2023 Tisch Class Notes
DECEMBER
Alexandra Berger
'91 (BFA, Kanbar Institute, Film & TV)
Alexandra Berger has produced the compelling short documentary "American Santa," now streaming on the LA Times. Far from a typical holiday story, this film is a powerful commentary on American racism, viewed through the unique lens of Black Santas. Executive Producer Billy Porter describes it as “an amazing film…beautiful and devastating all at once.” Selected for the DocNYC Shortlist, an early indicator of Academy Award potential, "American Santa" is now available in the Academy Screening Room. The film is engaging in FYC screenings for Academy members: December 7th, 7PM at the Culver Theatre in LA and December 12th, 8PM at DCTV in NYC, with reception to follow. The NYC event, co-hosted by Executive Producer Billy Porter and Academy member Lisa Cortés, will also feature a Q/A with Producer Alexandra Berger and Director Avi Zev Weider. Click HERE to RSVP, priority given to Academy members. Join us in sharing this film's message of love and acceptance. Follow the movie at www.americansantamovie.com RSVP: https://bit.ly/americansanta & latimes.com/shortdocs
NOVEMBER
Tobias Carroll
'99 (BFA, Kanbar Institute, Film & TV)
A revised edition of Tobias' 2016 short story collection Transitory is scheduled for release on December 1, 2023 on 7.13 Books. This new edition features three additional stories not in the first edition.
Kim Bixler
'23 (MFA, Graduate Musical Theatre Writing)
Apply today for a two-week intensive performing arts workshop in early 2024 featuring body percussion, movement, voice, acting, and dance, led by founder and artistic director of R.Evolución Latina, Luis Salgado. Those accepted will receive a full scholarship to the program. The two-week workshop will be followed by a showcase opportunity in front of influential theater makers and producers, featuring the Brazilian Body Percussion Musical: BARBA by GMTW's Carlos Bauzys and Kim Bixler (Cycle 32). *****Application Due: November 20th, 2023****. Learn more and apply via the link below:
Spencer Gilbard
'16 (BFA, Drama)
Department of Drama alum Spencer Gilbard has been recognized by Shoutout LA for his accomplishments in podcasting with LOL Comedy Club.
Julie Sharbutt
'09 (MFA, Grad Acting)
Julie Sharbutt's short horror film SCAM, which she Wrote and Directed, premiered in April 2023 at the Oscar Qualifying RiverRun International Film Festival and has since screened at over 30 festivals and won Best Short Fiction at the Nevada Women's Film Festival and Best Comedy Horror Short and Best Actress at the Haunted House Fear Festival.
Tanya Zimbardo
'01 (BFA, Photography & Imaging)
Tanya Zimbardo is guest curating the first posthumous exhibition survey of the late New York City and San Francisco-based environmental artist and nonprofit founder Bonnie Ora Sherk (1945-2021). The nonprofit Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture in San Francisco will present "Bonnie Ora Sherk: Life Frames Since 1970" (January 13 - March 10, 2014) and host a symposium and publication launch at the close of the exhibition; Zimbardo is co-editing with Frank Smigiel the accompanying catalog (D.A.P.)
Emily Sheskin
'06 (BFA, Kanbar Institute, Film 7 TV)
JessZilla, a documentary feature film, about a tenacious young boxer is making its New York City premiere at DOC NYC. The film is helmed by Director Emily Sheskin and shot by Director of Photography Paul Yee. The film premieres at IFC Center on November 11th, at 12:30 PM.
OCTOBER
karen EiLbacher
'10 (BFA, Drama)
"Antiquated F*ckery" By Jessica Charles Directed by Cristina Angeles With karen EiLbacher and Davon Williams 59E59 Theaters - Oct 8-28, 2023 Two Black, queer artists try to make it in an industry that considers them at once too Black and not Black enough.
Kevin Park
'16 (BFA, Kanbar Institute, Film & TV)
Kevin is a part of Disney Launchpad Season 2, an incubator program designed to uplift filmmakers from marginalized backgrounds. The short film he wrote for Launchpad is now on Disney +. It's called "The Ghost", and it's actually featured on the D+ Halloween collection! The film is also an official selection at the upcoming Urbanworld Film Festival.
