USC research reinforces music’s impact on the developing brain
A $450,000 grant from the National Institutes of Health will help USC Dornsife’s Assal Habibi advance her studies into how musical training boosts childhood brain development.
Whether writing plays or TV dramas, this USC alum embraces her voice
Inda Craig-Galván, who has worked as both an acclaimed playwright and a TV writer, credits her master’s from the USC School of Dramatic Arts with opening her eyes to new writing opportunities.
An Opera Star’s Journey from USC to New York’s Biggest Stage
A USC Thornton alum reflects on the glamour — and hard work — of life as an operatic bass.
After five decades, Sesame Street still understands how to reach kids
An USC psychology professor explains how this beloved children’s show uncovered the secret to educational success.
USC-trained medical clowns believe laughter can bring foster families together
Graduates of the medical clowning program at the USC School of Dramatic Arts want to change the face of foster care, one smile at a time.
Making his first film pushed this producer to get his USC Marshall MBA
Sam Mantell spent almost three years producing, editing and selling a documentary about being homeless in Los Angeles. His biggest takeaway? Understanding the business side of entertainment is key.
How cats have inspired artists from da Vinci to Warhol
USC Dornsife’s Kate Flint explores the felines that have pawed, posed and preened their way through art around the world.
How a Promising Musician Embraced Business
Daniel Smythe balances his love for music with his career in consulting.
Arts showcase puts talented USC students at center stage
The evening — featuring music, dance and theatrical presentations, comedy, films and an art exhibition — was a signature event leading up to Friday’s inauguration of Carol L. Folt as USC president.
Personal stories of surviving the Holocaust unveiled at powerful art exhibition
Portraits of Holocaust survivors appear alongside interactive testimonies in Facing Survival, a USC Fisher Museum of Art and USC Shoah Foundation collaboration open through Dec. 7.
Best-Selling Author Deborah Harkness Writes Fantasy with a Historian’s Eye
The creator of A Discovery of Witches looks back at her “overnight success” that took a decade.
Through dandelions and fireflies, artists try to make sense of climate change
A USC Dornsife professor describes how exploring the work of artists and poets can spur us to embrace and protect the environment.
The power of podcasting: How Trojans are making their voices heard
USC Annenberg faculty, alumni and students are among the podcasters helping to evolve and expand the concept of audio-on-demand.
2018 was a more inclusive year in film, but additional work is needed
A new study from Stacy Smith and the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative found more inclusion in film in 2018, including a rise in female leads, but noted that more progress is needed.
How Animators Bring Their Doodles to Life
Some of the most compelling animated stories on screen start as scribbles in a notebook.
Kate Burton Prepares USC Students for Stage and Screen
“Through the ages, actors have provided entertainment, education and inspiration to the world,” says the Emmy Award-winning actress.
Latinos lose out when it comes to Hollywood films
A study from the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative finds top films lag far behind the population when it comes to representing Latino characters.
Hip-hop or country? USC student’s AI tool analyzes ‘Old Town Road’
According to a PhD student’s artificial intelligence tool that analyzes lyrics and chords, Lil Nas X’s record-setting hit really does cross genres.
Driven to celebrate the underrepresented, former pre-med major embraces arts
USC Dornsife senior JaBrea Patterson-West changed her major — and her life’s trajectory — to support underrepresented artists, earning a prestigious fellowship in the process.
Choreographer Tony Testa uses USC residency to craft Olympic opening ceremony submission
As part of their New Movement Residency, Testa recently took over USC Kaufman studios to rehearse dance numbers that he plans to submit for the 2022 Beijing Olympics.
Loyal KUSC listener leaves $8 million to USC Thornton and the station
Edward Judd Zobelein, a lifetime lover of classical music, has left gifts of $6 million to the USC Thornton School and $2 million to KUSC.
USC School of Cinematic Arts to share in $50 million gift from Patricia W. Mitchell Trusts
The gift, split among three universities, honors television trailblazer John H. Mitchell and will support major initiatives in diversity, ethics and film preservation.
Top Hollywood Blockbusters With Trojan Ties
From Star Wars to The Avengers, USC alumni have created some of the most successful movies in history.
A Tale of Two Oscar-Winning Documentaries Made by Trojans
Short films made by School of Cinematic Arts moviemakers bookend more than 65 years of Academy Awards.