Actor and teacher David Warshofsky to lead USC’s MFA in Acting

Versatile actor David Warshofsky has been appointed director of the Master of Fine Arts in Acting program at the USC School of Dramatic Arts.

A working professional in theater, film and television for more than 30 years, Warshofsky can be seen in this summer’s Now You See Me 2 with Morgan Freeman and Mark Ruffalo, and later this year in the comedy Wilson with Woody Harrelson and Laura Dern.

“David’s remarkable dual career — as an actor featured at the highest levels in Hollywood and an acting teacher of extraordinary ability — makes him a dynamic, exciting and contemporary choice as director of the MFA in Acting at USC,” said Dean David Bridel. “In his hands, this unique program will continue to ascend to the top rank of graduate acting schools.”

The school’s MFA in Acting is one of the most competitive programs of its kind in the country. With a curriculum and faculty that honor the uniqueness of every artist, students develop their craft and vision as artists and also gain the skills necessary to lead, create and innovate in any medium, form or technology.

Warshofsky, who has been the head of the acting progression for the program since 2012, replaces Bridel, who was recently named dean of the school.

The actor’s film credits include Steven Spielberg’s Lincoln; Captain Phillips with Tom Hanks; all three Taken films with Liam Neeson; Oliver Stone’s Born on the Fourth of July; Paul Thomas Anderson’s last two films, There Will Be Blood and The Master; and the first Now You See Me.

On stage, he originated roles in Pulitzer Prize-winner Tony Kushner’s A Bright Room Called Day and The Heavenly Theatre; he was also seen on Broadway in Neil Simon’s Biloxi Blues and Nicholas Hynter’s Tony Award-winning revival of Carousel.

His television work most recently includes roles in Fear the Walking Dead and Battle Creek. He also continues to work as a guest star on numerous network and cable television programs.