Sands College of Performing Arts at Pace University

12/17/2024

This holiday season, 19 Pace dancers—18 graduates and 1 current student—are shining in the Christmas Spectacular alongside the iconic Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall. 🎄

With training in precision jazz and a curriculum that sets them apart, our dancers are proving what it means to be : dedicated, ambitious, and unstoppable. ✨

👉Read the full story on how Pace talent is taking the spotlight in this issue of Dance Magazine:

When graduates of Pace University’s commercial dance BFA walk across the stage at graduation, they have a cap, gown, and amazing eye-high kicks. That’s because of their curriculum’s focus on multiple styles of jazz, including the precision jazz made famous by the Radio City Rockettes. There is...

12/16/2024

A celebration 35+ years in the making!

Last week, the Pace community—faculty, staff, students, and alumni—gathered to honor stage combat legend Mike Chin. ⚔️ From his start as a stagehand at the Schimmel Center to his remarkable mastery of the craft, Mike has been the ultimate mentor, friend, and inspiration to countless students throughout the years.

Join us in wishing him a well-deserved retirement filled with new adventures and joy!

Thank you, Mike, for everything you’ve given to Pace. 💙💛

12/06/2024

From Pace University to global stardom!! BFA Acting alum, Cooper Koch, has been named GQ’s 2024 International Actor of the Year!

Cooper's outstanding performance in Netflix's "Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story" has captivated audiences worldwide. At the GQ Men of the Year Awards in Sydney, Cooper expressed heartfelt gratitude. He reflected on overcoming challenges and the deep significance of this honor.

Join us in celebrating Cooper’s remarkable achievement and the dedication that led him here. 🎉

2024’s breakout heartthrob finishes off a blockbuster year with another win. Image credits: Eventive Photography

12/04/2024

Adjunct Professor Phillip Christian Smith welcomed acclaimed playwright Arlene Hutton to his Acting 3 class for a special visit that left a lasting impression. After experiencing "Blood of the Lamb"—a work that resonated deeply, Pace students took the stage to perform selected scenes off-book for Arlene. She provided insightful critiques, sharing her expertise and encouraging their growth. It was an inspiring reminder of the transformative power of theatre!

12/03/2024

This , join Pace University in empowering the next generation of artists. Every contribution, big or small, plays a vital role in shaping the future. Together, we aim to reach 2,257 donors—one for every new undergraduate joining Pace this fall.

💙💛Be part of OpporTUEnity in action and make your gift today. http://www.pace.edu/givingtuesday

11/19/2024

Get ready for an unforgettable performance! Dance sPace takes the stage December 6–8 at BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center.

Tickets are going fast! Don’t miss this spectacular showcase. https://tickets.tribecapac.org/dancespace

🎬Directed by: Scott Jovovich

💃Choreography: Tuan Malinowski (for NY Dance Lab), Boy Boi, Marinda Davis, Nathan Peck, Katie Walker, and 'Cloven Kingdom' Choreography by Paul Taylor (staged for this production by Laura Halzack)

💡Lighting Design: Berkeley Crosby, Grayson Dinino, Cayden Judd, David Shocket

👗Costume Design: Caton Hamrick, Matsy Stinson

🎭Production Stage Manager: Madison Moxey

11/14/2024

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Morgan Jenness, a cherished adjunct faculty member at the Sands College of Performing Arts.

For over a decade, Morgan inspired countless students with their expertise and passion for theater history. But they were so much more - a visionary, a mentor, and a generous spirit who impacted all who had the privilege of learning from or working alongside them.

Morgan's legacy and unwavering commitment to the performing arts will continue to shape and inspire the Sands community for generations to come. Read our full tribute:

The Sands College of Performing Arts community mourns the passing of Morgan Jenness, a cherished member of our adjunct faculty whose profound impact was deeply felt by students, faculty, staff, and the performing arts community.

11/14/2024

🎉 It’s showtime! 🎭 RENT is now playing at BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center, bringing NYC’s vibrant Lower East Side to life on stage. 🌆 Seats are still available, but they’re filling fast—don’t wait to get yours! 🎟️👉 https://brnw.ch/21wOD2F

11/09/2024

🎭 Pace students, don't miss this unique opportunity to join The Actor's Studio Drama School for "A Director's Conversation" with two of NYC's top theatre leaders, Scott Ellis (Roundabout Theatre Company) and Patricia McGregor (New York Theatre Workshop). Discover their journeys, creative visions, and insights on leadership within the NYC theatre scene. 🌟

Save the date: 📅 November 21, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at One Pace Plaza, Student Center. Prepare to be inspired! ✨

11/08/2024

1 severed hand, 2 gallons of blood, 75…you get the idea. 🎭

From Production and Design for Stage and Screen BFA alum to props supervisor mastermind behind "Teeth: The Musical," Matt Carlin brings the thrill of special effects to life on stage! Dive into the creative process—crafting hyper-realistic props, engineering intricate effects, and balancing shock with artistry—to see how bold visions transform into unforgettable moments. ✨

Check out the article on Playbill. https://brnw.ch/21wOuDI

📷 Source: Playbill

How the backstage team brings the gore every night at the Off-Broadway horror musical.

