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USC School of Dramatic Arts and USC Trojan Marching Band “Wicked” halftime performance: video pretape of main characters

The performance highlighted halftime of the Oct. 11 USC-Michigan football game. (USC Photo)

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USC drama school, band collaboration produces a ‘Wicked’ good show

PHOTO ESSAY: Students from the USC School of Dramatic Arts joined the USC Trojan Marching Band to bring football halftime entertainment to a whole new level.
October 27, 2025 Photos and text by Sean Dube

For the first time, the USC Trojan Marching Band joined forces with the USC School of Dramatic Arts to bring Broadway to the football field.

Their Wicked-inspired halftime performance during USC’s Oct. 11 football game against Michigan at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum blended live music, theater and film in an unprecedented way.

Follow along with our photo essay that captures the creative journey behind a show that redefined what a halftime performance can be — from recording vocals and filming cinematic elements to weeks of rehearsals leading up to the big game.

Getting ready: Vocals and rehearsal

USC School of Dramatic Arts and USC Trojan Marching Band “Wicked” halftime performance: dance practiceUSC School of Dramatic Arts and USC Trojan Marching Band “Wicked” halftime performance: practicingUSC School of Dramatic Arts and USC Trojan Marching Band “Wicked” halftime performance: rehearsal at Dick Wolf Drama CenterUSC School of Dramatic Arts and USC Trojan Marching Band “Wicked” halftime performance: practiceUSC School of Dramatic Arts and USC Trojan Marching Band “Wicked” halftime performance: recording

Costumes and preparation

USC School of Dramatic Arts and USC Trojan Marching Band “Wicked” halftime performance: hair and makeupUSC School of Dramatic Arts and USC Trojan Marching Band “Wicked” halftime performance: costumesUSC School of Dramatic Arts and USC Trojan Marching Band “Wicked” halftime performance: makeupUSC School of Dramatic Arts and USC Trojan Marching Band “Wicked” halftime performance: wigheads

Recording the video components

USC School of Dramatic Arts and USC Trojan Marching Band “Wicked” halftime performance: video pretape in front of Doheny Memorial LibraryUSC School of Dramatic Arts and USC Trojan Marching Band “Wicked” halftime performance: video pretape of danceUSC School of Dramatic Arts and USC Trojan Marching Band “Wicked” halftime performance: video pretapeUSC School of Dramatic Arts and USC Trojan Marching Band “Wicked” halftime performance: video pretape of main characters

Rehearsal on a practice field

USC School of Dramatic Arts and USC Trojan Marching Band “Wicked” halftime performance: planning on fieldUSC School of Dramatic Arts and USC Trojan Marching Band “Wicked” halftime performance: band dancesUSC School of Dramatic Arts and USC Trojan Marching Band “Wicked” halftime performance: band rehearsal on fieldUSC School of Dramatic Arts and USC Trojan Marching Band “Wicked” halftime performance: band and cast rehearse on fieldUSC School of Dramatic Arts and USC Trojan Marching Band “Wicked” halftime performance: rehearsal onfield

Showtime

USC School of Dramatic Arts and USC Trojan Marching Band “Wicked” halftime performance: entering the field from the tunnelUSC School of Dramatic Arts and USC Trojan Marching Band “Wicked” halftime performance: cast on fieldUSC School of Dramatic Arts and USC Trojan Marching Band “Wicked” halftime performance: cast on fieldUSC School of Dramatic Arts and USC Trojan Marching Band “Wicked” halftime performance: live and videoUSC School of Dramatic Arts and USC Trojan Marching Band “Wicked” halftime performance: dramatic momentUSC School of Dramatic Arts and USC Trojan Marching Band “Wicked” halftime performance: cast

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