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New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

Performing Arts

The Public Theater plans to reopen Shakespeare In The Park this summer in Central Park. This free production is returning with an adaptation of “Merry Wives of Windsor.” (Staff Photo by George Papazov)

Hark, Shakespeare fans! Shakespeare in the park plans to reopen in the summer

Public Theater’s free production in Central Park is ready to turn its lights back on with an adaption of “Merry Wives of Windsor.”
Jennifer Ren, Performing Arts Editor April 7, 2021

With the announcement of Broadway’s reopening in the fall and the approaching NY PopsUp program, many of New York City’s in-person performances are planning to return to the...

West 14th Theater Company presents Natalie Margolin’s new play, “The Party Hop.” The play ran twice in March and was written for digital performance. (Image courtesy of West 14th Theater Company)

NYU students tackle virtual theater with ‘The Party Hop’

West 14th Theater Company — an NYU student-created organization — presents Natalie Margolin’s “The Party Hop,” which couldn’t be more relevant today.
Jennifer Ren and Maya Mehrara March 31, 2021

Throughout the pandemic, theater fans had ample time to ponder what digital performances can offer over traditional in-person theater. For many virtual performances, the experience...

Seven NYU artists collaborated and choreographed six distinct pieces in the two-hour event, Tisch Dance Works IV: Dance & Technology Concert. While managing COVID-19 restrictions, these students merged the artistry of dance and technology to create this performance. (Photo by Owen Mosher Burnham)

Tisch dancers share personal narratives through dance

Seven multidisciplinary artists choreographed six distinctive pieces in Tisch Dance Works IV: Dance & Technology concert.
Jennifer Ren, Performing Arts Editor March 25, 2021

A lone dancer on stage bounces and sways her body rhythmically, wearing a white, breezy costume. Animations are projected onto her as she dances. The moment wouldn't be out of...

The Ambassador Theater is located at 219 W. 49th St. Starting April 2, 2021, entertainment and arts venues that hold less than 10,000 people will open at 33% capacity, allowing select Broadway theaters to open their doors next month. (Photo by Sheridan Smith)

Bringing back Broadway

Exploring what the reopening of Broadway means for fans of theater in New York City.
Maya Mehrara, Staff Writer March 24, 2021

After more than a year of living through the COVID-19 pandemic, the spotlight at the end of the tunnel is finally visible. Yet, the spotlights in theaters across New York have...

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, many NYU actors are completing their semester at home. NYU actors outside of the U.S. have found ways to adapt and stay positive, despite the lack of on-screen and on-stage productions. (Staff Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)

NYU actors living abroad: the show must go on

On a wing and a prayer, NYU actors outside of the U.S. have found ways to stay positive.
Jennifer Ren, Performing Arts Editor March 15, 2021

Seren Jang was about to finish her first year in Tisch Drama at the Meisner Studio when COVID-19 moved her class to Zoom.  Jang flew back home to New Zealand. Due to the lack...

Amidst everyone’s transition to remote learning, Tisch’s drama students have not had an easy time. Students discuss the change in their class routines and the advantages and disadvantages of online learning. (Staff Illustration by Alexandra Chan)

Two Tisch Drama Students Find Silver Linings in Remote Learning

While the shift to online classes has led to unprecedented adjustments in curricula, two acting students have found that there can be advantages to online learning.
Dani Herrera, Staff Writer May 5, 2020

In a typical week, drama students in Tisch manage two days of classes and three days of studio work. Though studio days vary, they are generally a mix of singing, dancing, acting...

The Gallatin Theatre Troupe will present their new production “Uncharted: A Virtual Musical Theatre Cabaret” over Zoom. The show features original work and the team hopes to bring their art to a larger audience. (Illustration by Josh Finkel)

Gallatin Theatre Troupe Presents: ‘Uncharted: A Virtual Individualized Musical Theatre Cabaret’

NYU musicians, directors, producers and performers are using Zoom to keep an annual musical tradition alive.
Dani Herrera, Staff Writer April 27, 2020

If there’s one thing that any theater group knows, it’s that the show must go on. Though familiar to most, those words are representative of the determination that Gallatin...

Humor is one way to cope with this lockdown at home. NYU’s comedy groups Free Beer and Hammerkatz discuss changes to their content and methods of distribution since the pandemic. (Staff Illustration by Alexandra Chan)

How NYU’s Comedy Scene is Finding Ways to Laugh

NYU sketch groups “Free Beer” and “Hammerkatz” discuss their future plans and the role of humor in a time of global crisis.
Dani Herrera, Staff Writer April 20, 2020

They say laughter is the best medicine, and lately it seems like everyone has gotten the memo. People all over the world are turning to social media platforms to share all types...

Netflix comedy specials are one way to laugh and pass time with ease. Here are some recommendations for your enjoyment. (Staff Illustration by Alexandra Chan)

Six Comedy Specials to Watch While Social Distancing

If you’re going stir-crazy, here are six Netflix Comedy specials guaranteed to make anyone laugh.
Liv Rocklin, Contributing Writer April 13, 2020

20 days ago, I was on an airplane from Paris to Chicago, a result of COVID-19 cutting my four-month study abroad down to six weeks. This is the same story as most college students...

“Outside The Box” was choreographed by Garet Wierdsma to “Little Boxes” by Malvina Reynolds and original composition by Zilu Chen, performed by Tisch dancers at the Jack Crystal Theater before spring break. With remote instruction comes the challenges of online dance classes as Tisch dancers share their experiences. (Staff Photo by Alexandra Chan)

Dancing Through Distress: Tisch Dancers on Remote Learning

Three Tisch dance students share their experiences with online dance instruction.
Rachel Lee, Staff Illustrator April 12, 2020

Since the university announced that the rest of the semester would be happening remotely due to the COVID-19 outbreak, NYU students have been adapting to new routines to enable...

Dave Malloy posted a video of his original production “Ghost Quartet” on YouTube for all to enjoy during this time period. Featuring a five-part harmony and accompanied by a harp, cello, piano and violin, the characters tell their life stories in a musical song cycle. (Staff Photo by Alexandra Chan)

‘Ghost Quartet’ Is in All of Us

Dave Malloy’s “Ghost Quartet” is just the gift the world needs during this time of reflection.
Hope Cassandra, Contributing Writer April 6, 2020

In what seems to be a swanky, hole-in-the-wall lounge at the McKittrick Hotel, lit only by the candles on each table, a voice rises up from the shadows. With no pause, he launches...

While their main stage on Astor Place is closed, the Public Theater is making sure their audiences have access to thespian art through monthly podcasts. Each episode ranges from 24-45 minutes and features different individuals working with the theater and revolves around a different topic. (Photo by Taylor Williams)

The Public Theater Talks Show Business and Social Issues

The Public Theater’s “Public Square” podcast highlights artists and professionals as they share their experiences with The Public and discuss important issues affecting the arts community.
Dani Herrera, Staff Writer April 5, 2020

Remember the days when you could go out and enjoy live theatrical performances? From classic Broadway shows and funny off-Broadway shows in Midtown to experimental acts on local...