One major innovation was the introduction of auditions before students could be admitted. White, who has been on the faculty for more than 40 years, arrived at USC as a graduate student in acting under the G.I Bill. He wasn't an acting student for long, though. John Blankenchip, another elder statesman in the school, took over teaching courses in experimental theater from Butler. The students select the play, cast it and decide who will do the technical work.
TV eats up so much material.
Before a playwright has really polished his art, he's got big offers from cinema and TV at very high prices. Both Blankenchip and White have earned the respect of the school over the years. Among the highest awards the school presents to deserving students each spring are two scholarships bearing White's and Blankenchip's names, both endowed by grateful alumni. Many other alumni went on to become successful directors, producers and managers of theater companies. Blankenchip and White are still active in the school.