USC's School of Theatre Changes Name
USC's School of Theatre announced Monday that it will change its name to the USC School of Dramatic Arts.
The top-ranked theatre school is a leader among the nation in educating and preparing students for professional careers in the theatre industry. Graduate and postgraduate programs are offered in a conservatory environment with distinguished faculty who work regularly in the entertainment and theatre industry.
Dean Madeline Puzo says that the new name will better express the school's mission to prepare its students for a future that embraces many different forms of dramatic expression and platforms.
The School puts on over 20 shows a year at Bing Theatre, the Scene Dock Theatre, the McClintock Theatre, the Massman Theatre and the Village Gate.
Puzo reminds everyone that theatre is and will continue to be the foundation of the school. However, the school is changing and adjusting to the changing nature of the theatre art form.
"Changing the name to the USC School of Dramatic Arts better reflects the reality of how we are evolving to prepare our students for a future that embraces varying forms of dramatic expression," Puzo said.
Talent manager JC Robbins thinks the change is very appropriate, and hopes changes in the curriculum will follow to truly reflect the school's name.
"I think that theater is very specific, and I think that actors who come out of a theater program are caught off guard because they're working in a media with movie and television. I think it's better to have it as the Dramatic Arts--it's not so specific," Robbins said.
However, some students are not in favor of the new name.
Junior Karan Lyons sees this as, "largely unnecessary," and thinks that, "a large number of people in this school are frustrated by this name change."
Annie Jankowski, President of the Student Theater Association is also unhappy. "I am not the biggest fan." she says. "We don't produce anything but theater, and so calling us the Dramatic Arts...It's not what we do. If we put on film or different kinds of art pieces I'd understand, but we don't. So unless they're going to change our interfacing, I don't think there's a reason to change the name. We're all kind of sad about it."
However, whether they're ready for it or not, the name change will be official starting July 1.
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