USD Theatre Senior Spotlight: Lauren Deerinck
Every single professor I have had the pleasure of learning from has been so devoted to their students and have helped us work to realize our dreams.
A native San Diegan with a lifelong love of costumes, University of San Diego Theatre major Lauren Deerinck, has turned childhood creativity into a clear professional path. From dressing up every Halloween as a child to designing and constructing costumes for the stage, her journey reflects the hands-on, supportive environment of the USD’s Department of Theatre. Deerinck says, “I always knew that I wanted to be a costume designer/maker but had no idea how to pursue that dream until I came to USD.”
Before transferring to USD, Deerinck was an art major and had only participated in theatre during senior year of high school. Without a traditional theatre portfolio, pursuing the field felt out of reach. This changed after transferring to USD. “I was able to become a theatre major regardless of my prior experience,”she says.
The department’s small size proved to be a strength. “The USD theatre department is very small, but that perhaps is one of its strengths. Students are able to learn about every aspect of theatre and really get a sense of how they work together and how important building a strong sense of community is in the collaborative process.” Though focused on costume design, Deerinck explored scenic design and even revisited acting. The multitude of experiences outside of costuming greatly informed her understanding as a theatrical designer.
Deerinck credits the faculty as the department’s greatest asset. “Every single professor I have had the pleasure of learning from has been so devoted to their students and have helped us work to realize our dreams,” she says. Her favorite class was the Costume Design course (THEA-330) taught by Teaching Professor of Theatre Elisa Benzoni, MFA. “I learned so much from her about the field and the process in general. It was that class and her guidance that taught me that my dream of becoming a costume designer/maker is actually one that I can make come true, given hard work and dedication.” Deerinck was featured as the lead costume designer in the Spring 2026 production of Dog Sees God (see photos below).
Beyond theatre, Deerinck is a drummer and backup singer in a local rock band, The Microblades, and enjoys creating art across various mediums. She’s incredibly proud of both her personal growth and academic success, including being invited to the Phi Beta Kappa Society, the oldest academic honor society in the country.
After graduating, Deerinck plans to spend a year building her artistic portfolio and interning with local theatre companies, before applying to MFA programs in costume design. When asked what advice she’d give to students considering theatre, she said: “Get involved as much as you can. These four years go by so fast and there are so many opportunities for you to grow and develop your skills as a theatre artist and even discover talents you didn’t even know you had. Even if you don’t have a background in theatre there is always a place for you, so if you are interested even in the slightest, join!”
The USD Department of Theatre cannot wait to see what is in store for Lauren Deerinck and her bright future in costume design.