the upcoming films Violent Tendencies, The Dedd Brothers, The Growth and Coming & Going which also feature fellow SOT alum David Fickas (B.F.A., 1996). Cornacchia guest starred on Disney’s Hanna Montana and is also featured in Hanna Montana: The Movie. He recently appeared in the films Speak of the Devil, The End of the Internet and The 7th Claus which also featured alum Mark Kelly (B.F.A., 1995). Tim Dang (B.F.A., 1980) recently directed Pan Asian Repertory Theatre’s production of Imelda: A New Musical. Tate Donovan (B.F.A., 1985) guest-starred in an episode of the Starz TV series Head Case. Wyatt Fenner (B.F.A., 2007) starred in the West Coast premiere of West Coast Ensemble’s Anita Bryant Died for Your Sins. Miriam Glover (M.F.A., 2009) was most recently seen in the West Coast premiere of Eclipsed which opened the Kirk Douglas Theatre season. Earlier this summer, Glover appeared in the Open Fist Company’s production of St. Joan and the Dancing Sickness. Travis Hammer (B.A., 2003) recently appeared on Nickolodeon’s iCarly, completed the film The Second Coming of Mary and was seen in local theatre productions of Tracers (Hermosa Beach Playhouse) and Unbroken Circles (Odyssey Theatre).
Greg Holford (M.F.A., 1982) is now a senior Creative Director of Entertainment for Universal Studios Dubailand, the billion-dollar project set to open in 2012. His award-winning stage spectacular Fantasea of a Kingdom in Phuket, Thailand, recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. Nikki Hyde (B.A., 2007) stage managed Touch the Water for Cornerstone Theatre Company. Dylan Kenin (B.A., 1999) can be seen in the film Carriers starring Chris Pine and Christopher Meloni, the upcoming Love Ranch starring Helen Mirren and Brothers starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Natalie Portman and Toby Maguire. Rebecca Lane (B.A., 1992) performed the title role in Theatre West’s world premiere musical Sally Spectre the Musical, A Children’s Horror Story for Adults. Jane Longenecker (B.F.A., 1992) played Lady Macduff and Helena in the Kingsmen Shakespeare repertory productions of Macbeth and All’s Well That Ends Well, respectively. Shannon Lucio (B.A., 2002) guest starred on Grey’s Anatomy and Criminal Minds. Gina Manziello (M.F.A., 2009) played the title role of Frida Kahlo in Society for New Music’s world premiere opera titled Frida at the Carrier Theatre in Syracuse, New York. Kelli McNeil (B.A., 2003) can be seen in the upcoming film DaZe: Vol. Too - NonSeNse with Jackson Rathbone and Garey Busey. Julie Taiwo Oni’s (M.F.A., 2009) play Tether, which was developed during this spring’s Under Construction: The Master of Fine Arts Play Project, was chosen as a finalist for Inkwell’s Inkubator Festival in Washington, D.C. Jeff Parker (B.F.A., 1989) is currently appearing as El Gallo in Porchlight Music Theatre’s production of The Fantasticks. This spring, Parker appears in Steppenwolf Theatre Company’s production of The Brother/Sister Plays directed by Tina Landau. Kim Patch (B.F.A., 2008) stage managed the Los Angeles production of Laws of Sympathy by SOT associate professor Oliver Mayer. Hector Atreyu Ruiz (B.F.A., 2003) was seen earlier this season in the TV shows Knight Rider and Hawthorne. Ruiz can also be seen in the film Crazy on the Outside starring Sigourney Weaver and fellow SOT alum Robert Baker (B.F.A., 2002). Baker also recently had a recurring role on ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy. Kate Russo (B.A., 2003) recently starred in the independent feature film Split Ends (co-starring Vincent Pastore from The Sopranos). Russo also executive produced the USC Alumni Club of New York’s First Annual Tommy Awards at off-Broadway’s New World Stages hosted by James Snyder (B.F.A., 2003) and stage managed by Winnie Y. Lok (B.F.A., 2001). Janine Salinas (M.F.A., 2007) is the Assistant to the Director of Education at Center Theatre Group where fellow alum Donald Jolly (M.F.A., 2008) is the Donor Relations Assistant and a member of the CTG Writer’s Workshop. Earlier this summer, Stark Sands (2001) starred as Sebastian opposite Anne Hathaway, Julie White, Audra MacDonald and Raúl Esparza in Shakespeare in the Park’s acclaimed production of Twelfth Night. This fall, Sands plays Clyde opposite Laura Osnes’ Bonnie in Frank Wildhorn’s musical version of Bonnie & Clyde, directed by Jeff Calhoun, at the La Jolla Playhouse. Joshua Schell (B.F.A., 2009) appeared in Steve Berkoff’s play West at The Electric Lodge. R. Ernie Silva (M.F.A., 2009) co-wrote and performed the solo piece Heavy Like the Weight of a Flame at the Odyssey Theatre, which he will be touring to San Antonio, St. Louis, New York City, and Vancouver,
