Callboard Spring 2013 by University of Southern California

Photo by Matthew Murphy

SPRING 2013

Alum Stark Sands (center, on right) stars in the Broadway musical Kinky Boots.

Alumni Shine On Broadway From Grant Heslov (B.F.A. 1986) winning an Oscar for producing Argo — a film that also swept the top prizes at the Screen Actors Guild, Producers Guild of America and Golden Globes — to Danny Strong (B.A. 1996) winning an Emmy and a Golden Globe for writing Game Change to Kevin Mambo (B.F.A. 1995) being featured in the national tour of The Book of Mormon, graduates of the School of Dramatic Arts have always made the news for their outstanding work in the arts. They continue to star on television, including Patrick J. Adams (B.F.A. 2004) in Suits, for which he was nominated for a SAG Award for Best Lead Actor in a TV drama series, and Troian Bellisario (B.F.A. 2009) in her third season of ABC Family’s Pretty Little Liars, while Deborah Ann Woll (B.F.A. 2007) continues to dazzle in HBO’s smash hit True Blood. Alums have also lit up the silver screen as evidenced by Chase Williamson (B.F.A. 2010) starring in the indie film John Dies at the End, which was an official selection for several renowned film festivals; Miriam Glover (M.F.A. 2009) being featured in Quentin Tarantino’s Academy Award-winning Django Unchained; as well as Tate Donovan (B.F.A. 1985), who was featured in Argo, and also stars on and directs episodes of the current NBC series Deception. On Broadway, alumni Charl Brown (B.A. 2001) and Stark Sands (B.F.A. 2001) are starring in two highly-anticipated new musicals, Motown: The Musical and Kinky Boots. Callboard caught up with the pair amidst their hectic rehearsal schedules to discuss their leading roles and life after graduation. CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

Charl Brown

Stark Sands

A Message from the Dean I’ve been talking a great deal about our alumni over the past year and looking through this new issue of Callboard will show you why: our alums are really busy, not only working, but working at a very high level, on Broadway, in feature films and leading television series. In a discipline as competitive as ours, credit for any individual’s success goes entirely to that individual, to his or her personal talent, effort and (always a factor) good fortune. That said, I think that it’s significant (and not a coincidence) that so many School of Dramatic Arts alumni are working in the dramatic arts. We are, and have always been, a school focused on training artists, working artists. We teach the ‘classic’ intellectual and formal skills and nurture the highest artistic values, but we also prepare our young artists for the professional world – and, hopefully, enable them not only to succeed, but also to change and advance the art and the profession. Our alumni make an essential contribution to the ongoing and increasing success of our programs. They do so indirectly through the quality of their work, which confirms and further burnishes the School’s already excellent reputation. Alums also contribute directly through the professional guidance they offer the students by sharing their knowledge and experience in events such as the Stage Door Forum. It’s certainly true that not every graduate of the School works, or works exclusively or forever, in some branch of the dramatic arts.

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Reunited: Alumni, from left, Patrick J. Adams (B.F.A. 2004), Robert Baker (B.F.A. 2002), Deborah Ann Woll (B.F.A. 2007) and Troian Bellisario (B.F.A. 2009) returned to their alma mater to share their post-graduation experiences at the inaugural Stage Door Forum held at the Scene Dock Theatre.

Life is full of surprising twists and people make new discoveries and find greater passions. But I believe our alumni prize having pursued their passion at the School and find that their time here was an invaluable preparation for every other pursuit they undertake. I honestly do not think any discipline prepares someone for the varied, ever changing demands and possibilities of life as well as theatre does. In theatre, you can’t separate the knowing from the doing. Theatre is intellectual; you learn to think critically, to read closely and skeptically; learn the power and pitfalls of language, ideas and stories; learn about human nature and behavior. However, you learn not just by studying the great dramatists but by doing their plays in the world. Theatre is neither theoretical nor private; you have to do it with other people, for other people. You have to confront the myriad unexpected challenges one encounters in trying to turn an idea (a play as imagined) into an actual production. You have to experience the joys and, yes, intense frustrations of collaboration and compromise. You have to manage the complex logistics of scheduling, budgets, spaces, sets, lights, costumes, etc. You have to brave the mystery and uncertainty of live performance. But what you learn doing these things, in doing theatre, will serve you the rest of your life. Hope to see you soon at one of our productions. Dean Madeline Puzo

