Inspiring U | Jun 27, 2024

What's New With U? June 2024

It's here! It's time! Let's gooo!

Usdan Summer 2024 starts Monday, and we are so excited to welcome new and returning students to Usdan for another summer to remember.

This year marks the first year of our partnership with New Victory LabWorks powered by the performing arts nonprofit New 42, who have helped us curate new performances for Festival. Plus, our 2024 Artists in Residence DJ Kool Herc and Cindy Campbell have not only organized exciting new Festival performances, they have also planned a very special Hip-Hop Pool Party — and everyone's invited!

Read on to learn more about the performances, exclusive events, and a special spotlight on Usdan alum Mark Labadorf.

See U soon!

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: MARK LABADORF

Finding His Own Voice at Usdan

Mark Labadorf does not consider himself to have any great musical theater talent — but there is no doubt he has a strong voice. It may not be like the smooth tones of Gavin Creel in "Into the Woods" or the swagger of Anthony Ramos in "In the Heights," two of Mark’s favorite musicals. No, it is a voice that he uses daily to fight for the rights of the LBGTQ+ community as the Senior Major Gifts Officer of Lamda Legal, the nation’s largest and oldest LGBTQ+ civil rights organization. And it is one he began to cultivate as a Theater student for three summers at Usdan.

“I felt so at home at Usdan,” shared Mark from Los Angeles where he has been living for the past two years. “It is at Usdan that I learned to have fun, to make friends, and to build my own self and identity. Many of my closest friends today are people I met at Usdan.”

After high school, Mark left his hometown of Port Washington for Tulane, where he secured his identity and came out of the closet. He quickly became involved in the Tulane and New Orleans gay community, eventually serving as president for the Tulane Queer Student Alliance for two years.

Mark attributes his passion for giving back to the community as a value that was instilled in him at Usdan.

“Usdan was always a place that lifted people up, met people where they were at, and was accepting of all identities.”

Mark performing on the stage of the McKinley Amphitheater as a Usdan student.

After graduating Tulane, Mark knew he wanted to continue his activism and community work. He returned to New York for a job at the United Jewish Appeal (UJA) Federation, where he worked exclusively with LGBTQ donors to raise money for UJA initiatives. It was then he reconnected with Usdan —which was founded through UJA and is now a core network agency — around their work supporting and uplifting LGBTQ+ students and families. Mark is currently a member of Usdan’s Development Council.

“Kids need safe outlets to grow and learn and find community. To have a place like Usdan where young folks, particularly LGTBTQ youth, can be comfortable and be themselves — I cannot think of a more important place right now," expressed Mark.

If Mark had any regrets about his time at Usdan, it may be that he wishes he had stepped out of his beloved friend group and met more people.

So, his advice to fellow students at Usdan today? “Be yourself. You’re in a safe space to explore your identities and become more secure in yourself. Try to meet as many people as possible, which will in turn help you build your own identity. And to the extent you feel comfortable, get yourself out there.”

SAVE THE DATES: Two upcoming events you won't want to miss!

U Benefit, Wednesday, July 24, 10:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M.

U Benefit
Wednesday, July 24, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Join us for a day of celebration, community, and creative expression! Families and friends of Usdan students are all invited to a fun-filled day on the Usdan campus, complete with special performances and raffles.

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, this event is completely free! Registration is required, so RSVP today and treat you and yours to an inspiring, art-filled afternoon on a beautiful 140-acre wooded campus.

P.S. This is the first of two U Benefits happening this summer. The second takes place on Wednesday, August 21.

Hip-Hop Pool Party
Saturday, August 3, 12:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

On August 11, 1973, DJ Kool Herc and Cindy Campbell threw a back-to-school party. That night Hip-Hop was born. Now as Artists in Residence at Usdan, they are throwing their next epic party at Usdan. Grab your bathing suit, shake off your dance moves, and save the date for what promises to be a party for the ages.

All afternoon, DJs will spin records as you beat the heat in the most excellent of ways — in one of Usdan's swimming pools. Plus, there will be Usdan student performances, intro classes for adults such as Hip-Hop Dance and Street Art, and special activities and games for kids!

Enrolled Usdan students and kids ages 0-15 get in for FREE. Mark your calendars for the friends-and-family 48-hour pre-sale starting July 9. Space is limited so grab your tickets early and don't miss out!

On July 9 tickets will go on sale at usdan.org/poolparty.