Juliet Giglio
'90 (MFA, Kanbar Institute, Grad Film)
Join us for the book launch party of our second novel- THE TROUBLE WITH TINSEL - on Friday, Oct. 13th @7 pm at P&T Knitwear Books at 180 Orchard Street in the LES. Come for the refreshments, stay for the lively Q&A and signing!
Susanna Reich
'76 (BFA, Dance)
PASS THE BABY, by Susanna Reich '76 (BFA, Dance), illustrated by Raúl Colón, releases 10/17. This is their first collaboration since JOSE! BORN TO DANCE (2005), winner of the Tomás Rivera Children¿s Book Award and the International Latino Book Award.
Vinay Umapathy
'19 (BFA, Goldberg Department of Dramatic Writing)
'Behind The Line’ is a short dramedy thriller written and being directed by Vinay Umapathy. The film follows, Laith (played by Shubh Nanda) as an assistant who climbs the ladder at a award-winning production company and gives up his values in the name of success and his acclaimed, yet abusive boss.
Martha Diaz
'16 (MA, Moving Image Archiving and Preservation)
As we continue to celebrate Hip Hop's 50th anniversary, Martha Diaz is one of the Archive Producers for the A&E Series Hip Hop Treasures (MIAP Class of 2016). She was also the lead archive researcher for the Dear Mama: The Saga of Afeni and Tupac Shakur documentary miniseries on FX, which premiered this past April.
Alex Mazzucchelli
'14 (BFA, Drama)
Singer/Songwriter Alex Mazzucchelli (Tisch 14') drops two new singles this Fall! Check out "Hot & Bothered" and "All In (Dealer's Choice)" on all streaming platforms. https://linktr.ee/alexmazzmusic
Justin Ott
'00 (BFA, Kanbar Institute, Film & TV)
Justin is the Director of Photography on a new HGTV show, "What's Wrong With That House". The program will air two episodes on Saturday mornings at 10am and 11am starting Saturday, September 23rd. You can stream WWWTH on MAX starting in January.
Malika Samuel
'13 (BFA, Drama)
MSNR Drama Faculty and alumni Malika Samuel is currently in the World Premiere of Eliana Pipe’s Bite Me directed by Rebecca Martinez. This WP Theater coproduction with Colt Coeur runs through October 22nd. Don’t miss it!
SEPTEMBER
Alex Familian
'13 (BFA, Kanbar Institute, Film & TV)
Alex produced and edited the feature film APPENDAGE. After premiering at SXSW in early 2023, the film will land on Hulu on October 2nd. The film also features Tisch '12 alumni Adam Butterfield.
James Clements
'14 (BFA, Drama)
James Clements, a Scottish actor, theatremaker and educator, has been named the 23-24 Teaching Artist in Residence and the Arts Entrepreneurship Fellow at the NYU Wasserman Center for Career Development's Creative Career Hub at the NYU Production Lab.
Adam Lough
'01 (BFA, Kanbar Institute, Film & TV)
My series Telemarketers on HBO (MAX) which I co-created, executive produced and co-directed launched in August.
Julie Malnig
'88 (PhD, Performance Studies)
Julie Malnig, Professor of Dance and Theater Studies at NYU's Gallatin School, recently published her latest book "Dancing Black, Dancing White: Rock 'n' Roll, Race, and Youth Culture of the 1950s and 1960s" (Oxford University Press, May 2023). In the book, Malnig delves deep into the intricate interplay among dance, race, and youth culture during a transformative era. "Dancing Black, Dancing White," which focuses on the highly popular phenomenon of the televised teen dance program, illluminates the vibrant and often overlooked contributions of diverse communities to the evolution of rock 'n' roll dance. The lively book sheds light on the rich tapestry of experiences, challenges, and triumphs that shaped the dance floor of the 1950s and 1960s. Malnig's previous works include "Dancing Till Dawn: A Century of Exhibition Ballroom Dance" and "Ballroom, Boogie, Shimmy Sham, Shake: A Social and Popular Dance Reader."
