On May 8, 2026, the USC School of Dramatic Arts celebrated student achievement at the 33rd Annual Awards in the Bing Theatre. The event recognized talent across the full spectrum of dramatic arts – including acting, playwriting, design, and stage management, to name a few. Distinguished alumni returned to campus to present several awards, creating meaningful connections between past and present members of the School’s community. The ceremony highlighted the remarkable contributions and artistic accomplishments of this year’s recipients, showcasing the School’s ongoing commitment to excellence across all dramatic disciplines.
Award Recipients
| USC Alumni and Friends Award For the Student who has made a Special Contribution to Student Activities Garrett J. Henry James and Nony Doolittle Award For Graduating Seniors Maya Reddy Ben Crane Neema Muteti Coby Hawkins Bill White Faculty Recognition Award Duncan Mahoney James B. Pendleton Award For Outstanding Contribution Kaitlyn Chaidez Ava Greenwald Memorial Award For Outstanding MFA Actor Montserrat Videla Samper Nancy Kehr Reed Memorial Award For funding an Independent Student Production Fourth Quarter All-Stars Paul Allen Backer Independent Student Productions Award Community Arts Collective Ritchie M. Spencer Memorial Award For Excellence in Design Lukas Garberg David Coleman Dukes Memorial Award Selma Elbalalesy Hattie Ugoretz | John Blankenchip/William C. White Award For Outstanding Contributions in Production Imogen Jeffords John Blankenchip/William C. White Award For Outstanding Contributions in Performance Francis Faye John Ritter Memorial Award For Outstanding Comic Performance Maurice-Aime Green Joan Beber Playwriting Award Nena Martins Stanley Musgrove Award For Outstanding Creative Talent Fiona Watson-Canning Ruth and Albert McKinlay Award For the BA student with the highest G.P.A. Alexa Feldman Ruth and Albert McKinlay Award For Outstanding BA Performer Isabelle Messner Student Council Award For Outstanding Contribution to SDA Alex Muir Jack Nicholson Award For Outstanding Undergraduate Acting Bruno Koskoff Madeline Magaña Alexandra Billings Award Willow Yeaman |
Images from Celebration
View images from the celebration. Photos by Luis Luque/Capture Imaging.
📸 2026 SDA Student Awards
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