School of Dramatic Arts Board of Councilors Richard Weinberg (Chair) Michele Dedeaux Engemann (Founding Chair) Patrick J. Adams David Anderle Lisa Barkett Todd Black Tim Curry Tate Donovan Michael Felix Greg Foster Michael Gilligan Robert Greenblatt Susan A. Grode Paula Holt Donna Isaacson Mark Kogan Gary Lask Sheila Lipinsky Laurence Mark Martin Massman Jimmy Miller Madeline Puzo Thomas Schumacher James D. Stern Andy Tennant Allison Thomas Rik Toulon Joe Tremaine

Bringing Sustainability to the Scene

Graduating B.F.A. design student Victoria Tam on the set of The Taming of the Shrew.

While some may recycle cans and others may harvest rainwater, she makes her difference one production set design at a time. Student Victoria Tam doesn’t just practice sustainability in her everyday life; she sees it as a necessity as a scenic designer, too. The green-minded B.F.A. uses what is already available to her and pares down whenever possible. But when a production does call for something to be bought or created, she is mindful of the item’s recyclability as a stock piece or whether it can be repurposed later. “I’ve always been environmentally aware and conscious of not being wasteful,” she said. “I think it means much more by using a material and reusing that same material to create something totally different.” Specifically in her design for the School’s fall production of 12 Ophelias, Tam cleverly recycled wood planks from other shows like Vieux Carré and Wedding Band, and used stock plastic foliage to create the play’s deconstructed Appalachian setting. In doing so, about 50 percent of Tam’s set was made of reused materials. Subsequently, wood from that show was used for the independent student production (ISP) of

Student-Initiated Projects Foster Creative Spirit Independent Student Productions (ISPs) are student-initiated projects that appeal to the various interests of our dramatic arts community. ISPs are entirely produced, directed, designed, built, choreographed, performed and marketed

| Spring 2013

Treehouses and then for an ISP that Tam set designed, Peter Pan. For that production, she resourcefully incorporated into her design a wall of shipping pallets that were later resold to the company from which she purchased them. “I like to reuse whatever resources we have already and add on to it as part of my design,” she said. “I think it helps me as a designer to consolidate materials and also for them to have multi-functions.” Most recently, Tam was the set designer for the spring SDA production of William Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, a classic battle-of-the-sexes comedy. The student also designed the School’s recent productions of Smash and A Midsummer Saturday Night’s Fever Dream. In her studies at USC, Tam has been involved with several ISPs, which she feels has also helped mold her as a designer. Since ISPs are entirely directed, produced and run by students, the

by the students themselves in consultation with a faculty advisor. The School funds three to four individual productions each semester while the rest are truly independent. “I learned so much from working on every ISP — by figuring out things by myself and putting up a production with a minimal budget — and the overall experience working with other students was something I really enjoyed,” said B.F.A. student

amount of money or resources can be limited. “When you don’t really have anything, you get creative,” Tam said. “Because I have been doing smaller productions like ISPs, using what resources you have has been a big part of my design. I think, in that manner, it does make me a better designer because I am able to see the possibilities of what I can do for a single item.” From her days as a passionate Girl Scout to her sustainable efforts as a designer today, Tam has been environmentally aware as long as she can remember. Especially as a former youth leader in high school and in college for Tree Musketeers — a green community service nonprofit that was founded, and is still run, by youth — she has since felt empowered by the organization’s mission of building young leaders of environmental and social change. And now a soon-to-be graduate, Tam has no doubts that she will continue to be green well into her professional career.

Victoria Tam, who has served as scenic designer for several ISPs. In providing an extraordinary hands-on learning experience for every aspect of collaborative theatre, the ISP program helps create entrepreneurs who learn to take the initiative around their own creative and professional development to execute high quality theatre projects. These productions continuously sell out and are regarded as a “hot ticket” by many in the USC community.