Ryan Raftery
(BFA, Drama)
Ryan Raftery returns to Los Angeles for the first time since 2019 with his seventh celebrity biomusical about America's most famous mom! Mother of the Year finds Kris Jenner desperate for more kids to schill, so she travels to Laos for an experimental fertility treatment. Something goes wrong and she’s afflicted with temporary amnesia and is forced to stay in Laos to be re-educated about the role she’s played in creating “The Kardashians” as we know them. Then, she finds out that the experiment actually worked and she’s pregnant at 67 with a girl! However, now that she has new clarity on her parenting choices, she considers whether or not she wants to continue the pregnancy. But UH OH! Roe v Wade has been overturned during her stay abroad, which galvanizes the "New Kris" into using her family’s 1.2 billion followers to do something good for women everywhere and help get the law reinstated. And it’s a musical!
Sarah Segal-Lazar
'11 (BFA, Drama)
The Femme Fatale of Folk is back with her new album VALLEYS. Produced by Matthew Barber, the album is a soulful Americana tapestry of life's highs and lows. With nods to nostalgic country and riffs that will have you coming back again and again, VALLEYS is bound to soon be a contemporary folk-country favourite. Stream VALLEYS wherever you get your music.
AUGUST
Kathleen Kinsolving
'95 (BFA, Kanbar Institute, Film & TV)
Kathleen's play "Pike" will be performed at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco on Sunday, September 3 at 7 pm.
Sophie Leiton Toomey
'23 (BFA, Drama)
Sophie Leiton Toomey will be making her Green Room 42 debut with Broadway Actor Miki Abraham (Shucked) on September 18th as part of the performance A Thousand Times Enough! @charmedkikyo
Vatsal Neelakantan
'12 (BFA, Kanbar Institute, Film & TV)
I'm really happy to share that my first film as a writer-director, 'Friday Night Plan' will be released worldwide by Netflix on 1st September 2023!
Tom Patterson
'05 (BFA, Drama)
Tom is going to be in Mint Theater Company's production of "Partnership" by Elizabeth Baker this fall. The production is directed by Jackson Grace Gay and will run off-Broadway from September 30 to November 12 at Theatre Row.
JULY
Heather Andelsman
'20 (BFA, Kanbar Institute, Film & TV)
GREAT WHITE LIES, a short film written & directed by two-time cancer survivor Heather Andelsman is premiering at the Academy Award-qualifying LA Shorts International Film Festival. The film explores what returning to life is like after surviving cancer as an adolescent, based on the experience of the writer/director. For tickets and additional information, visit our website. Please find below the full list of NYU alumni/faculty involved in the making of this production. CAST Hope Luna - BECK (Tisch Drama 2021) Jacqueline Bonsignore - ILANA (Tisch Drama 2020) Aja Hinds - ELLIE (Tisch Drama 2020) CREW Una Campbell - PRODUCER (Undergrad Film & TV 2023) Marcel Andre - PRODUCTION DESIGNER/STYLIST (Undergrad Film & TV 2021) Hunter Hanson - COMPOSER/MUSIC EDITOR (Steinhardt Faculty) Kalliopi Magnis - 1ST ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (Stern/Tisch 2024) Nico Love - ASST to 1ST AD (Undergrad Film & TV 2023)
Eric Andrews
'87 (BFA, Kanbar Institute, Film & TV)
Became Pastor at The Church of St. Paul the Apostle in Lincoln Center July 1, 2023. St. Paul's is noted for it's diversity and inclusion of all, as well as its strong connection to the Arts, Media, and Culture in New York City. The Church is located at Columbus Ave & 60th Street.
Jacquelyn Landgraf
'05 (BFA, Drama)
The Elysian is thrilled to announce that Jacquelyn Landgraf will join the company as its new Artistic Director. Jacquelyn will oversee all of the programming and artistic activities at the theater, including incubating new projects, building a producing pipeline, developing a rich slate of classes and workshops, and continuing to foster the Elysian as a home base for a diverse and collaborative community of LA’s most electric voices in experimental comedy and theater.
Rosemary Rotondi
'86 (MA, Cinema Studies)
On HBO now, LAST CALL: WHEN A SERIAL KILLER STALKED QUEER NEW YORK, directed by Anthony Caronna and Executive Produced by Howard Gertler. Aired July 9, 16, 23, 30th and available on demand with HBO and SteamMax subscription. Lead researcher and co-archival producer. Lead researcher on Nancy Buirski's documentary feature, DESPERATE SOULS, DARK CITY AND THE LEGEND OF MIDNIGH COWBOY. Premiered at Film Forum and the Laemmle LA, and now showing nationwide. Currently working as archival producer for two Firelight Films documentary films for release in late 2023-2024. Resume/credits list available here: www.archivalfilmresearch.com ATTICA, Academy Award nominated documentary feature directed by Stanley Nelson, remains in rotation on SHOWTIME. I served as lead researcher/archival producer on this documentary feature.
