Inspiring U | Jan 14, 2025
What's New With U? January 2025
Dear Friends,
For the first newsletter of 2025, we would like to share stories of joy from the Usdan community!
This newsletter shares the true tales of a Wicked-ly good and viral moment created by two Usdan alums and besties and the impressive story of a budding — yet already award-winning — young choreographer who studies choreography at Usdan. Plus, we check in with a few members of the Usdan faculty to see what they have accomplished since August.
Read on for a new year's dose of inspiration and to learn more about a scholarship opportunity for theater performers, designers, directors, writers, and composers.
Happy reading and happy new year!
Our hearts go out to those affected by the devastating fires in the Los Angeles area. We have reached out to everyone we know in the Usdan community in the LA area. If you or anyone you know in the Usdan community has experienced loss as a result of the fires, please reach out to us to let us know how we can help.
Together, They're Unlimited
Usdan Alums Host Viral Wicked Singalong
Sam Gold applies Nick Rizzo's makeup for their soon-to-be viral Wicked screening. Fun-fact: Nick went to 5 different MAC stores to find the makeup they used on Broadway for Elphaba.
Stuck in gridlock smack dab in the middle of Times Square, Usdan Theater alums Sam Gold and Nick Rizzo were growing concerned. They were running late for their Rowdy Singalong of Wicked at the AMC on West 42nd Street. 20 minutes went by. Then 30. Finally, 40 minutes passed, and they couldn’t wait any longer. They told their Uber driver to pull over and out they went, Sam dressed as Glinda and Nick dressed as Elphaba, green makeup and all. They popped the trunk and hurriedly began to unpack. Out came a box of gift bags, costume changes, glow sticks, and 75 broomsticks assembled tother by Sam and Nick the night before. (If that isn’t dedication to the bit, we’re not sure what is.) Sam, with scepter in hand, watched over the prized items, as Nick bolted to the movie theater. As he burst into the theater, he told the friends awaiting him that Sam was standing with boxes two avenues away. Would they go run to help her carry everything? Without a beat, they all ran to her. The show would go on no matter what!
Sam waits for help to transport the event's supplies to the AMC.
Once in the theater, Nick welcomed everyone, exclaiming:
“I want you singing, screaming, dancing! Let’s live in the joy!”
And for the next 2 hours and 40 minutes, the 75 people in the theater did exactly that. It would be hard not to. There were bubbles, flashlights, a train made from glow sticks, big heads of the queens of Wicked themselves Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth. Boq (the Munchkin who is Elphaba’s sister’s love interest played by the redhead Ethan Slater in the movie) wearing an Annie wig and choreography from Highschool Musical. And, of course, there was flying.
Nick and Sam had one night of rehearsal where they blasted the soundrack and quickly staged each scene.
Guests left the theater exuberant calling it one of the best nights of their life. One person even said it was better than Taylor Swift Era’s Concert at MetLife Stadium.
The night ended up being one of the best nights for Sam and Nick as well.
“It reminded me that theater-kid energy is just the best energy. We need to all live in the joy permanently.”
Watch videos from the evening and you can see why. The room’s energy was contagious and the FOMO from watching the videos ran high, so much so the videos went viral. Ana Gasteyer commented on TikTok. Kristen Bell reposted. Christopher Scott, the movie’s choreographer said to invite him next time. Jon Chu, the director of Wicked, said he wanted an invite to Part II and called the screening one of his favorite viral Wicked trends in a recent interview with (shoutout to another Usdan alum!) Kira Frank, who portrayed a flying monkey in a winged gray onesie. And then the Wicked queens themselves Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, who starred as Glinda and Elphaba in the movie, reposted.
“Every day, there’s something new. We’re like ‘how is this happening?’ It’s wild,” shared Nick.
(L–R) Drag queen Haireolagrande made a star guest appearance as Madame Morrible.
Usdan Alum Kira Frank, who made a lasting impression as the mischievous flying monkey Chistery, takes a moment for a fit check in Nick's apartment pre-screening.
Neither Sam nor Nick expected the screening to take off the way it did. For them it was just an opportunity to have fun with their friends and live like “a theater kid again.”
“I had so much fun before the pandemic, going to a rowdy singalong screening of Cats, the movie, which was not as good of a movie as Wicked by any means, but it was so much fun. Once I saw the trailer for Wicked, I thought how fun it would be to rent out a theater and have all our friends there, and do a huge rowdy singalong screening?”