Here is a small sample of past independent student productions:

• Treehouses • Chicago • Little Shop of Horrors • Spring Awakening • American Zion • Laughter on the 23rd Floor • Urinetown, the Musical • Sparrows • Endgame • Our Town • Acts of Contrition • Waiting for Godot • Sunday in the Park with George

dramaticarts.usc.edu

Announcing Our 2012-2013 Parent Ambassadors The USC School of Dramatic Arts is pleased to announce our new regional Parent Ambassadors who have generously committed to leadership roles within the School: Byron & Teri Pollitt (San Francisco, CA), Suzanne Bruce & Malcolm Waddell (Houston, TX), Anne Helgen & Michael Gilligan (Boston, MA) and Therese Rosenblatt & Marshall Sonenshine (New York, NY).

(From top, left to right) Teri & Byron Pollitt, Michael Gilligan & Anne Helgen, Malcolm Waddell & Suzanne Bruce, and Marshall Sonenshine & Therese Rosenblatt.

With the goal of providing a more expansive and supportive network for exchanging advice and ideas among all SDA parents, the Parent Ambassadors program originated from the former Parents Council program and has been designed to increase interaction and communication with SDA parents throughout the country and to help raise funds for the School’s much needed programs — such as our visiting artist series, scholarships and the production fund. SDA Parent Ambassadors also help expand the School’s impact by serving as regional partners and

Donor Marquee The USC School of Dramatic Arts would like to recognize the tremendous generosity of the following individuals and organizations whose cumulative giving has exceeded $1 million. Their foresight and commitment to the arts and higher education have helped transform the School into a leader in dramatic arts education: VISIONARY CIRCLE

Dr. & Mrs. Peter Bing and the Anna H. Bing Living Trust George N. Burns Trust

Katherine B. Loker Robert & Elizabeth Plumleigh in memory of Karen Plumleigh Cortney

We are grateful to those who have given wisdom, talent, time and financial resources to the benefit of the School’s Annual Fund in addition to scholarship support. The following members have made pledges of $1,000 or more over the past year: SEASON SPONSORS

PRODUCERS

Eric. T Kalkhurst & Nora K. Hui

MaryLou Boone Suzanne Bruce, MD & Malcolm Waddell Mary & Richard Covington Roger & Michele Dedeaux Engemann Anne Helgen & Michael Gilligan Gary & Karen Lask Sheila & Jeff Lipinsky Christine Marie Ofiesh Inger A. Armour Ong Sally & Howard Oxley in honor of Dean Madeline Puzo Susie & Alex Pilmer Teresa & Byron Pollitt Jim & Leslie Visnic

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS

The H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation Michael & Debbie Felix Elizabeth & Mark Kogan Richard Weinberg & Diane Stilwell

DIRECTORS

Anonymous David Anderle Randolph & Ellen Beatty Todd Black & Ruth Graham Black John & Leslie Burns Tate Donovan Margaret Eagle & Eli Rapaport Gail & Jim Ellis in honor of Madeline Puzo Gregory & Marci Foster Joan Gardner John Goodman Susan A. Grode Pat Haden from The Rose Hills Foundation Dianna & Earnest Harris Donna Isaacson Laurence Mark Jimmy & Cheryl Miller Robert R. Scales in memory of Suzanne Grossmann Scales Thomas Schumacher Jeanette Shammas Michael Solomon & Kimberly Nunes Allison Thomas & Gary Ross Rik Toulon GuangZhou Hao Yang Electronic Co., Ltd PATRONS

Kathryn & Lawrence Bryan The Emanuel Bachmann Foundation Molly & David Helfet Paula Holt

advocates within their local SDA community. In addition to serving as effective leaders and hosts in their respective regions, these families have agreed to offer peer-to-peer advice, to engage with prospective SDA students and their parents, and to help build the culture of philanthropy within the School. Please join us in welcoming this special group of parent leaders, and if you are interested in getting involved or connecting with our Ambassadors, please email us at parents@sda.usc.edu.

