Outside the Box [Office] and USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance 
invite you and a guest to attend

A Special Theatrical Screening of

100 YEARS OF DEBBIE ALLEN

Followed by a Q&A with Debbie Allen
Moderated by Julia M. Ritter, PhD,
Dean of the USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance

Directed by John Simmons, A.S.C.
Edited by Oliver Bokelberg 
Executive Produced by Debbie Allen, Norman Nixon, and Vivian Nixon Williams
Produced by Haley Fonfa and Oliver Bokelberg 

7:00 P.M. on Tuesday, October 7th, 2025

The Eileen Norris Cinema Theater at the Frank Sinatra Hall
3507 Trousdale Parkway, Los Angeles, CA 90089

FREE ADMISSION. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. RSVPs REQUIRED.
RSVPs ARE NON-TRANSFERABLE.

FOOD AND DRINKS ARE STRICTLY PROHIBITED IN THE AUDITORIUM.
 

CLICK HERE TO RSVP
 

About 100 Years of Debbie Allen

100 Years of Debbie Allen is a powerful, intimate, and celebratory portrait of an icon whose artistry, activism, and impact have spanned generations. As Debbie Allen turns 75 and the Debbie Allen Dance Academy (DADA) celebrates its 25th anniversary, this feature documentary weaves together the personal and professional milestones that make up a century of cultural legacy.

From her formative years in Houston, Texas, to groundbreaking performances on stage and screen, Allen’s story is one of defiance, creativity, and unshakable vision. Through archival footage, dance performances, and an in-depth candid conversation with Allen herself speaking on those she’s mentored and inspired by, the film captures her journey from young dreamer to trailblazer—choreographing the future for Black and brown artists around the world.

At the heart of it all is Debbie Allen Dance Academy aka DADA: Allen's sanctuary and springboard for excellence, equity, and expression. As DADA turns 25, 100 Years of Debbie Allen reflects on the ripple effects of a woman who believed in legacy, lifted others as she rose, and proved—time and again—that art can change everything.

This is not just her story. It’s a celebration of every life she’s touched.

A Film by the Debbie Allen Dance Academy, In Association with Red Bird Productions.
Running time: 38 minutes. 

About Debbie Allen

In a career that spans three decades, the name Debbie Allen is synonymous with dynamic energy, creative talent and innovation. For her vast body of work, Ms. Allen has earned six Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe, five NAACP Image Awards, a Drama Desk, an Astaire Award (for Best Dancer), and the Olivier Award. She holds four honorary Doctorate degrees and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She was appointed by President George W. Bush to represent the United States as a Cultural Ambassador of Dance. She is a Kennedy Center Honoree and has been an artist in residence at the Center for over 15 years, creating original works with the legendary Arturo Sandoval and James Ingram, such as: Pepito’s Story, Brothers of the Knight, Dreams, Alex in Wonderland, Soul Possessed, Pearl, Dancing in the Wings and Oman O Man. Her long list of directing and producing credits include television classics such as FAME, Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, How To Get Away With Murder, Jane the Virgin, Empire, A Different World, Everybody Hates Chris, Stompin’ At The Savoy, Polly, That’s So Raven, Cool Women, Quantum Leap, The Fantasia Barrino Story, and on stage, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. She is currently an Executive Producer as well as a director and actress on ABC's Grey’s Anatomy.

About Julia M. Ritter, PhD, Dean of the USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance

Julia M. Ritter, PhD, is the Dean of the USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance. An award-winning dance artist, scholar, and educator with degrees from Texas Woman’s University, Temple University, and Rutgers University, she has taught in higher education for over 20 years, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations that connect the arts, humanities, and sciences. Dean Ritter is the recipient of three Fulbright Scholar Awards and support from multiple foundations, including the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation and the International Trust for Mutual Understanding. Her research focuses on choreography and immersive performance and has been shared across the United States, Europe, and Asia.

About Outside the Box [Office]

Outside the Box [Office] is a weekly showcase for upcoming releases highlighting world cinema, documentary and independent film titles. The series draws from around the globe to present movies that may challenge, inspire or simply entertain.

To view the calendar of screenings, click here

To SUBSCRIBE to our MAILING LIST for upcoming free screenings and events, e-mail the word "Subscribe" to: aago@cinema.usc.edu
 

Check-In & Reservations

This program is open to all eligible individuals. The USC School of Cinematic Arts operates all of its programs and activities consistent with the University’s Notice of Non-Discrimination. Eligibility is not determined based on race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited factor.

This screening is free of charge and open to the public A reservation confirmation will automatically be sent to your e-mail account upon successfully making an RSVP through this website. Doors will open at 6:30 P.M.

All SCA screenings are OVERBOOKED to ensure seating capacity in the theater, therefore seating is not guaranteed based on RSVPs. The RSVP list will be checked in on a first-come, first-served basis until the theater is full. Once the theater has reached capacity, we will no longer be able to admit guests, regardless of RSVP status.

Accessibility Needs

Individuals with disabilities who need accommodations to attend this event may contact Alessandro Ago, Assistant Dean, Programming and Special Events, at aago@cinema.usc.edu or 213-740-2330. It is requested that individuals requiring accommodations or auxiliary aids such as sign language interpreters and alternative format materials notify us at least seven days prior to the event. Every reasonable effort will be made to provide reasonable accommodations in an effective and timely manner.

Parking

On-campus parking at the University of Southern California is limited. We recommend buying a day pass for the Royal Street Structure, located at the intersection of Royal Street and W. Jefferson Blvd. Parking passes are $20/car. For more information about parking at USC, please visit USC Transportation Website:

https://transnet.usc.edu/index.php/daily-and-hourly-parking/
https://transnet.usc.edu/index.php/about-us/entrance-hours/

Contact Information

Name: Alessandro Ago
Email: aago@cinema.usc.edu