Summer Newsletter | Sep 30, 2023
What's New With U? September
RE-U-NION 2023
Thank you to all of the Summer 2023 students and staff who participated in the 2023 Reunion Performance, and thank you to all of the families, friends, and supporters who came to cheer on our talented artists. The show featured students from Dance, Theater, and Music. We were honored with a special guest appearance by the founders of Hip Hop, DJ Kool Herc and the First Lady of Hip Hop, Cindy Campbell! After a few quiet weeks, it was great to have so many students, families, and supporters on campus. We can't wait to see you all again soon!
Thank you to student photographers Stella B. and Oliver I. for the above pictures of the Re-U-nion Performance.
If you missed the Re-U-nion Performance, catch it anytime on our YouTube channel:
*The Composition Program was made possible in part thanks to a generous gift from an anonymous donor.
GrownUp Camp
Sunday, September 10 was also the inaugural session of Usdan GrownUp Camp, which gives members of our adult community the opportunity to experience Usdan as a student for a day. GrownUp Camp students took classes in Dance, Visual Art, Musical Theater and Creative Writing. In Dance, Lauren Bobrow led students in stretches and a choreographed dance number. Artist in Residence Rebecca S'manga Frank taught the Creative Writing students how to use writing prompts to let their ideas flow. James Crichton led his Musical Theater students in a range of vocal exercises and the technicalities of singing from sheet music. Jeremy Dennis worked with Visual Art students on creating collages telling a personal story.
The experience was about creating connections to oneself, personal creativity, and people with similar interests. At the end of the day, in true Usdan tradition, everyone gathered in the Art Gallery for ice cream. Thank you to everyone who participated in this first session of GrownUp Camp; we hope you enjoyed the experience as much as we did! Please keep an eye out for possible upcoming sessions!
*Usdan GrownUp Camp is funded with a grant from UJA Federation of New York Immersive Jewish Experiences Committee.
Alumni Spotlight
On September 14, 2023, The New York Times published a fantastic article about Usdan alum and Board Member Michele Lowe. After a successful career as a decorated advertising executive and Broadway playwright, Michele has become the go-to writing coach for rabbis across the country as they prepare their sermons for the Jewish High Holy Days, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Congratulations, Michele, on this amazing feature! We can't wait to see what you do next! Read the full article here.
Our 2023 U Benefit Alumni Award Winner and New York Times bestselling cookbook author, Jake Cohen, is also in the news lately for his newly released cookbook, 'I Could Nosh.' The Times featured him and his apartment, where he wrote his newest cookbook, on September 26 in the Real Estate section. Read the full article here.
Are you a Usdan alum, or do you know a Usdan alum who is doing something amazing? We want to know about it! Please email and tell us all about it.
Student Spotlight
Jack M. was recently featured on the Queens Museum's Instagram as the youngest Queens Museum World's Fair enthusiast! Jack loves to share his knowledge, and he did a wonderful job talking all about the 1964-65 Fair in the video. Most importantly, Jack talks about how if we don't learn about the importance of historical buildings, we are destined to lose them. If you would like to see the full video, you can find it here.
If you know a Usdan student that is doing something amazing that you want to share with our community in our Student Spotlight, please let us know!
We Need to Hear from U!
The 2023-24 school year is going to end later than usual for both NYC and Long Island schools, and Labor Day is going to be early on September 2. As we plan for Summer 2024, we want to make sure that we plan a schedule that works for our families.
Please click the button below to take our Session Length Survey to let us know what works for U!
There is still time to fill out the Parent / Caregiver Survey for Summer 2023. Please click the button below to give your opinion on the 2023 season. The survey should only take about 10 minutes of your time and your feedback is extremely helpful in planning for future summers! Thank U!
SEPTEMBER IN MEDIA
Usdan's photographer travels captures photos of our students. In addition to photos shared in our Newsletter and on Instagram, you can view photos in Flickr.
Fall Into Usdan
Here's what's happening this Fall!
Return2U Program! EXTENDED FOR A LIMITED TIME!!
Pre-register through our Return2U program before 11:59 pm, October 6 to avoid tuition increases, secure the same scholarship for Summer 2024 that you did for 2023, and receive exclusive perks including early enrollment and discounts.
RISE of the Jack O'Lanterns
Haven't been to the RISE before? Watch this video from last year! Purchase your tickets via the button below to support Usdan scholarships and students!
Now Open!
Long Island's #1 fall family-friendly event is at Usdan!
Purchase your tickets via the button below today to make sure you don't miss out!
Founded in 1968, Usdan's mission is to invite people of all ages to experience the natural beauty of our campus and the transformative power of the arts. We are thrilled to mark our 55th anniversary year in 2023. Join us in celebrating this incredible milestone by donating $55 now through December 31, 2023 and help ensure that the next generation of artists can experience the magic of Usdan for another 55+ years!
Do you know a Usdan student or staff member? Make a $55 gift in their honor!
You can include their name(s) when you make your donation.
Ways to Donate:
Click the button below to make a donation online
Mail a check made payable to: Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts, 185 Colonial Springs Road Wheatley Heights, NY 11798. Contact development@usdan.org for wire transfers and/or invoice requests. Usdan is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. 100% of the donations from the $55 for 55 Years campaign will support Usdan’s programs and students. THANK U!