Steven Nagelberg Teri & Gary Paul Meredith & Drew Rowley Ruth Tuomala & Ernest Cravalho Nancy & Peter Tuz ANGELS

Annette & Gary Angiuli Joan Beber Dr. Rosula A. Bell in honor of Luisa Andaya-Somoray Susan & David Berck Yvonne Bogdanovich Angela & Amir Bozorgmir Caroline Choi Sara Bancroft-Clair & Pierson Clair Barbara Cotler Gabrielle & Richard de Forest David Emmes & Paula Tomei Debra & Gary Fields Catherine Gousha Eleanor Grossman Debbie & Terry Hammer The Bridges Larson Foundation Marguerite E. Maclntyre Scott S. Mullet & Jenelle Anne Marsh Robert & Debbie Myman Elizabeth C. Noble Willa Olsen Mary & Oscar Pallares in memory of Bill White Vicky & David Porter Dean Madeline Puzo Dr. Simon Ramo Aileen & James Reilly

Andrew J. & Irene Robinson Cyndy & John Scotti Rick Silverman Nancy Sinatra, Sr. in honor of my niece Dean Puzo The Steiner Family Cynthia Stroum Lynne & Stephen Wheeler Woodell-Mascall Family We have taken care to list names and gift designations accurately. If you believe there has been an error or omission, please contact Development Assistant Kathy Morgan at 213.821.4262 or kdmorgan@usc.edu. Thank you for your support.

We hope you will consider becoming a member by joining these supporters. Please take a moment to return the enclosed reply envelope. For more information about giving to the School of Dramatic Arts, please contact Sara Fousekis at 213.821.4047 or fousekis@usc.edu.

Photo by Craig Schwartz Associate Professor of Theatre Practice Andrei Belgrader (back row, center) and the graduating M.F.A. actors on the set of Summertime.

Focus on Faculty:

Director Reunites with Former Student for The Master Builder at BAM All it takes are a few words or a grunt for Professor of Theatre Practice Andrei Belgrader and actor John Turturro (O Brother, Where Art Thou?, The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3) to understand each other. It’s a special kind of communication the pair developed in their decades of knowing each other and a communication Belgrader looks forward to each time he works with his former student. “It’s a deep ability to communicate based on a long history together,” the SDA faculty commented. The twosome reunite at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) for a new production of Henrik Ibsen’s The Master Builder in which an aging architect, wrought by his successes, confronts mortality atop his skyscraping achievement. Performances are from May 12 to June 9 at the Harvey Theater in New York. “The play is somewhat of a fairytale and somewhat of a myth. I don’t think of it as realistic — it is basically an existential play,” the director explained. “I have a deeply disturbing relationship with Ibsen, one of love and hate. I’ve looked long and hard for a good translation and I think I’ve found one after much agitation.” The director has also worked with Turturro on Samuel Beckett’s Endgame at BAM, which

| Spring 2013

featured Elaine Stritch; and The Cherry Orchard at Classic Stage Company, with Dianne Wiest and another of Belgrader’s former students, Michael Urie. “I loved him (Turturro) when he was a student. I kept in touch with him always and then we worked with each other. I think he’s a very instinctive actor. In fact, I would say that I’ve learned a lot from him despite the fact that he was my student,” Belgrader said. Earlier this spring, Belgrader directed Charles L. Mee’s Summertime, a sweet, dreamy, romantic comedy about the passionate and idiosyncratic exploration of the nature of love. The production was showcased as part of the School’s annual M.F.A. Acting Spring Repertory, which is a rotation of three plays performing for a month at the beginning of the spring semester. “It’s a very ambitious project. I don’t know any place where they would do so much work at the same time. The stamina they need is extraordinary,” Belgrader said.

As a director for several productions in the rep over the years, Belgrader cites that this year’s 12-member group of graduating M.F.A. actors are “extremely skilled, physically and all other ways possible.” The theatre and television director fell into his role as a professor long ago when he was asked to teach at the Yale School of Drama. He was hooked once he started because it allowed him to combine two things he enjoyed: teaching and directing. “My experience at each school has been different. I feel very at home here at USC. It’s a very good package for training that I think is unique, in my experience from the schools I’ve taught at, which are all very good schools by the way,” he said. At USC, Belgrader mainly works with the M.F.A. actors and the B.F.A. acting seniors. Along with his last five years at SDA and formerly as a master teacher at the Yale School of Drama, Belgrader was a professor at University of California, San Diego, and Head of the Directing Department at Juilliard. Other former students include Frances McDormand, Angela Bassett, Tony Shalhoub, Liev Shrieber, Patricia Clarkson, Chris Noth, Ricardo Chavira and Jessica Chastain. Among his professional credits are directing numerous television episodes of Monk, Law & Order: Criminal Intent and Coach; and extensively at major regional theatres such as the American Repertory Theatre, Yale Repertory, the Goodman and Seattle Repertory.

