Inspiring U | Oct 1, 2024
What's New With U? September 2024
Dear Friends,
The weather may be getting chillier and the days may be getting shorter but you can't take summer out of Usdan!
This month, we soaked up one last moment of summer on fall's first day September 22 with our fourth annual Re-U-nion show, where talented young artists shared performances from the summer. We also honored three Usdan legends who were sadly taken from us this past year.
Jaw-dropping creativity continues to pour out of Usdan as we get ready to present the RISE of the Jack O'Lanterns, which opens this Friday, October 4. Trust us — you really are not going to want to miss this event.
With the start of school, we are thrilled to highlight members of the Usdan Education team who continue to set themselves apart locally and nationally.
Does your student have news they want to share? Are they starring in an upcoming play, recital, or concert? Did they create a new piece of artwork they are proud of? Write to us at media@usdan.org, and we may feature them in our next newsletter or on our social channels.
Happy reading!
Summer 2025 Enrollment Now Open
Classes are already filling up!
You can now enroll your young artist in Usdan for Summer 2025! Plus, for a limited time you can save on tuition for our 4- and 8-week Classic Program for grades 2-12. Popular classes are already filling up, so we encourage you to enroll today to secure your spot.
Welcoming New and Familiar Faces on Campus this Month
Young artists in grades K-2 enjoyed a special Dance class taught by beloved Usdan teacher Tatiana Birenbaum.
The air might have felt a bit crisper and a small sweater might have been seen around people's necks instead of fans, but on September 22, the spirit of summer was alive at Usdan. From the Archery range to the Art Village, the campus was once again buzzing with activity as returning and new students tried out classes in Dance, Theater, Art, and Recreation taught by some of our most popular teachers. Meanwhile parents and caregivers were treated to a campus walking tour led by Usdan alums. In true Usdan fashion, the afternoon ended with everyone gathering for ice cream before heading into the McKinley Amphitheater for the fourth annual Re-U-nion Show.
Troupe student Tatyana P., who has attended Usdan for 12 summers, reprised her role as Aunt Josephine March in "Little Women."
The excitement was palpable as our student Usher Apprentices showed families to their seats. The stage had been empty for 30 days and now it was coming alive once again with artistic highlights from the summer.
To open the show, Senior Dance Majors showed off their Hip-Hop moves in a brand new piece by Dance Department Chair Jacqueline Selesky. Theater students from the casts of "Better Than A Bully: The Musical" then performed excerpts from the world premiere production, followed by Creative Writing student Ally A. who shared one of her original songs. Two Dance students returned to the stage as part of a collaboration with a student artist who live drew the dancers. The dancing continued with a short piece from Junior Tap, and then the Senior Vocal Ensemble led the entire audience in a rendition of "From Now On" from "The Greatest Showman."
Pictured from left to right are Dr. Jerrold Ross, Elaine Gates, and Ruth Schaeffler. To commemorate the impact they left on Usdan, we will be naming a seat in the McKinley Amphitheater after each of them. In addition, their photos have been added to the Wall of Legends in the Amphitheater Green Room.
The Re-U-nion show is a moment for the entire community to reunite in celebration of creativity, friendship, and joy that only a summer at Usdan can inspire. No three people believed more in the power of Usdan than Former President of the Board Dr. Jerrold Ross, founding faculty member Elaine Gates, and longtime Director of Usdan’s Long Island Admissions Ruth Schaeffler. These three legends, who sadly passed away in the last year, dedicated their whole professional and personal lives to Usdan. Executive Director Lauren Brandt Schloss honored each of them in a heartfelt speech that outlined their incredible accomplishments. We also paid tribute to Jerrold, Elaine, and Ruth in past newsletters. Read about Jerrold here, Elaine here, and Ruth here.
Following this touching tribute, members of Usdan's selective, 8-week Musical Theater group, the Troupe, took the stage to close out the showcase with selections from their production of "Little Women."
Missed the show and want to relive it? Watch a recording of the full performance here.
Experience the Spookier Side of Usdan
RISE of the Jack O'Lanterns Opens THIS Friday, October 4
Most likely you have spent time on Usdan's campus during the day but have you ever experienced the woods at night? Returning to Usdan this October is RISE of the Jack O'Lanterns—a family-friendly Halloween event featuring over 10,000 illuminated objects, including 7,000 hand-carved jack o'lanterns and 3,000 specialty lanterns featuring some of your favorite icons from pop culture!
PLUS, there will be 20-foot singing jack o'lanterns and a jack o'lantern dance party—a Monster Mash both great and ghoulish!
The earlier you buy tickets, the more you will save, so buy your tickets now for the best deal.
Director of Education Javan Howard Featured in Academy of American Poets Newsletter, "Teach This Poem"
Usdan Director of Education Javan "Jay" Howard (right) with two students in the Creative Writing studio W1.
As the nation's leading champion of American poets and poetry, the Academy of American Poets supports American poets at all stages of their careers and fosters appreciation for contemporary poetry. In addition to producing poets.org and the popular "Poem-a-Day," the Academy publishes the weekly, award-winning newsletter "Teach This Poem" for K-12 Educators that includes a poem and a lesson plan.
Usdan's own Director of Education Javan "Jay" Howard had his lesson plan featured in the first "Teach This Poem" newsletter to kick off the 2024-2025 school year. Jay developed this lesson plan as part of a poetry residency he taught for grade 9 students at Richard R. Green High School of Teaching in New York City. Inspired by the poet Terrance Hayes, the lesson invites students to write their own sonnets.
"Terrance is one of my favorite poets, and he has had a tremendous influence on my own writing," shared Jay. "I am so happy to share Terrance's work with young poets around the country, and I hope this lesson plan inspires them to find new ways to express themselves."
Tours Resume in November!
Mark Your Calendars
Walking tours for families interested in enrolling their students in Usdan for Summer 2025 will resume in late November. All of our tours are led by seasoned staff, many of whom are either faculty members and/or alumni. We purposefully keep each tour small to be able to give individual attention to each family, and we make sure to personalize the tours based on what prospective students are interested in studying at Usdan.
Casting Call Corner
Attention all young actors! We are thrilled to share a variety of casting calls from local casting agencies and production companies. Break a leg!
"CRAMMING" | Film
Seeking young, male, Latino and East Asian actors for a feature film called "CRAMMING," written and directed by Dan Perlman. Shooting will take place in late fall in New York City.
Alex Chavez | 11-14, male, Latino/Hispanic
Yan Bo Lin | 11-14, male, East Asian
"Blue Blind" | Musical Theater
Seeking Asian boy actor who can sing for the new musical "Blue Blind." This modern reinterpretation of Korea's classic novel "The Tale of Sim Chong" will open in New York in November 2024.
Young Youna | 8-12, male, Asian
Featured Interview Coming Next Month...
Usdan Alums and Teachers Take Long Island High School Theater Scene by Storm
Stay tuned for an interview in next month's newsletter with Usdan alum and Theater teacher James Crichton, Usdan alum Russell Dembin, and Usdan Theater teacher Jordan Hue, all of whom are now running some of the biggest high school theater programs on Long Island.
Calendar
Friday–Sunday, October 4-6
RISE of the Jack O'Lanterns
Thursday–Sunday, October 10–13
RISE of the Jack O'Lanterns
Wednesday–Sunday, October 16–20
RISE of the Jack O'Lanterns
Friday, October 18
October Tuition Assistance Deadline
Wednesday–Monday, October 23–28
RISE of the Jack O'Lanterns
Monday, October 14
Usdan Administrative Offices Closed
