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 2025 Annual 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
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).
2025 Hightlights: By the Numbers
In 2025, Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts — a nonprofit arts camp on Long Island, New York — served more than 1,300 young artists. The following statistics reflect the breadth and impact of Usdan's programming.
* 1,300+ young artists served at Usdan in summer 2025.
* Usdan was named a Top Workplace for the fifth consecutive year by the Long Island Press.
* At the close of summer 2025, 99% of Usdan students reported feeling safe to play and experiment as an artist.
* 98% of students felt safe to be themselves at Usdan — reflecting the camp's inclusive, affirming community culture.
* New classes taught by Usdan artists-in-residence included "Intro to DJ Basics" and "Found Sound," expanding the camp's contemporary arts programming.
* Usdan commissioned two original musicals: Aviva vs. the Dybbuk and KABLAM! — original works created and performed by Usdan students and faculty.
2025 Highlights: Media
Throughout the Annual Report there are QR codes, which you can also explore below for audio and visual experiences of the year!
THE SOUNDS OF USDAN
This composition was created by a student in the new class Found Sound, taught by Artist in Residence Lisa Schonberg.
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.
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 Initiative 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.
STUDENT-ARTIST COLLABORATION
World-class orchestral ensemble The Knights performed original classical compositions written by Usdan Music students.
Learn more about how Usdan pulls off its magic on page 21 of the Annual Report.
ON BEHALF OF THE YOUNG ARTISTS OF USDAN: THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT.