11/07/2024

Love, art, resilience—RENT has it all. Don’t miss this iconic rock musical at BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Nov 13-17. Tickets are on sale now with discounts for students. 🎭🎶

Grab yours today! https://tickets.tribecapac.org/rent

11/05/2024

We’re thrilled to close out the season of "In the Podlight" with a conversation on authentic casting! Casting Director Candido Cornejo Jr., CSA, and Pace alum Jesse James Keitel bring their experiences to the table, celebrating LGBTQIA+ representation and the impact of intentional casting.

Listen now for a moving discussion on representation and visibility. https://brnw.ch/21wOooK

11/04/2024

Our talented Commercial Dance alumnae are lighting up the season! 🌟 Emily King, Stevie Mack Furlong, Sydney Mesher, Madison O’Connor, Valeria Yamin, and Maddie Rodrigue recently brought holiday magic to the TODAY Show with the iconic Radio City Rockettes! 🎄✨

Watch the “Christmas Lights” performance. ➡️ https://brnw.ch/21wOnaL

In case you haven’t heard, we have 19 Rockettes and ensemble members from who will take the stage in the 2024 Radio City Christmas Spectacular this season! 🎉 This is the best representation ever, and we are so proud of all our performers! 💖👏

The Radio City Rockettes share some of the classic numbers they are most excited for in the return of their show this year and perform “Christmas Lights” on the TODAY plaza as part of the Citi Concert Series.

10/30/2024

🎙️ In our latest podcast episode, acclaimed Casting Executive and Producer Kim Williams shares her expertise in finding talent that brings stories to life! 🌟

With a background in sociology, Kim understands the dynamics of human behavior, collaboration, and social networks - insights that inform her work elevating creatives. 🤝

Kim emphasizes the importance of mentorship, giving back to the community, and continuously striving to make a meaningful impact - both on-screen and behind the scenes.✨

Hear Kim's inspiring insights and lessons learned from her extensive industry experience! 🎧👉 https://brnw.ch/21wOfeC

10/24/2024

This holiday season, 19 of our talented stars from the Commercial Dance Program—a current student and 18 alumni—will take the stage in the 2024 Radio City Christmas Spectacular! 🎄🌟

This is the most representation we’ve ever had in this iconic show, and we couldn’t be prouder. 💗

Join us in celebrating our incredible performers! 🎉

10/23/2024

🎙️ "Neurodiversity and Inclusion on Broadway"—our latest episode of 'In the Podlight' is live!

✨ Join us for an enlightening conversation about inclusion on Broadway, with a specific focus on neurodiversity. Director Sammi Cannold and Pace University Musical Theater BFA alum and actor Liam Pearce from the heartwarming production, "How to Dance in Ohio," share their inspiring journey. They dive into the transformative power of authentic representation, sharing uplifting stories and heartfelt moments that celebrate the unique talents and perspectives neurodiverse individuals bring to the stage.

💙 This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about creating an inclusive and vibrant arts community on Broadway.💙

https://brnw.ch/21wO2w3

10/21/2024

🎭 Get ready for a powerful performance! 🎶

Based loosely on Puccini's La Bohème, Jonathan Larson's RENT follows a year in the life of young artists and musicians struggling to survive in NYC’s Lower East Side—under the shadow of HIV/AIDS. Don't miss this iconic rock musical that celebrates love, friendship, and resilience!

📅 Nov 13–17, 2024
📍 BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center
🎟️ Grab your tickets: https://tickets.tribecapac.org/rent
Discounts for students!

10/19/2024

🎉 BFA Acting graduate Olivia Simmons is set to share the screen with her father, the esteemed JK Simmons, in the enchanting realism dramedy "109 Billion Followers." Filming begins this November in New York City. 🗽

J.K. Simmons and Nina Arianda are set to lead an ensemble cast in the magical realism dramedy "109 Billion Followers" from writer-director Ela Thier.