University of Southern California - El Rodeo Yearbook (Los Angeles, CA)

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Performing Arts New Facilities Bring Professionalism To School Now that millions of dollars have been spent on new buildings for the School of Performing Arts, the school is changing its approach to teaching. A conservatory pro- gram has been instituted by the School of Drama to prepare students for careers in professional theater. Act- ing, voice, drama literature, tecnnical theater and acting interpretation is included in the program. The drama department has doubled its faculty to accommodate the new program. This year, under the artistic leadership of John House- man, the U.S.C. Division of Drama presented The Year of the World ' s Great Comedies . The Inspector Gener- al satired official crookedness and human stupidity; The Show-Off depicted the struggles of an egotist while trying to preserve his self-respect. The Imaginary Invalid shows a hypocondriac complaining of his imagi- nary ills as well as his apothecary bills. And, Pal Joey tells the life of a charming, unscrupulous opportunist who becomes a emcee in a seedy Chicago nightclub. The Division of Cinema is regarded as one of the best in the country. During the last two decades, at least one graduate has received an Academy Award each year, with tne most in 1969, when five graduates received the honor. The U.S.C. Symphony, an ensemble made up of stu- dents from the School of Music, is considered by many to be among the top orchestras in the community. In the fall of ' 78, it was heard on National Public Radio broadcast around the country. Symphony director Daniel Lewis returned to conduct the orchestra in four concerts. The Schoenberg Institute also co-sponsored, with the School of Music, a special series entitled Twentieth Cen- tury Chamber Music presenting faculty and student compositions. But performances by students isn ' t all that the School of Performing Arts offers. Since professionalism is the key to any career, the school provides prominent people in the entertainment field to demonstrate their talents. - - T. 20

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Founder ' s Day A Little Fun For Everyone m On October 5th, the university celebrated its 98th birth- day by providing a Uttle fun for everyone. The festivities were highlighted by free hot dogs, a hairy legs contest. balloon stomping and a muddy tug of war. The celebration also included the unveiling of nearly 100 years of Trojaj tradition in a photograpic exhibit. JH 19

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The Guest Artist Series was designed to use student tundi ng to bring the best in all-star entertainment to the U.b.C. campus at low prices. ta Tj ' f ' , ' • t Price came to the stage as Oscar Wiide in John Gay ' s Diversions and Delights Price gave a superior performance as he captured Wilde toward the end of his life giving a lecture in an old concert hall Diversions and Delights presented Oscar Wilde as only Vincent Price could portray him. On October 5, Zara Nelsova, cello; Eudice Shapiro violin; and Brooks Smith, piano; played works from ' I-ranck, Beethoven, Weber, and Shubert. Zara Nelsova is hailed as one of the finest cellists in the world, and this performance attested to that fact. Since their formation three years ago, Les Ballets Trockadero De Monte Carlo has established it self as America ' s unique ballet. The all-male company satirizes the works of classical and contemporary choreographers Presenting a kaleidoscope of Spanish dances, Morca Flamenco in Concert was inspired by Spain ' s Romantic composers and contemporary choreography March brought the Hartford Ballet, performing a range ot styles and subject matter demonstrating the extraordi- nary competence of the company. Youth is the keynote of the Hartford Ballet, and every aspect of the program shows vitality and inspiration. Later in March, the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater came to campus Since its founding in 1958, the theater has achieved int ernational recognition for its mixture of in- spired dance and theater. Alley ' s speciality is the cultural heritage ot the Black American, and he shows it by creat- ing a dance expression that is ecstatic and powerful