Skip to Main Content
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

All content by Dani Herrera
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...

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...

Director Maxx Evan on set for his short film, “Under the Tree.” Evans’s film was selected as one of two NYU pieces to compete in the Battle of the Film Schools. (Photo courtesy of Maxx Evan)

NYU Graduate’s ‘Under the Tree’ Is an Emotionally Intense Depiction of Mental Illness and Grief

The young director combined his filmmaking skills with his love of psychology to create his short film.
Dani Herrera, Staff Writer March 8, 2020

“I think there’s a lot of beauty in sadness,” Maxx Evan said. The young director’s captivating yet melancholic film was recently selected to compete for the Battle of the...

Inspired by its Gothic source material, AMP sets the scene with eerie candlelight. Styled as “The Electrifying Story of Mary Shelley,” the one-woman show spanned the author’s life. (Photo by Dani Herrera)

A Mary Shelley One-Woman Show Electrifies Audiences

In a gothic retelling of Mary Shelley’s life, this production details the events that led up to the creation of “Frankenstein.”
Dani Herrera, Staff Writer February 24, 2020

A small desk and chair sit in the corner of a dark, foggy room containing stacks of dusty books. The room sits in an unsettling silence as the lights dim. Suddenly, thunder strikes,...

Poet Tina Chang discusses her newest book with Matt Brogan, executive director of the Poetry Society of America, at the Lillian Vernon Creative Writers House. Chang’s collection of poems, titled “Hybrida,” grapples with issues of identity and acceptance. (Photo by Dani Herrera)

Tina Chang Discusses Race, Motherhood and the Hybrid Nature of Poetry

Following the release of her new book, Tina Chang visited the Lillian Vernon Creative Writers House to discuss her poems.
Dani Herrera, Staff Writer February 10, 2020

The Lillian Vernon Creative Writers House filled with anticipation as eager fans awaited Tina Chang’s entrance. In a continuation of the writing center’s “The New Salon”...

NYU’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study is creating opportunities for student playwrights through the Gallatin Theater Lab. (Staff Photo by Alexandra Chan)

Gallatin Theater Lab Shines Spotlight on Young Playwrights

Three young playwrights were chosen to participate in a two-week play-development program.
Dani Herrera, Contributing Writer February 4, 2020

Last month, NYU’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study opened its doors to student playwrights through the Gallatin Theater Lab. Run by Michael Dinwiddie, a playwright and...

Book Club Bookstore and Wine Bar is a new bookstore offering a cozy place for readers to relax and enjoy drinks. (Via Instagram @bookclubbar)

Book Club Welcomes East Village Bibliophiles, Coffee-Lovers and Wine-Enthusiasts

There’s a new independent bookstore on the block and it’s offering much more than books.
Dani Herrera, Staff Writer November 25, 2019

This time of year calls for soft sweaters, warm drinks and good books. Imagine sitting at a cozy bookshop, in a soft leather chair, beside a fireplace mantel that flickers with...

Harry Bainbridge as Chapman and Tom Martin as Salinger in A Life In the Rye. (Photo by Dallas Phelps)

Inside J.D. Salinger’s ‘Life in the Rye’

A timely production in anticipation of the centennial of J.D. Salinger’s birth, Claude Solnik’s newest play gives audiences a closer look at the writer’s life.
Dani Herrera, Staff Writer November 21, 2019

When J.D. Salinger first published “The Catcher in the Rye,” many readers saw themselves in the young and dissatisfied narrator, Holden Caulfield. Some of these readers were...

Tara Westover, author of Educated: A Memoir, discussed her book at a Skirball Talks event. (Staff photo by Jorene He)

Tara Westover Discusses ‘Educated’ at Skirball Center

The New York Times best-selling author joined NYU provost Katherine Fleming in conversation about her memoir, “Educated," which was assigned to all incoming NYU first-years this summer.
Dani Herrera, Staff Writer November 6, 2019

Author Tara Westover’s “Educated” has taken the scholarly community by storm. The NYU Reads program assigned the book to incoming first-year students for this semester, but...

For their latest show, NYU Lamplighters is putting on a production of Beauty and the Beast on November 8th and 9th. (Via NYU Lamplighters)

NYU Lamplighters Lights the Way for Children’s Theater

The members of the student-run club share their passion for theater through free performances for children of all ages.
Dani Herrera, Staff Writer October 21, 2019

While student theater groups abound at NYU, only one group caters specifically to young audiences. This group calls itself NYU Lamplighters. According to Emily Carpenter, Gallatin...

Lauv performing on stage at Terminal 5. His performance emphasized on mental health awareness as his upcoming album "How I'm Feeling" will focus on his own experience with mental illness. (Photo by Dani Herrera)

Lauv Emphasizes Mental Health at Terminal 5

The singer-songwriter and NYU grad is using his sold out tour to talk about how he’s feeling, and he wants fans to do the same.
Dani Herrera, Staff Writer October 14, 2019

Pop musician and Steinhardt grad Lauv has emphasized that his upcoming album, “How I’m Feeling,” will focus on his personal experience with mental illness. It’s only appropriate...

A theatrical rendition of Byrne’s world tour of the same name, the performance features Byrne and 11 other artists from a host of countries. (Via Playbill)

Coming to Broadway in Fall 2019

A rundown of Broadway and Off-Broadway shows opening this fall.
Dani Herrera, Staff Writer September 30, 2019

Summer has finally come to a close, and that means it’s time for sweaters, pumpkins and Broadway previews. This fall, there are dozens of new shows coming to Broadway and off-Broadway...

Margaret Atwood spoke about her book, The Handmaid’s Tale, on Sept. 20 at Town Hall. (Via Wikimedia)

Margaret Atwood Discusses “The Testaments” at Town Hall

The acclaimed author of “The Handmaid’s Tale” joined Samantha Bee at The Town Hall to answer questions about her writing process and newest book.
Dani Herrera, Staff Writer September 24, 2019

“Was there ever a better time to drop a book?” Samantha Bee asked the packed auditorium.  On Friday, Sept. 20, Bee hosted “An Evening with Margaret Atwood” at The Town...

Poet Brenda Shaughnessy read to students at Lillian Vernon Creative Writers House on Sept. 13. (via Copper Canyon Press)

Former Guggenheim Fellow Reads at Creative Writers House

As part of the Creative Writing program’s “New Salon” series, which features writers in conversation, Brenda Shaughnessy read and discussed poems from her new book.
Dani Herrera, Staff Writer September 17, 2019

“I’m a firm believer in embarrassing oneself,'' award-winning poet Brenda Shaughnessy said during an event at the Lillian Vernon Creative Writers House last week. The author...