dramaticarts.usc.edu

Photo by Andrew Eccles

ence in Hair, which played in over eight countries and in three different languages, was life changing, he said. The actor then moved to New York to pursue his dreams, facing “lots of no’s and a few great yes’s” that eventually led to his Broadway debut two years ago in the original cast of Sister Act. Then, after a yearlong stint in the Las Vegas production of Jersey Boys, Brown was given the opportunity to recreate his role in the longrunning Broadway production. “Post-graduation has had its ups and downs, but, honestly, it’s been mostly a joy ride,” explained the proud USC alum, who added that his experience at the university was one of the best times of his life. “It’s been a lot of hard work and a lot of pounding the pavement, but it’s all been worth it!” STARK SANDS

Charl Brown as Smokey Robinson.

Alumni Shine On Broadway CONTINUED FROM COVER

CHARL BROWN

Charl Brown stars as Smokey Robinson in Motown: The Musical, which opened at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on April 14. The Broadway production recounts the life of iconic Motown founder Berry Gordy and his journey in creating his legendary record label and company. “We are very fortunate to have Berry Gordy himself writing the book for our show, so this is his chance to tell his story,” Brown said. “Audiences can expect to leave having learned something they may not have known about Berry Gordy’s infamous life and the creation of Motown. They will also leave dancing in the streets.” Smokey Robinson was crucial to the label’s success as one of its first artists with his group The Miracles and one of the original songwriters. “Smokey was very involved in building Motown with Berry. Our story touches on the lives of these two music icons — as well as Diana Ross (and the legendary love story that develops between her and Berry), Marvin Gaye and young Michael Jackson,” said Brown, who prepared for the role with extensive readings and research, especially in his studies of the artist’s notorious high tenor voice. Also featured in the cast of Motown: The Musical — and making his Broadway debut — will be alumnus Donald Webber Jr. (B.F.A. 2008), who is featured in the ensemble. Brown starred for two years in the European tour of Hair shortly after graduation. His experi6

With Broadway credits that already include starring roles in American Idiot and Journey’s End, Stark Sands’ latest leading role is in Kinky Boots at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre. The exhilarating new musical – created by pop icon Cyndi Lauper, four-time Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein, and directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell – opened April 4. Sands plays Charlie Price, a man who inherits his family’s shoe factory after his father’s passing and must find a way to keep the business afloat. In search of a solution, Price runs into a drag queen named Lola, who gives him the idea of producing high heel boots that can support a man’s weight.

“On the surface, it’s a drag musical but what’s nice and surprising about it is that it has real heart. There’s a lot of storytelling … Not only will the audience be entertained, but they’ll have a few songs in their head,” said Sands, who won a Theatre World Award and was nominated for a Tony Award for his work in Journey’s End. He added: “I hope people can take something away from it, maybe make them think differently about people who they wouldn’t even try to understand otherwise. I know it’s a big ask, but if we can touch one person every night then it’s mission accomplished.” Off-Broadway, Sands has performed in Twelfth Night and The Tempest. His television credits include Generation Kill, Nip/Tuck and Six Feet Under, the latter Sands credits as putting him “on the map in a big way”; and film credits include Die, Mommie, Die!, Flags Of Our Fathers, Pretty Persuasion, Shall We Dance, Chasing Liberty, 11:14 and Catch That Kid. Sands is also featured in Joel and Ethan Coen’s film Inside Llewyn Davis, which follows the title character as he navigates the folk music scene as a singer-songwriter trying to make it in 1960s New York. Sands plays Troy Nelson, an airheaded, off-duty soldier who doubles as a folk singer. “The stars have really aligned for me and I’m not sure why, but I’m very grateful,” said the actor, who credits his training at USC and luck for the work he has booked since graduation. “I walked out of there (USC) with a real work ethic and understanding of preparation. When I would step out to auditions with this solid theatre background, I always walked in really well-prepared.”