Marissa Díaz
'12 (BFA, Kanbar Institute, Film & TV)
Marissa is a finalist in McDonald's Spotlight Dorado short film competition and will be awarded $75,000 to write, direct, and produce a short film.
Robert Sommer
'91 (BFA, Kanbar Institute, Film & TV)
Robert Sommer has joined Corcoran as a real estate broker specializing in NYC rentals and sales. Need assistance finding your dream home? Reach out!
Marchelle Thurman
'09 (BFA, Drama)
Marchelle Thurman’s award-winning feature film Black White and the Greys, which she co-wrote, co-directed, acted in, and executive produced, has received distribution from Indie Rights and is now available on Amazon, Google Play, and YouTube.
JUNE
Steve Brand
'74 (MFA, Kanbar Institute, Grad Film)
KADDISH, Steve's recently restored documentary film about growing up as the child of a Holocaust survivor, was screened on June 14, 2023 at the International Gathering of Nahum Goldmann Fellows in Israel, sponsored by the Memorial Foundation for Jewish Culture. 35 Goldmann Fellows from around the world attended. Following the screening there was a Q&A with myself in New York City and the film's subject, Yossi Klein Halevi, in Israel, moderated by film historian and educator Dr. Eric Goldman. The Memorial Foundation for Jewish Culture's support (along with that of the Sundance Institute) was critical to realizing the 4k Restoration of KADDISH.
Kalina Ivanov
'83 (BFA, Design for Stage & Film)/ '89 (MFA, Kanbar Institute, Grad Film)
Kalina has been elected as a Governor of the Production design branch in the ACADEMY OF MOTION PICTURES AND SCIENCES for a three-year term.
Nanci Gaglio
'95 (MFA, Goldberg Department of Dramatic Writing)
Nanci's newest short "I Saw What I Saw" will premiere, and is an official selection at LA Shorts International, July 2023. "Venus Rising" my TV pilot script is a winner with the Big Apple Film Festival Screenplay Competition, May 2023.
Ken Schafer
'87 (BFA, Kanbar Institute, Film & TV)
First YA Novel "An Otherwise Perfect Plan: A Novel of Mystery, Love, and of Chocolate that Defies Description" will be available on July 31 from Amazon and B&N and others. Follow us at link below to read the first chapters and $1.99 release pricing.
Richard Dorfman
'81 (MFA, Design for Stage and Film)
I am "retired" but continue to work as a Captain for the schooner Pioneer for South Street Seaport Museum and as a member of the exhibition lighting team for the Guggenheim Museum.
Debra Kasmauski Frech
'79/'89 (BFA/MFA, Dance)
Debra Kasmauski Frech (DM Frech) 2nd poetry chapbook QUIET TREE, is in advance sales for its Sept 2023 publication with Finishing Line Press
Emmett Jack Lundberg
'06 (BFA, Kanbar Institute, Film & TV)
Emmett Jack Lundberg's award-winning web series BROTHERS, about a group of trans masc friends, was recently included in Mashable's list of "39 binge-worthy LGBTQ TV shows to watch this Pride"
David Atere
'23 (BFA, Kanbar Institute, Film & TV)
I'm a Film and TV grad set to start in the Langone Part-time MBA program in the fall. I'm developing at tv show and require funding for the pilot. Any support is appreciated!
Brídín Clements Cotton
'14 (BFA, Drama)
Brídín Clements Cotton received one of the inaugural grants from the Stage Managers’ Association Foundation. The grant will support Brídín's research on stage management practices in the MENA region, with an initial focus on Beirut and Cairo, and the sharing of the findings with other stage managers and educators.
Ilyana Kadushin
'93 (BFA, Drama)
Ilyana Kadushin who co-produces and co-hosts the No, I Know Podcast, recently received a grant from the Chesapeake Bay Trust to develop programming that will help listeners understand more about the environment, what’s going on to help restore waterways, what’s happening in the conservation community in other regions of the Chesapeake, and discover how they can get involved to help protect, restore, and appreciate Delmarva’s natural treasures. Her podcast will produce this series and journey near and far to learn things like where our water comes from, where it goes, and what communities are doing to become more connected both to each other and their local environments. The 8-part series will air later in 2023. Ilyana is also the Founder and Executive Director of Stories Love Music, a non profit that teaches caregivers how to use music in their caregiving of those with Alzheimer's.
