Summer Newsletter | Aug 15, 2025
What's New With U? Week 7
Love is...honing your craft
Dear Friends,
When being interviewed about her work from this session, Painting & Drawing major Sophia said, "Usdan is fun and tedious because I become advanced at everything I practice here." Student artwork and performances shared during the second half of every session display the skills cultivated during a summer on campus. In Week 7, Music student Jason's solo in Thursday's Senior Orchestra Festival illustrated his musical achievement. While Jason described the solo on the big stage as nerve-racking, he said "the excitement that came after the performance made it worth it."
Creative Writing students shared poetry and plays that articulated their inner worlds through metaphor, fantasy, realism, and emotion. Creative Writing major Zaina read a two part poem that is part of a manuscript she is currently working on for publication, beginning with the haunting lines, "Curtains close / sleep enters stage right."
Among the many facets of a summer at Usdan is the space to hone and master one's chosen craft. Students in every class — from Choreography to Classical Composition to Sculpture — display the fruits of hard work and dedication. We are so grateful to witness it!
Save the date!
Re-U-nion Show
While the summer season wraps in ONE WEEK (!), the creativity continues. On Sunday, September 28 at 4:00 p.m., the artistry of Summer 2025 takes the Dale Lewis Stage of the McKinley Amphitheater for the final student show of the year. This performance offers students an opportunity to remember the summer's good times and friendships.
Students will be notified by the end of next week if they will be performing on this day. Everyone is encouraged to attend.
'Oh if life were made of moments'
Usdan Troupe takes the big stage on Fairytale Tuesday
For the first time EVER, the Usdan Troupe performed two full-length shows with a full set and live pit orchestra on the stage of the Amphitheater. "Into the Woods" set the tone of camp on Tuesday, August 12 with enchanting songs and familiar tales of magic beans, princesses, and witches.
This Tuesday's magical performances of "Into the Woods" brought some Usdan royalty back to our campus woods. We were so happy to welcome alum of Usdan's Troupe and Rep programs, who joined to cheer on this year's fabulous Troupe cast — a reminder that, with this community, "no one is alone." Want to stay connected to the Usdan Alumni Community? Contact kleeds@usdan.org!
As we emphasize at Usdan, the audience is a key aspect of every performance. To support Troupe's "Into the Woods," students dressed up as their favorite fairytale characters, and families visited campus to cheer on their budding actor's big moment.
Festival Recap
Student work shines
The Creative Writing students shared poems, acted out plays and musicals, and even brought a rap to Festival on Wednesday, August 13, with some students overcoming their fears to share personal work in front of their peers.
After last week's lineup of professional large ensemble groups, the Senior students were ready for their moment in the spotlight. Senior Orchestra Majors kicked off the music student performances followed by Senior Band Majors on Thursday, August 14. Both groups played a variety of genres, with one reference to the summer's theme being the Senior Orchestra's "Can't Help Falling in Love."
On Friday, August 15, Juniors Band and Junior Orchestra split Festivals, but both managed to bring smiles to the audience throughout their genre-diverse repertoire.
RISE of the Jack O'Lanterns
October 3 – November 1, 2025
Long Island’s original and most visited fall event, featuring The World’s Longest Jack O’Lantern Trail, returns to Usdan this fall for RISE of the Jack O'Lanterns 2025! Come see over 10,000 illuminated objects including 7,000 hand-carved jack o'lanterns. Advanced tickets required.
WEEK 7 IN MEDIA
For more photos and videos, follow us on Instagram and TikTok.
Discovery students visited the Yoga class this week. The older students helped the younger ones learn poses, including Reclined Butterfly and Tree pose, relaxing all the while.
Students and guests of the Art Village made an art installation inspired by "Into the Woods" in the courtyard of the Art Department, stringing yarn between trees and stringing together collective wishes for the world.
Photo courtesy of hip-hop and graffiti photography legend Martha Cooper. | On Saturday, August 9, "First Lady of Hip-Hop" Cindy Campbell (pictured in the cowboy hat) along with her brother DJ Kool Herc threw the second annual Usdan Hip-Hop Pool Party. 4A Intro to DJ Basics students performed on the pool deck, described as "perfect vibes" and "the most fun I've had all year."
Theater performances stormed the Lucy Moses and Hillside Theater stages with some breath-taking performances from students in "Ranked," "All Shook Up," and "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat."
Calendar Highlights: Week 8
Here is what's coming up next week!
Families of students are welcome to attend Festival performances and join us after for a backstage lunch. Festival performances will also be livestreamed, as well as recorded and posted, to our YouTube Channel.
On most days the Usdan Leadership Team hosts lunches for Usdan parents, supporters, grandparents, and caregivers. If you would like to join us for lunch, email rsvp@usdan.org 24 hours in advance.
On regular camp days, families do not need to RSVP to visit campus; just bring your 2025 Access Pass to ensure smooth entry onto campus. Please allow 20 minutes to get from Usdan's entrance to your destination. Visit the last page of the calendar for FAQs on visiting campus.
Monday, August 18
Spamalot by Senior Musical Theater
Monday, August 18, 10:30 a.m. | Hillside Theater
Festival Performance: The Knights
Monday, August 18, 12:10 p.m. & 12:35 p.m. | McKinley Amphitheater
Tuesday, August 19
Oliver! by Senior Musical Theater
Tuesday, August 19, 10:30 a.m. | Lucy Moses Theater
Festival Performance: Senior Classical Composition Minors
Tuesday, August 19, 12:10 p.m. | McKinley Amphitheater
Festival Performance: Senior Classical Composition Majors
Tuesday, August 19, 12:35 p.m. | McKinley Amphitheater
Oliver! by Junior Musical Theater
Tuesday, August 19, 1:30 p.m | Lucy Moses Theater
Wednesday, August 20
August Community Day
Wednesday, August 20, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. | All-campus
Between the Lines by Senior Our Little Theater
Wednesday, August 20, 10:30 a.m. | Lucy Moses Theater
Festival Performance: Junior Dance Majors & Minors
Wednesday, August 20, 12:10 p.m. | McKinley Amphitheater
Festival Performance: Senior Dance Majors & Minors
Wednesday, August 20, 12:35 p.m. | McKinley Amphitheater
Between the Lines by Junior Our Little Theater
Wednesday, August 20, 1:30 p.m. | Lucy Moses Theater
Thursday, August 21
World Premiere: KABLAM! by Senior Musical Theater
Thursday, August 21, 10:30 a.m. | Lucy Moses Theater
Discovery Performance & Exhibition
Thursday, August 21, 11:00 a.m. | McKinley Amphitheater
Festival Performance: Junior Vocal Ensemble Majors & Minors
Thursday, August 21, 12:10 p.m. | McKinley Amphitheater
Festival Performance: Senior Vocal Ensemble Majors & Minors
Thursday, August 21, 12:35 p.m. | McKinley Amphitheater
The Addams Family by Children's Theater
Thursday, August 21, 1:30 p.m. | Hillside Theater
KABLAM! by Junior Musical Theater
Thursday, August 21, 1:30 p.m. | Lucy Moses Theater
Art Parade
Thursday, August 21, 1:45 p.m. | Art Village
Friday, August 22
Spirit Friday: U-Pride Day
Friday, August 22, All day
Festival Performance: Closing Ceremony & Lifer Celebration
Friday, August 22, 12:10 p.m. | McKinley Amphitheater
Do you have any Usdan news we should know about? Write to us at media@usdan.org, and we may feature it in our next newsletter or on our social channels!
