Bayo Akinfemi

Bayo Akinfemi is an Assistant Professor of Theatre Practice in Acting at the University of Southern California's School of Dramatic Arts, with a joint appointment at the School of Cinematic Arts. He also serves as the Director of BA Emphasis in Acting.

Dr. Akinfemi's educational background includes:

• BA in Performing Arts from University of Ilorin, Nigeria
• Advanced Film & Television Production studies in Toronto
• MA in Cinema and Media Studies from University of Southern California

His professional expertise spans multiple disciplines of performing arts:

• Acting techniques and methodologies for stage and screen
• Theatre direction with special focus on African theatre traditions
• Film production and cinematic storytelling
• Cultural representation in American media
• Dialect coaching for authentic linguistic representation
• Arts administration through his non-profit organization

As an artist-scholar, Akinfemi bridges academic theory with professional practice in the entertainment industry.

Professional recognition:

• Two-time Best Actor GEMINI awards nominee for "Human Cargo" and "The Border"

As an educator, Dr. Akinfemi finds the most reward in student breakthroughs and when students report that his teachings have been instrumental to their success. He teaches courses including Camera and Improvisation (THTR 250) at both undergraduate and graduate levels, and has directed notable productions such as "Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992" at USC, connecting historical events with contemporary social justice movements.

Dr. Akinfemi maintains an active professional career as a series regular on "Bob Hearts Abishola" (CBS), where he also serves as dialect coach and culture consultant. He is the Founder and Artistic Director of African Theatre Artistes Society (ATARS) in Los Angeles, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing a platform for artists of African descent, through which he has produced and directed works like Zulu Sofola's "Wedlock of the Gods".