Daniel Kreizberg
'19 (BFA, Drama)
"Tahlequah the Whale: A Dance of Grief" an animated short film written/directed/narrated by Daniel Kreizberg, recently had its World Premiere at the Oscar-qualifying Animayo Film Festival in Gran Canaria, Spain. It was awarded the "Special Mention of the Festival" by Animayo's director and programming committee, who called it "heart-wrenching" and a "masterpiece."
Sharon Lopez
'21 (BFA, Drama)
My theater company is putting on its first OFF-BROADWAY show premiering June 25th, 2023. I Co-founded ConAlma Theater Company with an all Latin ensemble to highlight the beauty in the cotidiany of our rich culture. With the mission of celebrating Latin culture creating a bilingual theatrical experience rooted in the soul, I am proud to be producing Argentinian Martin Chamorro's "Our Home on Ludlow." This will be my NYC theater debut, and I am proud to share the stage with Latin artists. Opening night is already sold out! There are still tickets for June 26-29th, the show will take place at Symphony Space in the Leonard Nimoy Thalia Theater.
Kamran Saliani
'16 (BFA, Drama)
For Kamran's work as the Resident Actor & Founding Artistic Director of the Irvington Shakespeare Company, he was recognized as a 2023 Westchester Wunderkind who has excelled in their respective fields and is making waves throughout Westchester County and beyond — all before the age of 35.
Jonah Zeiger
'04 (MFA, Kanbar Institute, Grad Film)
Jonah Zeiger was appointed Deputy Commissioner for Film for the City of Chicago where he oversees the Chicago Film Office and supports industry growth, development and new projects on behalf of the City.
MAY
Juan Felipe Zuleta
'16 (BFA, Kanbar Institute, Film & TV)
'Unidentified Objects' directed by Juan Felipe Zuleta '16 (BFA, Kanbar Institute, Film & TV) and produced by Masha Leonov '14 (NYU Stern) will premiere at Cinema Village this weekend with a Q&A on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Digital release on June 9th.
Cory Choy
'06 (BFA, Kanbar Institute, Film & TV)
"Esme, My Love" with director Cory Choy ('06) and cinematographer Fletcher Wolfe ('07) will have its digital release June 2nd.
Kim Curtis
'03 (MFA, Cinema Studies)
Kim Curtis recently accepted a position as Director of Communications & Outreach at the University of Virginia's Rare Book School, which provides continuing-education opportunities for students from all disciplines and skill levels to study the history of written, printed, and digital materials with leading scholars and professionals in the field.
Curtis John
'14 (MA, Cinema Studies)
STONEBREAKERS, the latest documentary produced by Curtis Caesar John, makes its NYC premiere at the Brooklyn Film Festival on June 3. The doc chronicles the conflicts around monuments that arose in the USA during the George Floyd protests and the 2020 presidential election.
Julia Maldonado
'08 (BFA, Goldberg Department of Dramatic Writing)
Julia is pleased to share the off-Broadway debut of her play MUSES produced by Theatre East at the Court Square Theatre directed by NYU faculty member Judson Jones and featuring performances from NYU alumni Thammie Quach and Lauren Sowa. In Muses, a painter must confront the unthinkable actions of her estranged husband after a teenage girl shows up at her studio door. MUSES explores the complicated and sometimes compromising relationship between an artist and their subject. What’s the cost of speaking up? Is art activism… or the illusion of activism? The play runs from May 11 - June 3.
Clymene Aldinger
'18 (MA, Performance Studies)
CLYMOVE’s inaugural dance Gala will take place on Friday, May 26! We are delighted to honor modern dance legend Elisa Monte at the event, and establish The Elisa Monte Leadership Legacy Award. To purchase tickets for the dance gala, which include the performance and a post-show cocktail reception at Baba Cool, please visit www.clymove.org/spring23.
George Demas
'92 (BFA, Drama)
George is currently co-writer and producer of "My Spartan Dream", a feature film shot in Greece in April/May of 2022. He also played Dr. Sloper this past March in Manhattan in Axis Company’s adaptation of Henry James' novella Washington Square.