Donald Webber Jr. and Charl Brown, right, backstage at the first preview performance of Motown: The Musical.

Alumni Marquee Chrissy Anderson (B.A. 2006) is in the web series The Clean Up Crew, alongside Richard Riehle and Dale Midkiff. Charlotte Ann (B.A. 2004) is the voice of Princess Konohana in the anime feature The Mystical Laws. Brandon Bell (B.A. 2007) stars as Jake Madsen on Nickelodeon’s Hollywood Heights. He also had recurring roles on CBS’s 2 Broke Girls and ABC Family’s Switched at Birth.

Malone on The Scottsboro Boys at the Ahmanson in May. Amin El Gamal (M.F.A. 2011) produced and will be seen in Forget Me Not at the Sons of Semele Theatre in Silverlake. The production, which originated at SDA, is once again directed by Associate Director of M.F.A. Acting David Bridel. Miriam F. Glover (M.F.A. 2009) is featured as Betina in Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained.

Adam Blumenthal (B.F.A. 2007) was Lighting Designer for Nothing to Hide at the Geffen Playhouse and for Professor Velina Hasu Houston’s play, Tea, With Music at East West Players.

Emily Goss (B.A. 2011) has worked consistently in independent film since graduating. She just wrapped Rolling Romance, a short from award-winning screenwriter/playwright Michael Carnick.

Jennifer Brienen (B.F.A. 2006) has been accepted into the Emerging Leaders Program at The Disneyland Resort. In addition to attending management and leadership classes, she will continue in her role as Production Stage Manager within the Entertainment Department.

Grant Heslov (B.F.A. 1986) produced Argo, which swept the top prizes at the Oscars, Screen Actors Guild, Producers Guild of America, Critics Choice and the 70th Annual Golden Globes Awards.

Cindy Chanin (B.A. 2006) was in the short Final Deception in which a woman attempts to seduce a married man. Garrett Coffey (B.F.A. 2012) was seen in a recurring role on ABC Family’s Bunheads. Meghan Corea (B.F.A. 2006) was the Costume Coordinator for the film The Place Beyond the Pines – starring Ryan Gosling, Bradley Cooper, Rose Byrne, Eva Mendes and Ray Liotta. She was also Costume Coordinator for Lowlife – featuring Jeremy Renner, Marion Cotillard and Joaquin Phoenix – which will be released this year. Tate Donovan (B.F.A. 1985) was seen in Argo as Consular Officer Robert “Bob” Anders. Donovan currently stars on the new NBC series Deception, and has also directed several episodes. Danielle Faitelson (B.A. 2007) was in the Off-Broadway world premiere of Greg Kalleres’ comedy Honky at Urban Stages. Cynthia Flowers (B.A. 2004) was appointed as the Executive Director of Soho Rep, a leading hub for innovative contemporary theater in New York City. Sean Foote (B.F.A. 2010) is the assistant sound designer for Jason Robert Brown’s The Last Five Years at the 2nd Stage Theater and the musical Big Fish in Chicago. He is also working with Bones

| Spring 2013

Dena Higley (1981), former head writer for Days of Our Lives and One Life to Live, wrote a humorous account of being a mother in her new book called Momaholic: Crazy Confessions of a Helicopter Parent. Jara Jones (B.A. 2000) was featured in the Off-Broadway production of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe at St. Luke’s Theatre. He plays the roles of Peter and Aslan, among others. His other recent stage credits include Pageant Princess, Home and Richard III. Jaclyn Kalkhurst (B.F.A. 2008) was Stage Manager for Tea, With Music at East West Players. John Paul Karliak (B.A. 2003) and Joy Nash (B.A. 2003) hosted The Armando Show at the Los Angeles-based comedy improv venue iO West Theater in December. Dylan Kenin (B.A. 1999) recently appeared in the Miller Brothers’ western Sweetwater, which screened at the Sundance Film Festival. He also is co-starred in Ken Roht’s Miss Julie(n) – a theatrical adaptation of August Strindberg’s play at the MorYork Gallery in Highland Park, www.missjulien.com. Vivian Kerr (B.A. 2005) appeared on episodes of Grey’s Anatomy and The Bold and the Beautiful, and in the short film The Assistant, opposite Janeane Garofalo.

