f A l l 2 0 0 9

PAGE 618th Annual Awards Ceremony

PAGE 3International Artists On Campus

PAGE 5A Celebration of John Blankenchip

(continued on page 3)

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 accommo-

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

environmentalist, a man who stands for social

responsibility and political involvement and

an artist and businessman who is a staunch

supporter of uncompromised creative expression.

The School of Theatre is thrilled to be able to

honor him by naming this award after him.

The event is chaired by School of Theatre Board

of Councilors President Richard Weinberg

with vice-chairs Sherman Alexie, Lisa Barkett,

(continued on page 2)

Robert Redford Engaged Artists Award GalaRescheduled to february 10, 2010

The curriculum is inspired by the work of the late Augusto Boal pictured here on the far right teaching a workshop at USC.

The School of Theatre has launched a

new Masters in Applied Theatre Arts

under the direction of Associate

Professor of Theatre Practice Brent Blair

that begins in the Fall of 2010. Geared

towards community-based artists, educators,

therapists, social workers and political activists,

the degree will explore how theatre can be

applied to non-traditional theatrical settings

through a rigorous course of study over three

semesters (Fall/Spring/Summer).

The curriculum is inspired by the work of the

late Augusto Boal. Boal’s work, known as Theatre

of the Oppressed, is a popular, expressive art

form where actors and non-actors collaborate

to investigate personal, social and political

problems toward the aim of individual and

collective transformation. Practiced in more

than 70 countries on five continents worldwide,

Theatre of the Oppressed techniques are

typically utilized in the areas of education,

social work, therapy and political activism.

School of Theatre Announces New Masters in Applied Theatre Arts“Theatreisaformofknowledge;itshouldandcanalsobeameansof transformingsociety.Theatrecanhelpusbuildourfuture,ratherthan justwaitingforit.”

—AugustoBoal,Games for Actors and Non-actors

2

This is an exciting period for the School of Theatre – but then, I think I say that every fall. And every

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

about to become too much but never quite does – a condition that is, I’ve learned, pretty typical for

our ambitious, energetic students and faculty.

The School is in the midst of a transition of sorts: having successfully achieved an important set of

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.

When I became Dean seven years ago (really? only seven?), the centerpiece of our plan for the School

was to revive and revise the M.F.A. programs in Dramatic Writing and Acting. The Dramatic Writing

program was first out of the gate, but at last spring’s Commencement we awarded degrees to the

inaugural class of the new M.F.A. Acting program.

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

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.

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.

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.

Robert Redford AwardGala Rescheduled(continued from cover)

The Diversityof Theatre

Alex & Linda Cappello, Jake Eberts, Michele

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

http://theatre.usc.edu/Robert-Redford-Award.

David Anderle

lisa Barkett

leVar Burton

Tim Curry

Charles Dillingham

Michele Dedeaux Engemann (Founding Chair)

Michael Gilligan (Chair, USC School of Theatre Parents Council)

Robert Greenblatt

Patti Gribow

Susan A. Grode

Paula Holt

Donna Isaacson

Gary lask

Sheila lipinsky

Martin Massman

Jimmy Miller

Madeline Puzo

Madeline Ramer

Andy Tennant

Allison Thomas

Rik Toulon

Joe Tremaine

Richard Weinberg (Chair)

S C H O O L   O F   T H E A T R E   B O A R D   O F   C O U N C I L O R S

Dean Madeline Puzo

A   m E S S A g E   F R O m   T H E   D E A N

3

New Masters in Applied Theatre Arts(continued from cover)

Distinguished International Artists Come to CampusIn 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.

Elena Papadopoulos in Antigone.

Twyla Tharp Girish Kanard

On September 2, Antigone: Law, Ethics and

Morality was presented with acclaimed

artists from the National Theatre of Cyprus,

including actress Elena Papadopoulos and

director/actor Nicos Charalambous. Merging

live and filmed performances, Antigone,

performed in Greek with English supertitles,

illuminated the passion and drama of the

play that has endured for 2,500 years.

Provost Max Nikias, an expert in the Greek

humanities, addressed the play’s relevance

for the audience that first heard it in 442

B.C., as well as its importance to audiences

today. Following the performance, Dean

Madeline Puzo moderated a discussion

featuring Provost Nikias, USC classics

professor Thomas Habinek and the artists.

On October 1, the USC community was

able to spend a special Evening With

Girish Kanard. Girish Karnad is one of the

preeminent playwrights in contemporary

India and helped reshape Indian theatre

as a national institution in the later

20th century. His career as a dramatist

has been paralleled by an equally

celebrated career as an actor, screenwriter

and film and television director. He has

received numerous awards for his work,

including the Jnanpith, India’s highest

distinction for lifetime contribution to

literature and the arts. School of Theatre

Associate Dean Jack Rowe staged scenes,

performed by our own theatre students,

from Karnad’s major works.

