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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

Skylar Boilard

Skylar Boilard, Arts Editor

Skylar Boilard is a junior double-majoring in performance studies and journalism with a minor in psychology. When she’s not hunched over her laptop in Bobst Library, you can find her working on her yearly reading goal, perusing New York City’s arts scene or producing silly little comedic plays on campus. You can reach her on Goodreads @skylarboilard, Instagram @skylarrboilard or at [email protected].

All content by Skylar Boilard
(Courtesy of Penguin Random House)

Review: ‘Famesick’ is not your average celebrity memoir

There are no pages left unturned in Lena Dunham’s new book, which details her rise to fame and struggles with chronic illness.
Skylar Boilard, Arts Editor April 30, 2026

As a 20-year-old girl living in New York City with an affection for the HBO show “Girls” and 2013 twee culture, I obviously rushed to pick up Lena Dunham’s new memoir “Famesick.” The...

(Courtesy of Matthew Murphy)

Review: ‘The Lost Boys’ soars on spectacle but lacks substance

What the new musical adaptation lacks in sharp writing is mostly made up for by excellent performances and fun creative decisions.
Skylar Boilard, Arts Editor April 28, 2026

If you were feeling a particular void for ’80s nostalgia, supernatural elements and flying performers after the Broadway version of “Back to the Future” closed last year,...

(Neil Tawney for WSN)

Tisch Gala celebrates school’s new dean

The Tisch School of the Arts also honored a Pulitzer Prize winner and the co-CEO of an artificial intelligence company at its annual gala.
Skylar Boilard and Rhea Kohli April 15, 2026

Rounding out his first academic year as dean of the Tisch School of the Arts, Rubén Polendo brought a palpable sense of joy to the annual Tisch Gala Monday evening. The annual...

(Courtesy of Amazon Prime Video)

Review: Ambition pays off in new season of ‘Jury Duty’

“Jury Duty Presents: Company Retreat” delivers the same lovable comedy and kookiness with even higher stakes.
Skylar Boilard, Arts Editor April 15, 2026

Three years ago, viewers watched a real-life “The Truman Show” situation unfold on their television screens in season one of “Jury Duty.” Solar contractor Ronald Gladden...

Review: Snail Mail’s ‘Ricochet’ is dreamlike, but distant

Review: Snail Mail’s ‘Ricochet’ is dreamlike, but distant

The alternative artist’s nostalgic third studio album lacks the lyrical bite needed to fully deliver its sonic bitterness.
Skylar Boilard, Arts Editor April 1, 2026

Sometimes, all we want is music that makes us feel like the main character in a corny, indie flick circa 2012. Snail Mail’s newest record, “Ricochet,” bottles that...

(Courtesy of HanJie Chow)

Review: Tisch alum’s new play explores consumerism through cringe

Despite some overwriting, the off-off-Broadway debut of “The Mall The Mall The Mall“ proves to be an entertaining time for those willing to embrace their inner geek.
Skylar Boilard, Arts Editor March 3, 2026

If you never quite got over your “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” or “Pokémon” phase from middle school, then Tisch alum Philip Kenner’s play “The Mall The Mall The Mall”...

(Courtesy of Dead Oceans)

Review: Heartbreak hits a familiar note on Mitski’s new album

The singer-songwriter sharpened her pen on “Nothing’s About to Happen to Me,” but failed to shake up the sound.
Skylar Boilard, Arts Editor March 2, 2026

It’s been a minute since we’ve been graced with quintessential sad girl music. Phoebe Bridgers hasn’t released a solo album since 2020 and Lucy Dacus’ 2025 album “Forever...

(Courtesy of Peacock)

Who will win ‘The Traitors’ season 4?

The most iconic, legendary season so far deserves an ending to match it — here are our predictions.
Skylar Boilard and Dani Biondi February 26, 2026

The only place where you’ll ever see Lisa Rinna, Donna Kelce and Colton Underwood interact is inside a Scottish castle. Coming off a second consecutive Emmy win for outstanding...

