USC announced today that the recently renovated building for the School of Dramatic Arts will be named the Dick Wolf Drama Center in recognition of a significant contribution from two-time Emmy-winning producer Dick Wolf, creator of “Law & Order.”
“I am so honored that Dick’s name will grace this perfect and appropriate home for our world-renowned, conservatory-level artistic hub in the heart of our campus,” USC President Carol Folt said in a press release.
The state-of-the-art facility opened in February 2024 and reimagines the former campus United University Church while preserving its 1930s architecture. The interior is completely modernized, featuring a professional development hub, integrated media labs, recording studios, dressing rooms and two new theaters — the Sanctuary Theatre and the Stop Gap Theatre.
Dean Emily Roxworthy emphasized the building’s role as a bridge to Hollywood and said she is “extremely grateful” for Dick’s dedication to supporting dramatic arts students.
“Dick’s career has enabled so many stage and screen actors to launch and sustain their own careers through game-changing roles in his shows, and we are exceptionally proud to continue this work with his support,” Roxworthy said in a press release.
Wolf has extended his branding to other series including “Chicago Fire,” “Chicago P.D.,” “Chicago Med,” “FBI,” “FBI Most Wanted,” “FBI International” and the new Amazon Prime series “On Call.” Wolf said the center reflects his commitment to education and fostering new talent.
“Education has always been a priority for me, and for Wolf Entertainment,” Wolf said in a press release. “It is my privilege to be associated with USC and this state-of-the-art facility. At Wolf Entertainment we will have our eye on the next generation of talent to emerge from the School of Dramatic Arts.”
The naming coincides with the launch of Folt’s “USC Arts Now” initiative, designed to promote projects and programming that foster collaboration among USC’s arts schools, USC museums and Visions and Voices.
The building is part of the “arts corridor” along 34th Street, standing alongside the USC Thornton School of Music, the USC Kaufman School of Dance and the USC School of Cinematic Arts.