Legendary director/choreographer Twyla

Tharp (a Tony Award winner for Movin’

Out) came to campus on October 13 to

present a lecture based on her book The

Creative Habit: Learn It and Use It For Life.

Whatever creative impulse you follow —

whether you are an artist, an engineer

or a businessperson — Tharp’s talk was

designed to open your mind to new

creative possibilities and offered tools

that are invaluable to students as they

complete their studies at USC and

throughout their professional careers.

After the lecture, Tharp held a book

signing in the lobby of the theatre.

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).

for more information, please visit us at

http://theatre.usc.edu/graduate or call (213) 821-4163.

Students will learn basic techniques including Games for Actors and Non-actors.

4

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 CIRClEDr. & Mrs. Peter Bing and the Anna H. Bing Living TrustGeorge N. Burns TrustKatherine 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.

SEASON SPONSORSInger A. Armour Ong • Dawn Balcazar • California Civic Light Opera • Michael & Debbie Felix • Eric T. Kalkhurst & Nora K. Hui

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERSHerb & Lani Alpert • Lisa & Bill Barkett • Roger & Michele Dedeaux Engemann • Catherine Gousha • Jean & Steve Hamerslag • Howard & Holly Kalmenson • Sheila & Jeff Lipinsky • Moss Foundation • Bruce Vanyo

PRODUCERSBob & 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

DIRECTORSJohn & 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

PATRONSDavid Anderle • Anonymous • The Emanuel Bachmann Foundation • Mitch & Bonnie Bloom • Richard & Gabrielle de Forest • Robert Greenblatt •

Robert & Elizabeth Plumleigh in honor of Claire Cortney •Meredith & Drew Rowley • Pamela & Charles Schroeder • Joe Tremaine

ANGElSLou 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

BENEfACTORSMarie & 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.

Michael GilliganMichael Gilligan is a founding general partner of Heritage Partners, a private equity

firm focused on family and founder-owned businesses seeking a partner to provide

transition capital and help their businesses grow. He has served principally as the

lead director on the majority of Heritage’s portfolio companies, working with the

management teams to achieve their strategic objectives and create value. Michael

is the new President of the School of Theatre’s Parents Council and is also a

member of the boards of City Year’s flagship Boston operation, LIFT, a DC-based

poverty alleviation organization, and The Children’s Room, a grief counseling

organization. Michael, his wife, Anne, and their three children reside in Belmont,

Massachusetts.

Donna IsaacsonDonna Isaacson holds her B.F.A. and M.F.A. from New York University. She began

her career at Manhattan Theatre Club where she worked for 12 years casting over

100 plays. Donna was then asked to move to Los Angeles in 1993 to create the

Feature Talent division at 20th Century Fox. She has overseen the casting of over

300 films, including Titanic, the X-Men and Night at the Museum franchises,

as well as the critically acclaimed projects Quills, Romeo and Juliet and Walk the

Line. Donna has had the pleasure of working alongside very talented and notable

writers, directors and producers, including The Coen Brothers, Philip Kaufman,

Lynne Meadow, Terrence McNally, Ridley Scott, Douglas Hughes and Danny Boyle.

Allison ThomasAllison Thomas is a film producer whose credits include The Tale of Despereaux,

Seabiscuit (nominated for a Best Picture Academy Award in 2003) and Pleasantville.

Allison, and husband Gary Ross, created Larger Than Life Productions, which has a

production deal with Universal Pictures. They currently have 15 projects in develop-

ment. Prior to the creation of Larger Than Life Productions, Allison founded several

companies in the technology and entertainment marketing area, launching such

companies as NeXT Computer (Steve Jobs), Pixar and RealNetworks. The California

Women’s Law Center honored Allison with their Pursuit of Justice Award in 2004.

Allison is a graduate of Princeton University. She went on to earn her Executive

M.B.A. from USC.

Jimmy MillerJimmy Miller, owner of Mosaic (management/production company), manages some

of the most sought-after talent in show business today, including actors Jim Carrey

and Will Ferrell, as well as writer/directors Judd Apatow (Funny People, 40 Yr Old

Virgin, Knocked Up, TV’s Freaks and Geeks), Adam McKay (Talladega Nights: The

Ballad of Ricky Bobby, Step Brothers, Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy),

and Jay Roach (of the Austin Powers franchise and both Meet the Parents and Meet

the Fockers, as well as the upcoming Dinner for Schmucks). Miller’s film producing

credits include the worldwide blockbuster Elf, Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky

Bobby and the soon-to-be released Paramount production She’s Out of My League.