(Dani Biondi for WSN)

Our ‘Survivor 50’ preseason predictions

Two die-hard fans tell you what to expect in the franchise’s all-star 50th season.
Skylar Boilard and Joe Paladino February 24, 2026

For over 25 years, ordinary people have opted into one of the most physically challenging reality television shows for a chance to win $1 million. In “Survivor,” contestants...

(Jada Nakagawa and Suditi Sircar for WSN)

Books beyond Bobst: A heartfelt historical fiction, a time loop and more

Books beyond Bobst is a book-rec column highlighting what NYU students are reading now, outside of their classes. If you’re in need of a new read, look no further.

“The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini One of my life goals is to read every one of my friends’ favorite books. In this process, I picked up “The Kite Runner,” a novel...

(Courtesy of Matthew Libby)

Q&A: Tisch alum on tech and morality in ‘Data’

Dramatic writing alum and playwright Matthew Libby spoke to WSN about his off-Broadway play, which explores dehumanization in the age of technology.
Skylar Boilard, Arts Editor February 5, 2026

While artificial intelligence has recently moved to the forefront of many ethical conversations, Tisch alum and adjunct faculty member Matthew Libby — who came of age in Silicon...

(Kaleo Zhu for WSN)

Review: ‘Half His Age’ is for the weird girls

Jennette McCurdy’s debut novel brilliantly speaks to the nuances of young femininity.
Skylar Boilard, Arts Editor January 30, 2026

I have a deep love for “weird girl” books, a niche genre that features messy female protagonists who explore topics like sex, rage and obsession. I tear through weird-girl...

(Courtesy of A24)

Justice for ‘Sorry, Baby’

Eva Victor’s emotionally resonant directorial debut film was noticeably shut out of the 98th Academy Award nominations last week.
Skylar Boilard, Arts Editor January 27, 2026

Content warning: This article contains mentions of sexual assault. We’re two months away from the 2026 Academy Awards, and the best picture and best original screenplay categories...

(Suditi Sircar for WSN)

Books beyond Bobst: A feminist cultural analysis, a multi-perspective thriller and more

Books beyond Bobst is a book-rec column highlighting what NYU students are reading now, outside of their classes. If you’re in need of a new read, look no further.

“Seven Days In June” by Tia Williams Even for the most skeptical romance readers, Tia Williams’ fifth novel, “Seven Days In June,” promises to be a worthwhile read....

(Courtesy of Netflix)

Review: ‘People We Meet On Vacation’ revives the rom-com

The film adaptation of Emily Henry’s 2021 romance novel marks a tremendous success in a troubling time for the genre.
Skylar Boilard, Arts Editor January 22, 2026

I first read “People We Meet On Vacation” in the summer of 2021 while on a family trip to Cape Cod. Ever since then, I have eagerly devoured every book Emily Henry has released,...

(Courtesy of Universal Music Group)

Review: The ‘Wicked: For Good’ soundtrack fails to live up to last year

Even with some of the best songs in the musical, the second half of the “Wicked: For Good” soundtrack can’t live up to the hype.
Skylar Boilard, Performing Arts Editor December 3, 2025

Similar to the 2024 movie, the second installment of the “Wicked” soundtrack had big shoes to fill. The first “Wicked” soundtrack met the high expectations set by the iconic...

Stella Adler alumni Naomi Orange, Valentina Avila and Valentine Alvarado. (Courtesy of Fruit Fly Theatre Co)

Q&A: Stella Adler alumni on forming their own theater company

WSN spoke to three graduates about how their training gave them the skills to form Fruit Fly Theatre Company, which seeks to uplift immigrant voices.
Skylar Boilard, Performing Arts Editor November 11, 2025

At the Stella Adler School of Acting, aspiring actors completely commit themselves to mastering their artistic practice. They spend hours every day receiving conservatory...

