David Bridel, the dean of USC’s School of Dramatic Arts, has resigned after being exposed for having a relationship with a student in 2009. The story was first reported by the USC student newspaper The Daily Trojan.
“I fully accept, however, that my behavior in 2009 demonstrated a failure in judgment and evidence of irresponsibility,” Bridel wrote after news broke. “I apologize, profusely, for any harm I caused by my conduct in 2009.”
A woman relayed the information to faculty, staff and alumni during a USC town hall meeting for the Master of Fine Arts in Acting program held on Wednesday. The resignation was accepted by the USC Provost Charles Zukoski.
David Bridel served as dean of the USC School of Dramatic Arts from 2016 to 2020, and was the inaugural holder of the Braverman Family Dean’s Chair. Prior to his appointment as dean, Bridel, who is a director, choreographer, playwright, librettist and performer, served as interim dean of the School of Dramatic Arts, associate dean of global initiatives, and director of the school’s MFA in Acting program.
Elizabeth Daley will serve as interim dean in the meantime.