The School of Theatre would like to announce the newest members of our Board of Councilors:

5

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,

Dylan Kenin,

Marcy Lafferty,

Alan Neal Hubbs and Margo Upham. A highlight

of the afternoon was a video tribute compiled

by Andy Tennant.

Blankenchip joined the University of Southern

California in 1955, just a decade after the

Department of Drama was founded by

playwright and director William C. DeMille. Born

in Independence, Kansas in 1919, he earned a

B.F.A. in design and directing from Carnegie-

Mellon in 1941. He immediately went to Yale

University, attaining an M.F.A. in design and

directing in 1943.

Professor Blankenchip founded, produced, and

directed Festival Theatre USC-USA, a company

comprised of USC students and alumni who were

the first American artists to perform on the Fringe

of the Edinburgh International Festival. From 1966

to 2005, the company mounted 23 seasons on the

Fringe, performed in London, Amsterdam and

Paris and completed three tours for the AMERIKA

Houses in Germany for the U.S. State Department.

He received Fringe First Awards for the British

premieres of Buried Child and Follies. He directed

the critically acclaimed production of Vivien

Leigh: The Last Press Conference at the Edinburgh

Fringe Festival, in London, off-Broadway and

in Los Angeles at the Tiffany Theatre. Professor

Blankenchip also designed at Tanglewood, the

Guild Opera, and the La Jolla Playhouse, directed

and designed for the Ebony Showcase, and

was Ray Bradbury’s preferred designer at his

Pandemonium Theatre Company.

Blankenchip’s professionalism manifested itself

through former students who have gone on to

successful careers both in and out of the theatre.

He played a key role in developing the original

B.F.A. and M.F.A. theatre programs at USC, and

from almost the beginning, had been vital to the

School of Theatre’s growing excellence. In celebra-

tion of Blankenchip’s golden anniversary of service

to USC, the School of Theatre established the John

Blankenchip Visiting Artist Endowment in 2005.

Active until the very end, he continued to teach

classes in directing and experimental theatre until

a month before he passed away.

A Celebration of the life of John Edward Blankenchip

What a joyful noise!” declared Dean

Madeline Puzo as the jubilant

School of Theatre graduates,

including the first graduating

class of the School’s re-established

M.F.A. program in Acting, filled the Bing Theatre

for a ceremony in which the importance of being

true to one’s values would be a recurring theme.

Representing the Bachelor of Arts graduates,

Ray Chase offered wry and pointed comic

aphorisms. “It’s a good thing that failure hurts

us because otherwise everyone would want to fail

all the time and then we wouldn’t have doorways,

golf balls, mirrors or sandwiches,” he observed

while gently strumming a ukulele. “Whatever

happens, it’s OK,” Chase concluded. “You’re still

alive. And being alive is being full of hope.”

“USC is not a school that is training us to fit into

the marketplace,” said Joseph Sofranko, speaking

for the Bachelor of Fine Arts graduates. “It’s a

school that has nurtured in each of us an artistic

spirit.” And should any of his colleagues ever feel

adrift or uncertain, Sofranko suggested they ask

themselves the question that was asked in his first

acting class, “‘Why are you doing this?’ Answer

from your heart,” said Sofranko, “And you’ll

remember the passion, the love and the drive

of your artistic spirit.”

For R. Ernie Silva, raised in the brutal Bushwick

Projects of Brooklyn and the first in his family

to attend college, earning his M.F.A. in Acting

had special significance: it marked, he said, the

breaking of a “curse” that had for generations

doomed anyone in his family who dared to

Keynote speaker actor Joe Mantegna.

Commencement 2009

(continued on page 6)

Gretchen Kanne and Paul Comi spoke at the celebration. Sketch of John Blankenchip by Scott Atkinson.

John Blankenchip

6

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 approach-

ing 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

discussed practical aspects of acting, such as

how the formal skills he was taught in acting

school proved crucial to his success, and the

importance of being fully prepared. “Always

go into an audition with ultimate confidence,”

he advised, “as long as you can back it up.”

Addressing the sensitive issue of luck, Mantegna

recalled the show which, after he’d been acting

for some 15 years, transformed his career, David

Mamet’s Pulitzer Prize-winning Glengarry Glen

Ross. Asked at the time how it felt to be in a hit

Broadway play and win the Tony, Mantegna had

replied, “It’s like winning the lottery – but I

bought a lot of tickets.”

