Allison Engel
Allison Engel is an author and produced playwright who has been an award-winning newspaper reporter and editor at national magazines.
Stories by Allison Engel:
West Side Story showcases stellar work of USC’s actors, singers and dancers
The show marks a first-time collaboration among the USC School of Dramatic Arts, the USC Thornton School of Music and the USC Kaufman School of Dance.
Angels in America playwright Tony Kushner works on new version of an old play at USC
The Pulitzer Prize winner reimagines his acclaimed 1985 work A Bright Room Called Day for a cast of MFA actors.
Outspoken Iranian actress advises students to ‘stop pretending’
Shohreh Aghdashloo, who has played strong women on stage, television and in films, has simple acting advice for Trojans.
New scholarship honors director Jack Rowe’s love of theater
Reading and music have been constants in the life of the USC School of Dramatic Arts retiree, who now has an endowed scholarship in his name.
USC Thornton announces five new master’s degree programs
The school is adding the programs to stay ahead of major changes in the music industry, dean says.
A broadcast first: KUSC to air Shanghai Symphony concert series from China
It’s the first Chinese symphony series to be broadcast on radio in the United States.
USC Thornton alumna builds an online brand on social media
Studio session artist steps out of the shadows and generates new sources of income.
Celebrated actress Kate Burton to join faculty of USC School of Dramatic Arts
The three-time Emmy and Tony nominee will incorporate her professional career into learning opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students.
Milton Curry named new dean at USC School of Architecture
The veteran educator is at the forefront of architecture, urbanism and cultural theory.
Onstage and backstage, Trojans find success in L.A. theater
Dramatic Arts alumni land a lead role, workshop with Al Pacino and work on a musical with 600 sound cues.
Architecture students get fast-paced look at potential jobs
Alumni share career experiences, from preserving the first Taco Bell to creating furniture — and designing buildings, too.
Female conductors seize the baton, win acclaim around the world
A trio of USC Thornton musicians direct performers from podiums here and abroad.
Composers and choreographers merge for a first-of-its-kind performance
Some students dance, others make music at the USC Glorya Kaufman International Dance Center.
The bank that pulls strings for a good cause: music education
USC Thornton musicians create a nonprofit that gives strings to underprivileged students.
Elaborate jackets sewn with odd ‘fabrics’ go on display at USC
Architecture studio students show their painstaking apparel made with soap, pills, hair ties and much more.
Have an unused musical instrument? Classical KUSC could use it for kids
The radio station sponsors a drive to put lightly used instruments in the hands of appreciative youngsters. And it’s tax-deductible.
Film composers talk Oscars in KUSC conversations
Academy Award nominees — and an acclaimed violinist — sit down for chats with host Jim Svejda.
USC Thornton strings students pluck top awards at national competition
A violinist and cellist win first and third place at the Sphinx Competition for classical strings players.
OK, kids, you have five days to learn 15 musical numbers for a USC workshop
Bringing the new musical Hipster Sweatshop to a stage turns out to be a liberating experience for a talented cast of fresh faces.
USC Kaufman dancers appear in TV commercial airing around the world
The one-minute ad filmed at L.A. locales gives Trojans an eye-opening experience.
How Jay Duplass of Transparent made the leap from obscurity to success
The actor-director talks about his big break at Sundance and offers candid advice to Trojans.
Grammy nominees include a slew of USC Thornton faculty, alums
Nominations range from jazz and classical categories to popular music, film scores and more.
USC Thornton plays a global tune, with new opportunities for its musicians to study abroad
International effort includes partnerships, exchanges and associate membership in the Association of European Conservatories.
Theater community unites for After Orlando project
USC’s Oliver Mayer and other artists create short plays in response to the Florida tragedy.