To be the Glinda to his Elphaba, there was only one person Nick could call on—his best friend, Sam.
“I love that no matter what Sam and I do together, I know that it’s going to be wild and amazing. She turns the ordinary into the extraordinary,” shared Nick.
Although Sam and Nick overlapped during their time at Usdan, they actually didn’t meet until over ten years later in 2017. At the time Sam was dating one of Nick’s good friends from high school. Sam and Nick instantly “fell in love” and became best friends. Sam won Nick in the “divorce” and the rest, as they say, is history.
“I think that we are soulmates much like Elphaba and Glinda. Nick is such an amazing friend and inspires me to have so much fun every day and not take life too seriously.
“I think once you’re a theater kid, you’re kind of always a theater kid… and I think the thread of being theater kids who went to Usdan has really shown us that we are just meant to be best friends,” shared Sam.
There was no doubt in their minds of who would play who. "I am the good witch and Nick had to be Elphaba," shared Sam.
For both Sam and Nick, Usdan has played an important role in their lives.
“Usdan is the best place on earth, and I think back to it so fondly. It really taught me how to be myself and to pursue the passions that make me feel fulfilled. I think sharing my days with like-minded people really cemented my love of entertainment,” shared Sam. “I don't think I'd be who I am without Usdan.”
Similarly, Nick expressed that he “had the time of [his] life at Usdan.”
“It was such a great place for me growing up as a theater kid. To be able to live and breathe the arts for eight weeks in the summer, and that's all you did, was a dream come true for me. When I was in the Rep Company [now called Troupe], I made lifelong friends. It's where I found myself and learned so much about myself and what I want out of life.
Both credit Usdan for getting them to where they are today. Sam is an entertainment publicist and published author, while Nick is a producer for Andy Cohen's talk show "Watch What Happens Live" on Bravo.
“I use what I learned at Usdan in my career every day,” shared Sam.
When asked what advice they have for Usdan students today looking to pursue a career in entertainment, they both encourage pursuing what “makes you happy.”
“If you’re passionate about something, follow that dream and see it through,” said Sam.
Nick added “There are so many people in the world, and what makes you special is what you’re passionate about. Just keep following that and you can carve out your own space in this giant world.”
Inspired by Nick and Sam? Share with us what makes you special in our upcoming Uniquely U Scholarship opening soon!&
FUN FACT! Both Sam and Nick were in our selective theater program Troupe (formerly known as Rep). Know any musical theater performers in grades 8–12? Encourage them to follow in Sam and Nick's footsteps and apply for Troupe. Auditions are coming up on February 9. Learn more.
Don't Stop Creating!
Enroll Today
One of the best parts of attending Usdan is students have the freedom to create schedules that match their individual creative interests. But as summer approaches that flexibility diminishes as more and more classes fill up and operate on waitlists. Currently, 26 classes are 75% full for Summer 2025.
By enrolling today, you will provide your young artist with the best chance of getting the classes (including 15 new classes) they want so they may experience a summer of art customized for them.
Usdan Student Expresses Herself Through Original Work
The Choreography of Liahna Sisko
A Dance Major, Liahna Sisko has attended Usdan for the past four summers. (Photo: Dennis Guerrero)
This past December, Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker had a little more swagger thanks to the creativity of Usdan Dance and Choreography Student Liahna Sisko.
As part of The Dance Loft of Long Beach's annual Nutcracker, Liahna choreographed her own piece “Arabian” for eight dancers, including herself and her sister Laina, a fellow Usdan Hip-Hop Dance student.
“I choreographed the group, and I also choreographed my own featured solo. It was a great learning experience, learning how to work with other dancers and at the same time choreographing and experiencing how to deal with different types of music.”
Fifteen-year-old Liahna has been dancing since she was three and began choreographing just two years ago at Usdan.
“When I was in seventh grade going into eighth, I tried out the Choreography class at Usdan. It allowed me to be more creative with the art form that I love.”