APRIL
Sherrie Fell
'95 (BFA, Drama)
Sherrie Fell Co-Produced and Edited the Short Documentary "Taste of the Indigenous" which has won the Boden Int. FF Sweden, Gulf of Naples Int. FF, the AFMX FF, New Mexico and was selected for the Cannes International FF. She is currently working on her television series Music To Watch Girls By.
Olivia Millar-Ross
'14 (BFA, Drama)
Olivia Millar-Ross performs as Frankie in VOLCANO HORSE MAN, a Dropshack Films production for BBC Short Stuff. This Short Stuff Compilation contains the freshest new sketches from Scotland, featuring established and emerging comedy writers, performers and directors.
Michael Bauer
'05 (BFA, Drama)
Michael Bauer wrote, produced, and stars in the new kids TV show "Space Lightning," now streaming on YippeeTV and Amazon Prime. Described as Star Trek meets Lazy Town, "Space Lightning" follows Intergalactic Influencer May Starshine, her crew, and her zany Space Fleet Captain (played by Bauer) on their adventures through the galaxy. The show centers around themes of environmentalism, and the set is made completely out of recycled cardboard! All eight episodes on season one are available for streaming on Amazon Prime.
Liz Litvak-Smull
'89 (BFA, Dance)
Liz is graduating May 20th with a Masters in School Counseling from Loyola University Maryland. Working for Howard County Schools in Maryland.
April Brucker
'07 (BFA, Drama)
April Brucker’s streaming online comedy TV special “April Backstage” can be seen on Uncaged TV UK April 28-May 7
MARCH
Steven Parisi-Gentile
'86 (BFA, Kanbar Institute, Film & TV)
Last night, Steve was one of only 20 performers in Woodstock Bookfest's infamous opening night Story Slam. With "but what if it was a dream' as the key line in each 4 minute piece, The night at Bearsville Theater continued the event's notorious reputation for fun and creativity.
Marija Krtolica
'96 (BFA, Dance)/'10 (MA, Performance Studies)
The Embodiment of the Unconscious, Hysteria, Surrealism and Tanztheater - an interdisciplinary study of hysterical scenes in performative dance by Dr. Marija Krtolica published by Edwin Mellen Press in 2023
Michael Finke
'11 (BFA, Drama)
Michael Finke’s new play/musical opened Off Broadway on March 17, 2023 at the Jeffrey and Paula Gural Theatre at the A.R.T. /New York Theatres, 502 W. 53rd off 10th Avenue, New York, New York, 10019
Samantha Nell
'14 (MFA, Grad Film)
Debut Feature Film - South African comedy "Do Your Worst", directed by Samantha Nell, premieres in 190 countries on Netflix
Steven Parisi - Gentile
'86 (BFA, Kanbar Institute, Film & TV)
Steve has a mixed media artwork gracing the mantle of the Carnegie fireplace of the Saugerties Library during the group "Altered Books" exhibit in March & April. Reception April 14, 5-7pm. The exhibit featured art created from discarded library books, on display throughout the library.
Jana Peri
'89 (BFA, Drama)
JANA PERI: One Woman Is Enough! (Songs, Stories, Humor and Heartbreak) Friday, March 24th 2023 at Pangea in NYC “Electrifying” East Village rock singer/songwriter/musician Jana Peri taps into her theatre and cabaret roots to bring you this intimate performance, showcasing her sharp sense of humor, hook-heavy melodies and clever lyrics. “…Peri brings a welcome, refreshing and downright infectious glee, vigor, and intelligence to good old straight-up jumpin’ with no needless flash or pretense rock…wonderfully big’n’brassy singing, delightfully acidic and mature say-it-like-you-see sensibility…” - Jersey Beat There is a $20 minimum per person (food or beverage). Online tickets are $20 for general admission. Tickets at the door are $25 (Cash Only). The house opens at 9:00pm for food and beverage service. Pangea is known for its delicious food. Seating is first come first served. Please arrive early.
