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2025 Annual Report
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LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR

In 2025, Usdan was thrilled to welcome more than 1,300 young artists to our beautiful campus — a creative sanctuary where young people can explore who they are and who they are becoming. Each day reminded me anew of how important the work we do is.

This Report attempts to illustrate something that — when you walk through the Usdan forest on a camp day — is obvious: arts education has a transformative impact on people’s lives, instilling empathy, confidence, curiosity, friendship, courage, dedication, and joy. In an increasingly uncertain world, we believe these foundational values are worth investing in. 

Thank you for being a part of it.

Warmly,

Lauren Brandt Schloss

P.S. You can explore the buttons below for audio and visual experiences of the year, scroll down to flip through the full 2025 Annual Report, or download a copy of the report here: 

THE SOUNDS OF USDAN 

This composition was created by a student in the new class Found Sound, taught by Artist in Residence Lisa Schonberg.

 

Usdan Artist in Residence with Music student

Learn more about Found Sound on page 11 of the Annual Report. 

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

This summer, we spoke with Usdan dance student Maddox (a campus star!) about his experience at Usdan.
 
 

Student dancer performs on stage at Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts

Learn more about Maddox coming out of his shell on page 5 of the Annual Report. 

WORLD PREMIERES AT USDAN

As part of our New Works Initiative, students performed two original musicals over Summer 2025.
 
 

Learn more about the New Works Inititive on page 15 of the Annual Report.

2025 FESTIVAL PERFORMANCES

Our daily Festival showcases regular work by students, faculty, staff, and visiting artists. Professional performances at 2025 Festival included alumni performers Dan Kiernan (known for his work on “The Voice”), Zach & Zak (raucous cabaret duo), the Harlem Chamber Players (boundary breaking classical ensemble), and the Sam Dillon Quartet (virtuosic jazz instrumentalists); critically-acclaimed dance companies NaiNi Chen Dance, IMGE Dance, and A.I.M by Kyle Abraham; plus, beloved circus act The Red Trouser Show.
 
 
 
Learn more about Usdan's 2025 Performances on page 12 of the Annual Report

THE SECOND ANNUAL HIP-HOP POOL PARTY

Thrown on August 9 by Artists in Residence DJ Kool Herc and “The First Lady of Hip-Hop” Cindy Campbell, the 2025 Hip-Hop Pool Party featured live turn-tabling, guest DJs, dance-offs, fashion contests, and lots of joy.
 
 
 

Learn more about our 2025 Community Programming on page 16 of the Annual Report.

 
World-class orchestral ensemble The Knights perform original classical compositions written by Usdan Music students.
 
 
 
Learn more about how Usdan manages to pull off its magic on page 21 of the Annual Report.

You can flip through the pages of the interactive viewer in two ways:

  • Use the horizontal scrollbar beneath the booklet
  • Click on the arrows on the left and right ends of the booklet. (The arrow is black, so it may be hard to view on certain pages).