But Mantegna was most passionate in urging

the graduates not to sacrifice their human values

or put off things they care about – such as

relationships or having children – because of

a real or only hoped-for show business career.

“Your life comes first,” Mantagna declared.

“You have to follow your heart. Your career will

follow as long as your life ideals are strong. First,

be that human being, the best human being you

are, then you can be the best actor you are, the

best artist you are – it doesn’t work the other

way around.” Mantegna, an avid sports fan, was

himself delighted when, on behalf of the School,

Dean Puzo gave him a very special gift: a USC

Trojan football signed, “Thanks Joe. Fight On.

Pete Carroll.”

18th Annual Awards CeremonyThe 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!

Commencement 2009(continued from page 5)

B.A. speaker Ray Chase The first graduating class of M.F.A. actors

Aileen Stanley Memorial Award for Undergraduate StudentsMargaret Ivey Molly McGraw

John Blankenchip/Bill White Scholarship for Outstanding ContributionsNathan Singh Melissa Trupp

USC Alumni and friends Awardfor Creative Student ActivitiesLili Fuller

Ruth and Albert McKinlay Award for Two Undergraduate B.A. StudentsPerformer: Madeline HansonHighest G.P.A.: Amanda Waddell

Student Council Award for a Graduating SeniorLauren Rayner

Nancy Kehr Reed Award for funding an Independent Student ProductionBrien O’Loughlin

David Dukes Acting Scholarshipfor a Junior StudentJesse Einstein

Ava Greenwald Memorial Award for a Graduate ActorMiriam Glover

James B. Pendleton Awardfor Outstanding ContributionsBriga Heelan

John Ritter Award for Comic PerformanceJon Rudnitsky

Stanley Musgrove Award for Outstanding Creative TalentJulia McIlvaine

Jack Nicholson Award for Outstanding Undergraduate Actor/ActressMatthew Little Lindsey Garrett

Ritchie Spencer Memorial Award for a Graduating DesignerGriffin Behm

James and Nony Doolittle Award for Graduating SeniorsTroian Bellisario Tommy Bertelsen Joseph Sofranko Jessica Williams

Outstanding Dance Choreographer Awards fall Concert: Erika HumphiesDiana VadenSpring Concert: Jaclyn Russell

Dance leadership Awards Christian Kitamura Nolan Chung

Bill White faculty Recognition AwardPaul Backer

2008-09 AWARD RECIPIENTS

7

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 guest-starred 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 Kacy-Earl 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 produc-tion 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 pro-ductions 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 upcom-ing 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 inde-pendent 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,

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 develop-ing 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 indepen-dent dark comedy Burning Palms opposite Dylan McDermott and Rosamund Pike. Thomas also over-sees 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.

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4.

F O C U S   O N   F A C U L T Y

Joseph HackerJoseph Hacker is an

Associate Professor of

Theatre Practice and

has appeared in over

fifty television shows

and films, including

Winds of War, Call

To Glory, Laverne

and Shirley and

Moonlighting.

His resume includes hundreds of television

commercials, serving as national spokesperson

for major corporations, and numerous voice-over

and radio roles. At Saturn Pictures, Inc., he worked

with some of the premier public figures of the

seventies, producing TV and radio campaigns for

Senator Edwin Muskie, Congressman John

Brademus and Senator Tom Eagleton, among

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

taught Performance for Camera at USC since l996.

Dr. Sharon

Carnicke is a

Professor of

Theatre and Slavic

Languages and

Literature and an

Associate Dean at

the School of

Theatre. She is a

founding member

of the USC Center for Excellence in Teaching

and received an Associates Award for

Excellence in Teaching. She is an international

expert on the Stanislavsky System of actor

training. Her works appear in five languages.

She also conducts a private laboratory on

Stanislavsky’s last techniques - Active Analysis

- for professional actors in Los Angeles. She

has conducted master classes at such notable

institutions as the Moscow Art Theatre

School, the Russian Academy for Theatre Art

(formerly GITIS), and Australia’s National

Institute for Dramatic Art. Dr. Carnicke is the

author of Stanislavsky In Focus: An Acting

Master for the Twenty-First Century (Second

Edition), The Theatrical Instinct: Nikolai

Evreinov and the Russian Theatre of the Early

Twentieth Century, Chekhov: 4 Plays and 3

Jokes, and co-author of Reframing Scene

Performance, as well as numerous articles on

Stanislavsky and Russian theatre. She has

translated several works and directed in New

York, Los Angeles and Moscow and received

an American College Theatre Festival Award

for her translation of The Seagull. She

teaches courses in Theatre History, Stage and

Film Acting Theory, and Literature.