Daniela Rivera Antara
'18 (BFA, Kanbar Institute, Film & TV)
My first solo exhibition is being held with the UNHCR in Lima, Peru, showcasing 20 photographs. This work has been published in National Geographic, The Guardian, Der Spiegel and featured in Foto Feminas. The images are emotionally led and contain intimate moments between these women and their private spaces. This is an important exhibition within the context of the region, as the Venezuelan crisis has impacted all countries within Latin America and Peru contains the second largest population of forced migrants coming out of this crisis.
Rae Ceretto
'11 (BFA, Photography & Imaging)
Rae Ceretto directed and shot her feature length film, Seeking Asylum. Seeking Asylum aims to reform the asylum system in the United States with its many nonprofit parters including; KIND, UNHCR, AILA, JFS, Dr. Bronner's Family Foundation, and many more. Seeking Asylum is a feature documentary that bears witness to the endless deterrents migrants face when petitioning for asylum in the United States. In a dismantled system that has been designed for failure, we follow one woman¿s journey as she searches for protection for her and kids. Seeking Asylum was released by Giant Pictures on 2/21/23.
Daheli Hall
'98 (BFA, Drama)
Writer/Comedian Dahéli Hall performs a solo show on her f*** up journey trying to get knocked up in SPADURA. A mix of stand-up, storytelling, and props – it’s a raucous ride about going for seemingly impossible dreams.
Mengyin Lin
'14 (BFA, Kanbar Institute, Film & TV)
Mengyin Lin recently won the 2023 Pen/Robert J. Dau Short Story Prize for Emerging Writers.
Aaliyah Raghnal
'20 (BFA, Drama)
Are you currently working on a project? Looking to find potential collaborators? Or maybe just looking to make new creative friends? This Mixer is perfect for you then! Join us on 3/18 at The Brick Aux Theatre for a Creatives' Community Mixer. Enjoy performances, raffles, small vendors, drinks, light food, and the chance to meet creatives in your community!
Erich Rettstadt
'12 (BFA, Kanbar Institute, Film & TV)
Erich’s short musical TANK FAIRY premiered at SXSW 2022 (Audience Award) and is an Official Selection at 110+ festivals across 30+ countries. Made in collaboration with Taiwan’s queer community, TANK FAIRY was recently covered in The Guardian.
Malika Samuel
'13 (BFA, Drama)
Malika Samuel, Tisch Drama alumni and faculty member of MSNR studio, is in the first New York revival of Lynn Nottage's Crumbs from the Table of Joy with Keen Company through April 2023 when she will then join The New Group and National Black Theater for the premiere of Diane Exavier's Bernarda's Daughters. If you can't make it to see New York theater, you can catch her on screen recurring in the final season of Amazon Prime's The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. When not performing, Malika is found collaborating with the NYU Grossman School of Medicine bridging the gap between art and the health and medical sectors. Her contributions to health equity have been published and can be found in the NYU Health Sciences Library.
FEBRUARY
Lara Alcantara
'02 (BFA, Photography & Imaging)
Lara has been appointed the creative drive of a photography trip to Iceland starting on July 3rd going through July 12, 2023 with Boreal Expeditions. There are 5 spots left if anyone would like to join! Boreal expeditions has been making these trips to Iceland for now 15 years. Contact Lara for more information. @laraalcantara IG Laraalcantara.cóm
Judy Balkin
'72 (Kanbar Institute, Film & TV)
Judith Balkin, Chairwoman of the NYU Arts and Entertainment Alumni Network will be moderating the inaugural book reading series at the NYU Bookstore, 726 Broadway, Monday the 13th. 6:00 pm-7:30 pm. Reception to follow. All welcome!
Steffanie Finn
'23 (BFA, Kanbar Institute, Film & TV)
11th Annual Winter Film Awards International Film Festival - Feb 16-25 – New York City. 73 outstanding films from 21 countries -- we have something for everyone! Free Discussion Panels - Daily Screenings - Free Parties - $5 Screenings w/student ID.
James Hereth
'91 (BFA, Kanbar Institute, Film & TV)
James Hereth’s debut graphic novel, BLOWBACK, was nominated for “Best Original Graphic Novel” and won “Fan Favorite Villain” at the 2022 Mike Wieringo Comic Book Industry Awards. The Ringos are held annually at The Baltimore Comic-Con and are a celebration of the creativity, skill, and fun of comics.
Adam Fox
'19 (BFA, Drama)
Adam booked his first major lead role on a series, Sugar Highs, which debuted in 2022 and was renewed for a second season, debuting in 2023. Watch on OutTV.com, or as an OutTV add on to Apple TV, or Amazon Prime. Adam hopes this major booking will lead to more exciting projects this new year!
