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)

University

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 practice
USC School of Dramatic Arts and USC Trojan Marching Band “Wicked” halftime performance: practicing
USC School of Dramatic Arts and USC Trojan Marching Band “Wicked” halftime performance: rehearsal at Dick Wolf Drama Center
USC School of Dramatic Arts and USC Trojan Marching Band “Wicked” halftime performance: practice
USC 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 makeup
USC School of Dramatic Arts and USC Trojan Marching Band “Wicked” halftime performance: costumes
USC School of Dramatic Arts and USC Trojan Marching Band “Wicked” halftime performance: makeup
USC 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 Library
USC School of Dramatic Arts and USC Trojan Marching Band “Wicked” halftime performance: video pretape of dance
USC School of Dramatic Arts and USC Trojan Marching Band “Wicked” halftime performance: video pretape
USC 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 field
USC School of Dramatic Arts and USC Trojan Marching Band “Wicked” halftime performance: band dances
USC School of Dramatic Arts and USC Trojan Marching Band “Wicked” halftime performance: band rehearsal on field
USC School of Dramatic Arts and USC Trojan Marching Band “Wicked” halftime performance: band and cast rehearse on field
USC 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 tunnel
USC School of Dramatic Arts and USC Trojan Marching Band “Wicked” halftime performance: cast on field
USC School of Dramatic Arts and USC Trojan Marching Band “Wicked” halftime performance: cast on field
USC School of Dramatic Arts and USC Trojan Marching Band “Wicked” halftime performance: live and video
USC School of Dramatic Arts and USC Trojan Marching Band “Wicked” halftime performance: dramatic moment
USC School of Dramatic Arts and USC Trojan Marching Band “Wicked” halftime performance: cast

Related Articles

More Stories