Liahna performing one of her solo works at The Dance Loft. (Photo: Dennis Guerrero)
Liahna’s experience at Usdan has led her to choreograph and perform three Hip-Hop solos to date as a competitive level student at Dance Loft. Her first solo “Hypnotize” debuted in 2023 for which she received the Young Choreographer Recognition award and a Dynamic Dancer award. She went on to perform the piece at The True Colors Arts Festival in Far Rockaway, NY as an invited artist. In 2024, she choreographed her second Hip-Hop solo titled “POV” and received a Musicality award, as well as a Delightful Dynamics award for her work.
“I really enjoy choreographing because it allows me to express myself in a way that I really can’t do otherwise. For example, if there is a certain emotion I want to express, but I can’t say it to anyone, I let it out and express it through my choreography. That brings me joy.”
This past summer, Liahna once again challenged herself to explore new ways of expressing herself. She enrolled in Songwriting as her Minor, a class that required students to share their original songs at an open mic performance.
“The experience really opened me up.”
Liahna accepting an award at The Dance Loft.
Summer 2024 also marked the first time that Liahna performed one of her own solo dances on the McKinley Amphitheater stage for the entire camp.
“I was nervous, of course, because it was the first time I was showing the whole camp my choreography. My choreography is my soul, my everything.”
If she was nervous, it didn't show. Liahna's solo performance of her original work received a booming applause from the audience.
When asked what advice she has to offer students interested in exploring choreography, Liahna says, “If you see the opportunity, just seize it. You might not have a chance to take that opportunity again.”
As she enters her fifth summer at Usdan this coming July, Liahna is following her own advice. She is re-enrolling in Songwriting and looking forward to creating more original songs.
“Usdan is a very cool, fun, and inviting camp. It allows me to be creative and is a safe space. I really like how it is passionate for the arts and everyone there is artistically involved.”
Inspired by Liahna’s story? Try out Choreography or Composition this summer and take your creativity to new heights!
Doing Good, Feeling Good in the New Year
Feel Good Monthly
Thank you to everyone who contributed to our 2024 year-end giving campaign and a special shout out to those of you who have joined us as monthly donors!
Thanks to your gifts and the support of Jeffrey Schoenfeld and Suzanne and Bob Nederlander, Jr., who have pledged to double the impact of the first 100 donors who sign up for the Make It Monthly campaign*.
Your support helps us fund our arts programs for creative youth from New York City and Long Island, sustain our scholarship awards, maintain our 140-acre wooded campus, and attract professional artists and arts educators as lead teachers and faculty.
If you were unable to give in 2024 and would like to contribute this year, consider making it monthly. Monthly donations help us plan for the future and enable us to turn your generosity into transcendent art experiences for the next generation of artists.
Ready to make it monthly?
*Matching capped at $30,000 in total giving
Join Us For Upcoming Discovery Playdates
Calling all students in grades K–1!
Join us for two upcoming Discovery Playdates — one virtual and one in person — and learn about our popular Discovery Summer Program for students in grades K-1.
Virtual Discovery Playdate: Big Art, Little Mess
Saturday, January 25
10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
Location: Zoom
Start your weekend out with art and join us on Zoom from the comfort of your own home! During this virtual playdate, each child will expand their creativity through a unique drawing process. Inspired by the New York pop artist, James Rizzi, children will create a one-of-a-kind cityscape filled with emotion, using simple materials from home. Following the activity, learn more about the Discovery Program from the Department Chair, Sadie Friedman, and get all of your questions answered. Free and open to all!
Discovery Playdate: Sing Me A Story
Saturday, February 8
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Sid Jacobson Jewish Community Center, 300 Forest Dr., East Hills, NY
Get a taste for our kid-approved Discovery Programs at the JCC in East Hills, Long Island! At this playdate, families will enjoy abbreviated Music and Theater classes, followed by a short info and Q&A session on our Discovery Program with Department Chair, Sadie Friedman. Free and open to all!
Catching Up With Usdan Faculty
Just like Usdan students, Usdan faculty are leaders, creators, and exemplary figures pursuing and achieving success in their fields. Here is what a few faculty members have been up to since summer.
Xue Ding
Lead Teacher, Music
Lead Music Teacher Xue Ding's David Dalton Research Competition award-winning paper “Charles Loeffler’s Two Songs With Viola and Piano Accompaniment and Their French Influence” was published in the Fall 2024 issue of the Journal of the American Viola Society (JAVS). The David Dalton Research Competition was founded in 1999 by the American Viola Society to encourage and support viola research. The competition awards cash prizes to the top three papers based on original scholarly research, as well as publication in the peer-reviewed JAVS. Congratulations, Xue, you hit all the right notes!