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with movement and choreography by alum Chris Downey (B.F.A., 2008). Earlier this summer, Downey was a featured dancer in the Christina DeRosa Cabaret Show at the Camden House. Ashley K Singh (B.F.A., 2008) stage managed the Community Children’s Event for Diavolo Dance Theatre, Los Angeles Contemporary Dance Company’s Value System, Shakespeare Festival/LA’s Simply Shakespeare at the Geffen Playhouse and the fundraiser ShakesBeer Kegger, Push to Talk Theatre Company’s evening of one-acts entitled Jumping the Median and USC’s Master of Professional Writing Program’s One-Act Play Festival. Earlier this summer, Singh interned for Center Theatre Group facilitating the Sherwood Award for emerging Los Angeles artists. She continues to work with Culver City’s Cultural Affairs Division. Tara Smith (B.A., 2002) was one of the producers for Broadway’s Tony-nominated Will Ferrell: You’re Welcome America, A Final Night with George W. Bush and The Seagull starring Kristin Scott Thomas. Most recently, she co-produced the world premiere musical Dangerous Beauty and is currently developing upcoming productions of the musicals Forbidden Fruit and To Die For. Anthony Sparks (B.F.A., 1994) was promoted to Producer/Writer on the television series Lincoln Heights. He recently received a Sentinel Health Award (Norman Lear Center) for writing an episode that highlights the importance of the arts to the health of urban communities. In addition, he wrote and produced the episode that brought Lincoln Heights its first NAACP Image Award in 2009. He also recently received a Master of Arts degree in American Studies & Ethnicity at USC. Director Andy Tennant (B.A., 1977) recently finished filming the TV movie Operating Instructions starring Christine Lahti and Nick Zano. He is currently filming The Bounty starring Gerard Butler, Jennifer Aniston and Christine Baranski. Shivani Thakkar (B.A. 2005) wrapped choreography and voice-over work on Let’s Dance Bollywood, an instructional dance DVD. Earlier this year, Shivani worked both as choreographer and consultant on a national print ad for Intel, currently running in India and abroad. Ross Thomas (B.A., 2004) played one of the leads in the Wayans brothers’ film Dance Flick, guest-starred on FOX’s Lie to Me, and can be seen in the independent dark comedy Burning Palms opposite Dylan McDermott and Rosamund Pike. Thomas also oversees the development and creation of new content for the narrative feature format as well as TV, documentaries and new media for his production company Trisight Entertainment. Director/producer Elissa Weinzimmer (B.A., 2007), fellow producer Sascha Alexander (B.A., 2007) and executive producer Ben Giroux (B.A., 2007) performed multiple duties of writing and starring in the world-premiere production of School for Suckers in Los Angeles. Giroux can also be seen in the upcoming films The Lost Archives of Quincy Taylor starring Coolio, Santa Buddies starring George Wendt and Christopher Lloyd and Thanks for Dying. Forest Whitaker (1982) is currently filming The Experiment with Adrien Brody, and recently finished filming Lullaby for Pi. He also had a recurring role on FOX’s American Dad! voicing the character of Turlington. He can also be seen in the films Powder Blue with Jessica Biel and Lisa Kudrow and Winged Creatures with Kate Beckinsdale. Shane Zwiener (B.F.A., 2009) was seen in the west coast premiere of Ten Cent Night, which was costume designed by Lauren Tyler (B.F.A., 2005). Tyler also costume designed the world premiere production of Treefall for the Rogue Machine Theatre, where she is a co-founding member.
FOCUS ON FACULTY
Sharon Carnicke
Joseph Hacker
Dr. Sharon
institutions as the Moscow Art Theatre
Joseph Hacker is an
Carnicke is a
School, the Russian Academy for Theatre Art
Associate Professor of
Professor of
(formerly GITIS), and Australia’s National
Theatre Practice and
Theatre and Slavic
Institute for Dramatic Art. Dr. Carnicke is the
has appeared in over
Languages and
author of Stanislavsky In Focus: An Acting
fifty television shows
Literature and an
Master for the Twenty-First Century (Second
and films, including
Associate Dean at
Edition), The Theatrical Instinct: Nikolai
Winds of War, Call
the School of
Evreinov and the Russian Theatre of the Early
To Glory, Laverne
Theatre. She is a
Twentieth Century, Chekhov: 4 Plays and 3
and Shirley and
founding member
Jokes, and co-author of Reframing Scene
Moonlighting.
of the USC Center for Excellence in Teaching
Performance, as well as numerous articles on
His resume includes hundreds of television
and received an Associates Award for
Stanislavsky and Russian theatre. She has
commercials, serving as national spokesperson
Excellence in Teaching. She is an international
translated several works and directed in New
for major corporations, and numerous voice-over
expert on the Stanislavsky System of actor
York, Los Angeles and Moscow and received
and radio roles. At Saturn Pictures, Inc., he worked
training. Her works appear in five languages.
an American College Theatre Festival Award
with some of the premier public figures of the
She also conducts a private laboratory on
for her translation of The Seagull. She
seventies, producing TV and radio campaigns for
Stanislavsky’s last techniques - Active Analysis
teaches courses in Theatre History, Stage and
Senator Edwin Muskie, Congressman John
- for professional actors in Los Angeles. She
Film Acting Theory, and Literature.
Brademus and Senator Tom Eagleton, among
has conducted master classes at such notable
others. Mr. Hacker received his M.F.A. from New York University and has studied acting with Lee Strasberg, Stella Adler and Peggy Feury. He has
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taught Performance for Camera at USC since l996.