What's New With U? | October 2026

Recently I find myself considering that in some ways 2026 is a great moment in history to be a kid. It has become very clear that the future will not be the past, and what is come must be shaped by the visions of young people today.

At Usdan, I see how creative immersion empowers our students to see themselves as agents of change in uncertain environments. Remembering how powerful these experiences can be makes me more excited than ever to be planning the impact of Summer 2027.

If you know a kid who would benefit from the creative space and community that Usdan provides, let them know that Priority Enrollment is now open.

By referring a kid to Usdan, you place a stamp of your values on the future. 

Lauren Brandt Schloss 
Executive Director

P.S. I want to hear from you! How do you think a Usdan education helps shape the future? 

Please write to questions@usdan.org with any thoughts and reflections and one of my colleague or I will be excited to get back to you. 

Upcoming events at usdan

• Last chance! Halloween-Themed Paint & Sip + Admission to the RISE (21+) 
  • Fri, Oct 30 | 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.; 6:30 p.m. RISE of the Jack O'Lanterns 
  • An evening of cocktails, hor d’oeuvres, and casual art instruction with painting supplies included. Up to three drinks included, plus admission to the spectacular RISE of the Jack O'Lanterns for a perfect Hallow's Eve. 
• Don't miss the final nights of RISE of the Jack O'Lanterns! 
  • TONIGHT, October 29 
  • Tomorrow, October 30
  • Saturday, October 31
  • Sunday, November 1 
• Campus Tours for 2027 Prospective Families 
  • Sunday, November 22, 2026 | 11:00 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 1:30 p.m. 
  • Sunday, December 13, 2026 | 11:00 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 1:30 p.m.

Plan your own event at Usdan

Interested in hosting a community gathering at Usdan? We are officially launching our Discovery Pavilion Rental & Concierge program as a special perk for Usdan community members! 

Just fill out this form, and we will follow up within 48 hours with the next steps for planning your perfect event.

SUMMER 2027 PRIORITY ENROLLMENT

From exploring something new to delving deeper into a favorite art form, there's so much to discover at Usdan. We encourage new families to enroll early to secure their child’s preferred classes as a few are already waitlisted.

Plus, save up to $150 when you enroll by November 30!

Questions? Text 631-646-1677 or call 631-643-7900 Mon – Fri, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. 

VOTE FOR USDAN! 

We are thrilled to announce that we have been nominated for "FourLeaf Best Camp of Long Island 2027." Voting is open and allowed once per day through December 15. 

If you love Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts, support us by casting your vote in the FourLeaf category of "Sports & Activities > Camp" category. Thank you! 

USDAN PRESENTS... "SLEEPY HOLLOW AWAKENS" AT RISE OF THE JACK O'LANTERNS

Thank you to everyone who came out for the one-night-only reprisal of "Sleepy Hollow Awakens" on Saturday, October 24. The show is a part of Usdan's New Works initiative that began in 2023 with the intention of bringing fresh, original works to life with young people's voices at the center.

By commissioning pieces like "Sleepy Hollow Awakens," Usdan aims to expand the canon of youth Theater, creating meaningful roles and stories for and by young artists. 

"Sleepy Hollow Awakens" was written by former Usdan Theater Department Chair Jim Incorvaia (pictured top in the skeleton sweatshirt) with music and lyrics by Usdan Musical Director and alum Ben Boecker (pictured left).

To speak a little bit more to the show, Ben Boecker wrote,  This theme of reinvention is central to the life of these works, as it is for the children performing these roles, many of whom are crafting new identities for themselves as they navigate these early weeks of a new school year."

Out & about 

(L-R) Former Usdan Executive Director Dale Lewis with current Executive Director Lauren Brandt Schloss at the Musical Celebration of Roger Tilles on October 19 thrown by the Long Island Arts Alliance. 

(L-R) Executive Director Lauren Brandt Schloss and Victoria Schneps-Yunis of Schneps Media at the Musical Celebration of Roger Tilles. 

PARTNER SHOUTOUT
​​​​​​​Long Island High School for the Arts

FACULTY & ALUM SHOUTOUT
Dr. Matthew Pellegrino, Lead Composition Teacher 

THANKS FOR READING & HAPPY HALLOWEEN! 👻

Do you have any Usdan news we should know about? Write to us at media@usdan.org or tag us on Instagram @usdanarts, and we may feature it in our next newsletter or on our social channels!