USC STUDIO THEATRE

The University of Southern California United University Church is being transformed into the new wing for the School of Dramatic Arts. Originally constructed in 1931 by C. Raimond Johnson and located within the National Register Historic District of the USC University Park Campus, the project is adaptively reusing and adding on to the Dramatic School’s existing building to consolidate most of their programs.

The reconfigured historic five-story building will increase student support services: SDA’s innovative Career Center, which serves as a bridge to the industry and empowers students to be self-sustaining working artists, will have a cutting-edge new home in the building. Additionally, the new Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion will have a grounding space that ensures the success of all students, where collaboration in and across affinity groups can change the face of the entertainment industry. Plans also include two new performance venues (a 110-seat flexible theatre where the church’s sanctuary previously stood, and a smaller cabaret space for student-initiated productions) — as well as a digital media suite, audio design lab, vocal practice rooms, rehearsal spaces and classrooms for programs ranging from musical theatre to improv comedy. These new facilities will allow students the opportunity to access technologies being utilized across the entertainment industry – ensuring that students graduate with the ability to adapt their talents to any medium.

TheatreDNA provided full theatre planning, theatre design, and performance equipment design and specification services.