DaJuan Harris
Lead Teacher, Dance
Multi-talented Lead Dance Teacher DaJuan Harris’s recent accomplishments are vast, varied, and beyond impressive. From starring in a YouTube series to performing in an immersive rock opera at the visionary Prototype Festival to going on tour as a judge with the acclaimed OneBeat Dance Brands, DaJuan’s relentless artistic practice and commitment to creativity is an inspiration to us all, showing us what’s possible when talent meets hard work. Congratulations, DaJuan, you are always on pointe!
David Lake
Department Chair, Recreation
As coach of East Islip’s Girl’s Junior Varsity Team, Usdan’s Recreation Department Chair David Lake was awarded Suffolk County’s 2024 Coach of the Year for JV Girls' High School Soccer! Dave began teaching at Usdan in 2005 as a Tennis Instructor and in 2022 took on the role of Department Chair. Prior to Dave’s successes as a coach, he was a formidable soccer player in his own right, in fact, at the age of 17 he juggled a soccer ball 12,600 times! Congratulations, Dave, you’re un-ball-ievable!
Carolyn Popadin
Lead Teacher, Theater
Last fall, through a partnership with Plaza Theatricals, 40 middle school students from across the Sewanhaka Central High School District participated in a Fall Musical Theater Intensive directed by Lead Theater Teacher Carolyn Popadin and her collaborator, musical director Deborah Walker. The Intensive concluded with a production of the musical revue Raise Your Voice, which featured songs from across the Music Theatre International Broadway junior collection, including Guys and Dolls, Oliver, Mary Poppins, and The Little Mermaid. It was the first time a program was offered that combined talented students from the district’s five high schools. Congratulations, Carolyn, you’re pitch-perfect!
Chris Vivas
Lead Teacher, Art
Lead Art Teacher Chris Vivas’s talent has brought him around the world—Turkey, Japan, France, New York. Influenced by existential philosophy, Chris’s work unites his interests in art, culture, travel, literature, and ceramics to explore “the duality of strength and fragility found within human existence.” In 2024, Chris displayed his artwork at the Long Island Museum of Art’s 11th annual members-only exhibition “Milestones,” which concluded its run in late December. If you missed the exhibit, you can see Chris’s work currently on display through the end of January at the Southold Library as part of their exhibit, “All That Remains.” Congratulations, Chris, you’re clay-mazing!
Usdan Out & About Town
(L–R) Usdan's Executive Director Lauren Brandt Schloss, former NY State Representative Kimberly Jean-Pierre, and Usdan's Director of Development Jessica Liss Feuer at a Long Island Association's State of the Region event where Senator Chuck Schumer (Usdan alum and dad) spoke with New York Governor Kathy Hochul.
(L–R) Usdan staff holding up books received at Usdan's holiday party book swap.
(L–R) Usdan's Executive Director Lauren Brandt Schloss and Usdan's former Manager of Donor Relations Stella Shepherd at The Greats of Craft's first dinner party, The Feast of the Seven Fishes.
Theater Scholarship Opportunity
American Wing Theatre: Andrew Lloyd Webber Initiative
The American Theatre Wing’s Andrew Lloyd Webber Initiative provides training scholarships to help cover the costs associated with summer study and after-school training programs for public middle- and high-school students in grades 6-11 from populations historically underrepresented in the theater industry.
Before applying, please review the complete list of qualifications and criteria, frequently asked questions, and tips and preparation assistance. This scholarship can be used towards tuition for Usdan or another program of your choosing.
The deadline to apply is Friday, February 7.
Calendar
Monday, January 20
January Tuition Assistance Application Deadline
Students must be enrolled to apply for tuition assistance.
Saturday, January 25, 10:00 a.m.-11:15 a.m.
Virtual Discovery Playdate: Big Art, Little Mess
Sunday, February 2
February Campus Tour
11:00 a.m.
12:15 p.m.
1:30 p.m.
Saturday, February 8 from 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Discovery Playdate: Sing Me a Story
Monday, February 17
February Tuition Assistance Application Deadline
Students must be enrolled to apply for tuition assistance.
Sunday, March 2
March Campus Tour
11:00 a.m.
12:15 p.m.
1:30 p.m.