(Suditi Sircar for WSN)

Ranked: Broadway’s leading ladies

These five actresses are all extremely talented, but some simply move audiences more.
Skylar Boilard, Performing Arts Editor November 7, 2025

As a former aspiring actress, I devoted much of my free time as a child trying to learn the art. I tirelessly screlted along to the original cast recording of “Wicked”...

(Courtesy of Anna Clare)

Review: Audiences share the stage in ‘Gwyneth Goes Skiing’

The campy Off-Broadway play pokes fun at Gwyneth Paltrow and embraces audience participation.
Skylar Boilard, Performing Arts Editor October 24, 2025

If you thought Gwyneth Paltrow’s tabloid trial about a skiing accident couldn’t get any weirder, look no further than the ridiculously funny musical parody, “Gwyneth...

(Maryam Lootah for WSN)

Books beyond Bobst: A fantasy with magical creatures, two stream-of-consciousness novels and more

Books beyond Bobst is a book-rec column highlighting what NYU students are reading now, outside of their classes. If you’re in need of a new read, look no further.
Skylar Boilard, Alexa Donovan, Leo Field and Karina Rower October 20, 2025

“The House in the Cerulean Sea” by T.J. Klune If you were sucked into the magical worlds of “The Land of Stories” and “Harry Potter” books as a kid, then...

(Courtesy of Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images)

Josh Groban raises $1.5 million for arts education

The Find Your Light Foundation’s annual benefit concert featured celebrity performers and an auction to raise money for the arts.
Skylar Boilard, Performing Arts Editor October 10, 2025

Josh Groban’s Find Your Light Foundation, which has previously collaborated with students from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, raised a record $1.5 million in support...

(Kyra Reilley for WSN)

Ranked: Broadway male tenors

They can all hit that high note, but some of these tenors are simply more charming than others.
Skylar Boilard, Performing Arts Editor October 8, 2025

Growing up a theater kid, Broadway cast recordings and bootleg performances have consumed many hours of my life. Over the years, I’ve formed many opinions on the industry’s...

(Courtesy of Playbill)

WSN’s guide to the Broadway Flea Market

Shubert Alley is sure to be bustling on Sept. 21 for the annual Broadway Flea Market and Grand Auction — here’s what you won’t want to miss.
Skylar Boilard, Performing Arts Editor September 16, 2025

Prepare for high energy and huge crowds this Sunday because every theater-lover’s favorite event of the season is coming back around. New York City’s theater district...

(Krish Dev for WSN)

From rehearsal to Radio City: A summer that hit the right note

The cast of NYU's Presidential Welcome Reality Show opened up about the behind-the-scenes of putting together an original show and performing at a legendary New York City venue.
Skylar Boilard, Performing Arts Editor September 12, 2025

After a long and academically draining semester, many students might allow themselves to take a much-needed break, spending their summers relaxing before they return to the...

(Kyra Reilley for WSN)

Books beyond Bobst: A romantic academic drama, a glamorous memoir of a writer’s life in Southern California and more

Books beyond Bobst is a book-rec column highlighting what NYU students are reading now, outside of their classes. If you’re in need of a new read, look no further.

“Seduction Theory” by Emily Adrian After reading a blurb in The New York Times for “Seduction Theory,” I anxiously awaited the novel’s release all summer. Upon seeing...

(Courtesy of Will St. John)

Review: ‘Forever Is a Feeling’ is for the romantics

Lucy Dacus’ new album beautifully explores the multifaceted elements of romance through sentimental songwriting.
Skylar Boilard, Staff Writer April 7, 2025

Spring is in full bloom, and Lucy Dacus’ new lovesick album is the perfect soundtrack for the season. “Forever Is a Feeling” marks Dacus’ fourth studio album and is...

(Courtesy of Disney)

Review: ‘Snow White’ fails to charm viewers

Rachel Zegler is the only saving grace in the film plagued by CGI dwarfs and Gal Gadot’s lackluster acting.
Skylar Boilard, Staff Writer April 2, 2025

Since Disney announced its live-action “Snow White” remake, the film has sparked plenty of debate for controversies involving its cast. Released March 21, the film reimagines...

