Ruby Marker (she/her/hers)
BA Theatre & BA Philosophy, Politics & Law
Class of 2022

marker.ruby@gmail.com
IG: @_red_marker
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ruby.marker.94
TikTok: @rwmarks

What is your FAVORITE thing about your program?

The community at USC is truly incredible. The people here are so driven and talented that you are constantly being inspired and pushed to be your best. I also have found the Independent Student Productions to be the most fulfilling and challenging opportunities at USC.

What would you change about your program? Why?

The program has had a lot of turnover while I’ve been at USC and has changed in a lot of ways. I would add more than one musical a semester especially since they’ve added the MT BFAs. They still need to figure out what shows are for specific groups and which are available to more people.

How would you describe your program’s vibe? Competitive? Supportive? Something else?!

When I was a freshman I felt some pressure to be the best in my classes. As I’ve grown I’ve realized that my peers and professors push me to reach my full potential and it has become an incredibly supportive environment. 

What was the biggest surprise about your program that you didn’t anticipate as an incoming freshman?

I have access to my teachers as colleagues as well- they want you to succeed and because most of them are currently working they have great opportunities and advice for you to learn and connect. I didn’t expect to be creating such strong bonds with professors.

What makes your program unique?

USC is a unique place. The theatre program is incredible because it gives students access to work with tons of different groups and chances to explore all the avenues of art. I’ve had friends in productions with MFA students as well as friends who have found playwriting to be their bigger passion and are putting up their own shows at Hollywood fringe now.

Real talk: How do the audition & casting processes function at your program?

The audition process for shows is changing. Recently people had an issue with it because you would go in front of the directors of all the shows and just hope they cast you in the show you wanted to be in. There was a form you could fill out but some people had those disregarded. If you’re cast in a show you’re unable to pull out of it or you get “blacklisted” for the rest of the year which professionally makes sense but given how the casting process worked this year it’s less than ideal.

What’s it like outside of performance classes? Is it possible to participate in extracurriculars? Greek life? Are students encouraged to create their own work? Double majors? Minors?

You can do everything at USC. I’m a BA and I had an acting emphasis for many years before I decided to pursue a double major. A BA without an emphasis can easily double major and even with the emphasis and a good amount of work you can make it happen. Greek life at USC is really strong and I have a few friends in the BFA even who have been able to make it work (ultimately they decided the whole idea of greek life wasn’t for them). Outside of classes there is an incredibly strong independent theatre community. I myself direct two of them! One being an improv troupe and the other sketch comedy (check us out @suspendersusc on youtube)! There are also groups for new works, just classics, LGBTQ centered works, cabarets, and musicals- it’s incredible.

Does your school help you pursue professional working opportunities during the year, over the summer, and/or post-graduation? How so?

The school doesn’t love to promote working outside of USC during the year- there are tons of opportunities to act at the school of cinematic arts which, being the best film school in the country, is a pretty sweet deal. Outside of that we have industry classes and masterclasses offered on weekends about how to get work and market yourself. At USC you can technically be “repped” by USC and they send us opportunities weekly in newsletters. That continues post grad and all the teachers emphasise the importance of keeping in touch.

Are there any opportunities and/or resources that you feel are lacking in your program?

I think every theatre program has things to improve on. One of my classes last semester worked in conjunction with USC’s SCA (School of Cinematic Arts) to give film makers the opportunity to learn how to work with actors and actors learn how to have agency with filmmakers. I think more of those opportunities should be offered because my class was doing it pretty guerrilla style

What’s the dynamic like between students and faculty?

hey’re amazing. There’s an immense amount of respect but also trust and camaraderie within the classes. I will continue to keep in contact with many of my professors long after I graduate. 

What types of structures are in place for students to receive feedback inside and outside of the classroom? How about for students to give feedback?

It differs depending on the class but if you’re working on a scene and put it up in class you get feedback immediately from professors and occasionally other peers. You will then usually get the opportunity to work on it in class for a certain amount of time. Students offer feedback at the discretion of the faculty and it’s supposed to be clear and specific..

What steps has your school taken/is your school currently taking to promote greater representation for minority communities and to ensure greater equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of the educational environment? 

USC recently redeveloped its office of Equity Diversity and Inclusion and is actively working to continue to better itself. The undergrad went through a kind of reckoning during the pandemic and students made their voices heard. USC is a very white place, and they need to do better. The students make their voices heard and diversity and inclusion are growing, but there’s more to do.

What types of resources does your school encourage/make available for students in regards to mental, physical, and emotional health?

USC health is really easy to access but their mental health can be tricky. There are therapists but they are hard to get appointments with and are only able to meet with you short term. If you need more long-term care however they will help you find something that takes your insurance

What were you most worried about as an incoming freshman that you TOTALLY didn’t need to be worried about?

Ok if I'm honest I was terrified because I’m a size ten. USC has A LOT of pretty skinny girls and I was scared I would be shut out (even though my body is perfect and size ten is a totally normal size) but I wasn’t. I think certain communities at USC would chew you up for not looking a certain way but that’s not the case in the theatre community or in any of the communities I have ever been a part of.

How did you know that this was the right place for you?

It took a while. I didn’t think USC would be right for me. But ultimately, I found that the place you end up is the place you should be at that time. There’s no point in forcing yourself into a program or a school that you feel like should be right for you. Life and especially college is really scary and tricky but wherever you go, even if you feel like you’re falling, if you let it catch you, it will..