Winnie Y. Lok (B.F.A. 2001) was Production Stage Manager for An Enemy of the People at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre in New York last fall.

Ashley K. Singh (B.F.A. 2008) was a production assistant for the Broadway production of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? at the Booth Theater.

Christine Marie Mantilla (B.A. 2007) was recently awarded the “Emerging Actor Spotlight” by the Hollywood Reel Independent Film Festival for the short Dulce, now playing in festivals nationally. Dulce is written and directed by fellow USC alum Janine Salinas Schoenberg (M.F.A. 2007).

Nathan Singh (B.A. 2010) directed Associate Professor Oliver Mayer’s opera America Tropical at the Siqueiros celebration on Olvera Street in November. Karolina Sivas (B.A. 2010) is the writer, director, producer and lead actress in the YouTube webseries Broken At Love.

Joseph Patrick O’Malley (M.F.A. 2011) was cast in Giullaume Canet’s upcoming film Blood Ties – starring Clive Owen, Billy Crudup and Marion Cotillard.

Anthony Sparks (B.F.A. 1994) recently received his Ph.D. degree, is currently a lecturer for American Studies at USC and is writing “Re-Discovering America,” a project for Walt Disney Imagineering.

Lynn Pattnosh (B.A. 1991) is the publisher of ConciergeQ.com and URHereTravel. com. Travel and entertainment site ConciergeQ highlights locals as “celebrity travel experts” of their hometowns, while URHereTravel focuses on festival and event coverage.

Danny Strong (B.A. 1996) saw his political drama Game Change win the Best Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television at the 70th Annual Golden Globe and Producers Guild of America Awards.

Kevin Marshall Pinkney (B.A. 2010) has returned to Los Angeles full time after building up stage credits in his hometown of Chicago. Pinkney worked for distribution company AAFRM on the release of Middle of Nowhere and has also co-starred in Gangland, The Doctors and America’s Court. He will be attending the Cannes Film Festival in May as part of the Creative Minds program. Nic Robuck (B.A. 2009) starred in the feature film Dark Desire on the Lifetime Network. He previously played James Ford on One Life to Live and guest starred on CSI: Miami and Ringer. Shaheed Sabrin (B.A. 2011) recently narrated the audiobook version of Tweets from Tahrir: Egypt’s Revolution as It Unfolded, in the Words of the People Who Made It, which is now available on audible.com, iTunes and Amazon.com. Virginia Schmitt (B.F.A. 2004) worked as a Departmental Needs Coordinator for the Coachella Valley Music & Art Festival, Stagecoach Music Festival and as a member of the Production Team for Another Planet Entertainment, which produces the Outside Lands Music Festival, the Treasure Island Music Festival, and manages multiple venues in the Bay Area. Janine Salinas Schoenberg (M.F.A. 2007) wrote and directed the short Dulce, which is now playing in festivals nationally.

James Earl (Thaddeus) Smith (B.A. 1994) wrote an article “Advocacy: Performance of the Law,” for an e-law journal for Murdoch University in Western Australia in which his piece applied an acting program he designed for his fellowship work at USC to coach law students for their court room practice. Daniele Watts (B.A. 2007) is seen in Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained. Mary Kate Wiles (B.A. 2009) has recently been nominated for an IAWTV award for Best Female Performance in a Comedy for her work on the hit webseries Squaresville. She is also starring in the web sensation The Lizzie Bennet Diaries, which has taken her to LeakyCon and ViaCon and spawned a spinoff show for her character, Lydia Bennet. Chase Williamson (B.F.A. 2010) stars in the dark comedy-horror film John Dies at the End and also stars as masked vigilante Ian Sparks in the superhero noir thriller Sparks.

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Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage A SALUTE TO THE DAVID DUKES TENNIS TOURNAMENT PARTICIPANTS! The generosity and commitment of this impressive group has provided David Dukes Memorial Scholarships for 14 students who have been inspired by their support to develop their talents and pursue their artistic dreams. The USC School of Dramatic Arts would like to thank all of the supporters for their steadfast dedication over the past 12 years to the David Dukes Memorial Scholarship Fund at the USC School of Dramatic Arts.