(Courtesy of Chuffmedia)

Review: Lady Gaga’s ‘MAYHEM’ is a revitalized return to form

The NYU alum’s latest studio album thrives when she embraces her eccentricities and falters when she boxes herself in.
Skylar Boilard, Staff Writer March 18, 2025

After the 2020 dance-pop album, “Chromatica,” fans have yearned for Lady Gaga to release music reminiscent of her earlier works. The singer’s latest album, “MAYHEM,”...

(Ivy Chan for WSN)

80WSE’s latest exhibition explores a better society through fashion

Curated by NYU Costume Studies students, “Framing Fashion Fantasies: Windows Into…” thoughtfully addresses leading social issues through style.
Skylar Boilard, Staff Writer February 11, 2025

As pedestrians pass the corner of East 10th Street and Broadway, they might assume a new, eclectic clothing store has opened. Mannequins are dressed to the nines in various styles...

10 songs for your cold-weather playlist

10 songs for your cold-weather playlist

It’s finally feeling like winter is near, and these songs will let you lean into your chilly-weather sensibilities.

Sure, it hit 80 degrees on Halloween. But as we creep into the second half of November, it’s hard to deny that students are breaking out their winter coats and bracing for colder...

A white gallery wall showcasing a series of paintings as people observe.

Review: ‘What It Becomes’ educates viewers on the process of creating

The small exhibition at the Whitney Museum of American Art highlights the process of art-making through 18 different pieces of art varying in media.
Skylar Boilard, Staff Writer October 28, 2024

As visitors exit the elevator on the third floor of the Whitney Museum of American Art, they might overlook the gallery waiting before them. But for those who enter and take a...

Singer Kacey Musgrave sitting on the floor and hugging a guitar against a white background.

Review: ‘Deeper Well’ is the embodiment of emotional spring cleaning

Country singer Kacey Musgraves’ sixth studio album, “Deeper Well,” returns to the artist’s roots with refreshing clarity.
Skylar Boilard, Contributing Writer March 29, 2024

Margaret Atwood was right — divorce is like amputation. It’s clearing out to start anew, and Kacey Musgraves’ new album is the perfect soundtrack to start the process. The...

Seven people wearing medieval outfits dancing on a stage.

Review: ‘Monty Python’s Spamalot’ does celebrity casting right

“Mean Girls” film star Jonathan Bennett joins fellow Broadway stars in the revival of “Monty Python’s Spamalot,” proving that sometimes stunt casting has the potential to actually work.
Skylar Boilard, Contributing Writer February 28, 2024

The recent Broadway revival of “Monty Python’s Spamalot” opened on Nov. 16  at the St. James Theater with a stacked cast. The musical is a parody of 1975’s “Monty Python...

A man in a black suit standing in front of a large window with panels and a blue wall.

Review: Declan McKenna’s ‘What Happened to the Beach?’ is a wonderfully weird exploration of music

Singer-songwriter Declan McKenna transitions from indie-pop to a more psychedelic sound with the release of his new album, “What Happened to the Beach?”
Skylar Boilard, Contributing Writer February 22, 2024

English singer-songwriter Declan McKenna released his third studio album “What Happened to the Beach?” on Feb. 9, marking the artist’s first album in four years. The record...

A man dressed as cupid in a blue dress holding a bow and heart arrow on a pink background.

Hozier’s detailed lyricism brings back nostalgic Valentine’s Day

Unlike many other love songs circulating this season, the Irish singer-songwriter’s intimate lyrics and unique references keeps audiences feeling special this Valentine’s Day.
Skylar Boilard, Contributing Writer February 5, 2024

I have always loved Valentine’s Day as a kid. It was the day that I felt memorable and received individualized attention from my classmates. I would patiently wait for the holiday,...