Steven P. Gentile
'86 (BFA, Kanbar Institute, Film & TV)
Steve will have a mixed media artwork gracing the mantle of the Carnegie fireplace of the Saugerties Library during the group "Altered Books" exhibit in March & April. Reception is March 3, 5-7pm
Sanskar Agarwal
'22 (BFA, Drama)
Sanskar will be part of an all South Asian ensemble in Atlantic Theater’s Company’s new show Elyria, starting previews on February 9th
JANUARY
Ken Davenport
'94 (BFA, Drama)
Ken Davenport (Kenneth Hasija, when at Tisch) is the Lead Producer of A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical on Broadway.
Morgan Higgins
'20 (BFA, Drama)
Morgan is excited to be representing TSOA on Broadway this spring! She'll be making my Broadway Debut in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Bad Cinderella as Marie, one of the stepsisters. I can’t wait for everyone to see it. Come see us starting Feb 17th 2023 at the Imperial Theater on 45th street!
Olivia Millar-Ross
'14 (BFA, Drama)
Olivia Millar-Ross is currently Assistant Director to Celine Lowenthal on Sugar Coat, an Emma Blackman production performing at Southwark Playhouse in Spring 2023. A feminist pop-punk live music play about love, loss and lubrication. Based on a true story. Winner of the OFFComm 2020 Award, Show of the Week (VAULT Festival 2020) and UNTAPPED (New Diorama Theatre & Underbelly) finalist, Sugar Coat is an uplifting and liberating show about puberty, sex, feminism, and reclaiming your body.
Eduardo Lytton
'09 (MPS, ITP)
The LOSERS CLUB Series, a TV/web series that hopes to be the ultimate character study of outsiders and people on the edge, is currently crowdfunding until 2/3/23 to raise resources and to share our excitement as we develop the series. The LOSERS CLUB was founded as a safe space for anyone who feels a little “different.” All are welcome. Episode one GERALDINE has participated in 8 film festivals and won a few awards along the way, including Best Director and Best Actress in the Seattle Film Festival, among others. See EP1 and find out more at losersclubseries.com and follow @losersclubseries #losersclubseries #geraldinethemovie
Jacqueline Christy
'18 (MFA, Kanbar Institute, Graduate Film)
Jacqueline Christy's upcoming feature Magic Hour, about a woman in her 40s who goes to film school, inspired by her wonderful time at Tisch - has been awarded a post-production grant from the New York State Council for the Arts and Women Make Movies.
Sal Perez
'06 (BFA, Kanbar Institute, Film & TV)
Sal won an Emmy as Sesame Street took top honors for Outstanding Preschool Series at the first ever Children's & Family Emmys.
Xiaoxuan Jiang
'20 (BFA, Kanbar Institute, Film & TV)/ '22 (MPS, ITP)
After world premiering at the 2022 Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival, my short film "Graveyard of Horses" was officially selected into the 2023 SXSW Film Festival's Shorts Narrative Programme and will have its North American Premiere in March.
Meron Langsner
'00 (MA, Performance Studies)
Meron’s play, BURNING UP THE DICTIONARY, was published by Next Stage Press.
Sing Lee Lathan
'02 (BFA, Kanbar Institute, Film & TV)
Won a New York Emmy Award for her role as Director and Producer at the October 8th 2022, NY NATAS awards.
Deborah Black
'02 (BFA, Dance)
Space Oddity: Come back to your experience of reality a six viewpoints weekend immersion inspired by David Bowie: Wake up, then journey into the unknown. Stay a while. It’s a no-oppressor zone. With Deborah Black and Sophia Treanor. January 14 + 15, 2023 11 am-5 pm. Where: Open Arts Studio: 68 Jay Street 605A Brooklyn, NY
Giorgia Valenti
'20 (BFA, Drama)
Et Alia Theater is opening submissions for The Et Alia Theater Lab - art by the other. The Et Alia Theater Lab is dedicated to bringing together and collaborating with other artists (priority will be given to international women/women) to develop work as a community. The Lab will consist of workshopping and developing three selected plays in the span of 4-5 months and, at the end, the company will choose one of them to produce as part of their next season!