2024 FESTIVAL PERFORMING ARTISTS: A look at this year's new & returning professional performing artists

Hip-Hop, modern dance, giant puppets, world music... and the list goes on! Every week, a diverse array of artistic disciplines designed to inspire, entertain, and inform will transform the McKinley Amphitheater stage. 2024 marks the first year of our partnership with New Victory LabWorks powered by the performing arts nonprofit New 42, who has helped us curate special performances for Festival, alongside our Artists in Residence DJ Kool Herc and Cindy Campbell. Here's who's set to take the stage this summer:

NEW ARTISTS:

Full Circle Souljahs: Tuesday, July 2 | Curated by Artists in Residence DJ Kool Herc and Cindy Campbell

A-1 B-Boy Sasa All-Star Dance Crew: Friday, July 5 | Curated by Artists in Residence DJ Kool Herc and Cindy Campbell

Grand Pistachio: Layer the Walls: Tuesday, July 9 | Curated in association with New Victory LabWorks powered by New 42

A concert performance of 'A Mango in America': Wednesday, July 31 | Book and lyrics by Divya Mangwani, Music and lyrics by Tidtaya Sinutoke | Curated in association with New Victory LabWorks powered by New 42

Swan Lake - Sarah Danke Dance Project: Friday, August 2 | Curated in association with New Victory LabWorks powered by New 42

Beyond the Wall | Más Allá del Muro: Flor’s Story: Tuesday, August 6 | Curated in association with New Victory LabWorks powered by New 42

RETURNING ARTISTS — BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!:

eGALitarian Brass: Monday, July 1

IMGE Dance: Thursday, July 11

Brown Rice Family Band: Friday, July 12

Red Trouser: Thursday, August 1

Dorrance Dance: Wednesday, August 7

LA MANGA: Friday, August 9

CREATING "CAMP U! THE MUSICAL"

In 2023, we were fortunate to commission "Camp U! The Musical," written by Usdan alum, theater teacher, and award-winning composer-lyricist Ben Boecker.

In our latest video, "Behind the Scenes: Creating 'Camp U! The Musical'," Boecker, fellow instructors, and student performers discuss the creation and significance of "Camp U!," and the inspiring lasting power of a summer at Usdan.

Check out the video below and save the date for Boecker's upcoming new show "Better Than A Bully: The Musical," debuting at Usdan this summer on Thursday, August 22.

VOLUNTEER AT USDAN: We can't do it without you!

Summers at Usdan provide students with lasting memories, self-confidence, friendships, and artistic works to be proud of for years to come. To create extraordinary summers for as many children as possible, we rely on your help, kindness, and skills.

We offer multiple volunteer opportunities and flexible schedules that work with your skill set and availability.

If you have time this summer to volunteer at Usdan, you will help create memorable experiences for the next generation of artists.

SUMMER THEATER: It's showtime!

Volunteer at Usdan

From a world-premiere to one of the most performed musicals in America, our summer theater schedule is brimming with song, drama, comedy, and fun. Download a printable calendar here or scroll down to see the list of shows our Theater students will perform this summer, along with the names of each show's director(s) and the studios.

4-WEEK A SESSION

(T4) "Chess" | Freyja Goldstein & Felipe Rondon

(T5) "Anastasia" | Ben Boecker & Rob Gallagher

(T6) "Anything Goes" | James Crichton & Berkely Rogers

(T7) "Once Upon a Mattress" | Jordan Hue & Warren Bloom

(T8) "Free to Be You and Me" | Christina Pawl & Zach Mandenach

(T9) "Magic Tree House: Pirates Past Noon" | Carl Ferrara & Jenna Carertsky

(A25) "Lost Girl" | Carolyn Popadin

4-WEEK B SESSION

(T4) "Freaky Friday" | Carolyn Popadin & Felipe Rondon

(T5) "Better Than a Bully: The Musical" | Ben Boecker & Rob Gallagher

(T6) "Thirteen" | Freyja Goldstein & Debbie Walker

(T7) "9 to 5" | Jordan Hue & Warren Bloom

(T8) "Free to Be You and Me" | Christina Pawl & Zach Mandenach

(T9) "Magic Tree House: Pirates Past Noon" | Carl Ferrara & Jenna Carertsky

(A25) "As You Like It"| James Crichton

THE ENSEMBLE (8-WEEK SESSION)

(T2) "Seussical" | Marie Danvers & Chelsea Zak

USDAN TROUPE (8-WEEK SESSION)

(T1) "Little Women"| Mike Schwendemann & Jeffrey Hoffman

TRYU! PROGRAM: Interested but unsure? TryU!

Volunteer at Usdan

We are excited to launch an introductory program for prospective students who have just finished grades 4 through 6.

Over the course of five days, August 5-9, TryU campers will experience what makes Usdan so special — its accessible, acclaimed arts programs taught by accomplished educators and professional artists; the magical 140-wooded acre campus; and an environment where everyone can truly be themselves.

Each day, students will take three periods of arts instruction and swimming. Classes could include Vocal Music, Painting, Theater Games, and Creative Writing. Plus, every day includes a live performance in Usdan’s McKinley Amphitheater and a delicious end-of-day ice cream treat!

Be warned: It is highly likely that by the end of the week, your young artist will come home begging you to send them back to Usdan next year. So, to sweeten the deal, we will deduct the TryU tuition fee from your 2025 tuition. Class size is limited so enroll today to secure your spot!

Tuition: $695

This offer applies to 2025 tuition for our Classic program only and does not apply to 2024 tuition. This program is for new families who have never enrolled in Usdan and not previously enrolled in 2024. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate any changes into this program from Classic, Allegro, and Recreation programs.

Usdan Calendar