Filmmaker taps into the tragedies of life in documentaries
MFA student Mary Gerretsen uses film to work out troubling issues in her own experience.
Warped Tour founder finds new calling in classroom
As the music industry changes, Kevin Lyman wants to help the next generation of industry pros get millennials and Gen Z to attend shows.
Designer April Greiman joins USC Roski School of Art and Design
The accomplished artist will teach as a member of the school’s growing design program.
Trojan connects with youngest refugees through music
USC Thornton student brings songs into the lives of Kurdish children during a service trip — despite a language barrier.
Cinematic arts student wins worldwide screenwriting contest
Stanley Kalu’s timely tale about a wealthy black student who falls victim to police brutality wins film financing and an education grant.
Why do we like to be scared? USC experts explain the science of fright
USC experts in neuroscience, horror films and folklore explain why being terrified can thrill and excite, and what that says about our culture.
Why horror films are worth watching in these angsty times
USC’s William Whittington notes that projects like Get Out tap into current fears and anxiety but, perhaps unexpectedly, offer hope, too.
Mikhail Baryshnikov named as USC Kaufman’s first commencement speaker
The legendary dancer will deliver the commencement address at the school’s first graduation ceremony.
Ben Kingsley reflects on Gandhi, other top projects at Spotlight@SDA event
The Oscar-winning actor looks back at a stellar career that once included work with 300,000 extras and a funeral carriage.
Much-lauded Earth Works exhibition finds beauty in a climatological disaster
Justin Brice Guariglia’s work, on display at the USC Fisher Museum of Art, captures gorgeous images of glaciers as they melt away forever.
To diversify America’s orchestras, USC collaborates on new strings fellowship
Four up-and-coming classical musicians study at USC, perform with a premier orchestra and mentor diverse members of a local youth orchestra.
USC Arts in Action puts music to work, with social change in mind
Inaugural event, focusing on homelessness, brings USC musicians together with artists and performers from Skid Row.
IndieCade Founder Stephanie Barish Champions Diverse Voices in Video Games
A USC School of Cinematic Arts alumna celebrates the diversity, creativity and artistry of video games.
A USC Student Designs Games With an Emotional Punch
A creative junior designs games for all different platforms that are both fun and heart-wrenching.
Josh Gad (Olaf from Frozen) inspires drama students with tales of career missteps
Actor shares stories with students, faculty and Dean David Bridel at first USC School of Dramatic Arts Spotlight@SDA event of the year.
The story behind USC sophomore’s recording of ‘Yellow’ from Crazy Rich Asians
Katherine Ho, a former contestant on The Voice, recorded the demo for hours while her parents coached her Mandarin dialect over the phone.
Partnership works at preventing surprisingly common musicians’ injuries
With help from USC music and occupational therapy faculty, talented Trojans learn how to avoid repetitive-movement injuries.
Digital collection of dance performances finds a home at USC
USC Libraries and the USC Kaufman School of Dance will feature hundreds of cultural performances thanks to a Mellon Foundation grant.
Happy to fire, reluctant to hire: Hollywood inclusion remains unchanged
Across 1,100 popular films, a new report finds little change in representation for women, racial and ethnic groups, LGBT community or people with disabilities.
Why legendary Stan Lee and older adults remain relevant in movies — and life
The 95-year-old’s cameos in summer blockbusters add a human touch to big-budget franchises, reminding us that age is just a number.
Math and music merge for Trojan with footholds in two worlds
Paul Chyz grew up with eclectic interests in science and the guitar. USC helped him bring them together.
Comic-Con, not just about comics any more, is changing the entertainment industry
USC experts note that the annual event, which opens Thursday in San Diego, is making a difference behind the scenes and on screen, too.
Mark Hamill advises Trojans to ‘recognize the opportunities’
The Star Wars legend recalls his Luke Skywalker audition and offers wisdom to students at a USC School of Dramatic Arts event.
Trojan, now writing with an HBO mentor, sees a story in everyone
Sara Alize Cross has been spinning yarns since childhood, and it pays off with a fellowship under the guidance of an HBO comedy executive.