Louis Scheeder
Did you know Shakespeare's spirit walks amongst us?
An admirer of language, a listener of the people, and a perceptive spokesman.
Louis Scheeder embodies all characterisitcs effortlessly, manifesting them through his remarkable work as the Senior Associate Dean of Faculty and Director of The Classical Studio at the Tisch School of the Arts. On August 31, 2017, Louis will step down as Senior Associate Dean of Faculty. He will continue teaching for the coming two academic years.
Louis Scheeder began his teaching career at NYU in 1989, founding and directing The Classical Studio in the Tisch School of the Arts Department of Drama. In September 2006, Louis was appointed Associate Dean of Faculty for the Tisch School of the Arts.
"We are indebted to Louis Scheeder for the care and service he has given to the Tisch School of the Arts," Allyson Green, Dean of the Tisch School of the Arts, said. "Louis is a consummate listener, and he has ushered the school through challenges with a deep sense of integrity and kindness."
In his first year, Louis undertook a student-ensemble production of All's Well That Ends Well. This first attempt of work with budding actors has proven Louis's blossoming effect unparalleled. In 2015, Louis received NYU's Distinguished Teaching Award for his exceptional contribution to the Tisch School of the Arts.
Carrie Meconis, Associate Director in the Office of Faculty, works closely with Louis and attests that he very well may be one of the last gentlemen on Earth, "Not only does he assure faculty they're being heard, but he helps them formulate their next steps. Whether it's editing a report or advocating for them in a faculty review, he works tirelessly to support everyone."
Daniel Spector, Assistant Director of The Classical Studio, recalled his tutelage under Louis nearly 17 years ago, "I was working on a speech as Polonius in Hamlet, but we spent one hour on five lines. Initially, I couldn't understand why Louis was so adamant, but he was trying to show me that simply in those five lines were 15 unique thoughts."
Though Louis's approach is relentless, it stems from a desire for exploration which only patience, and passion, can warrant. Louis's specialty in classical text goes beyond precise language. He is impeccably receptive to his students. "He has a way of getting an actors' body and mind to exude their natural instincts," said Daniel, "He knows before they do."
Louis has produced acclaimed works on, off and off-off Broadway, such as Charlie & Algernon (80), Passover (86), Mankynde (04), and has travelled across the globe to guide aspiring actors on how to express emotion within an aged language. He also co-authored All the Words on Stage: A Complete Pronunciation Dictionary for the plays of William Shakespeare with Shane-Ann Younts, Associate Arts Professor. Shane-Ann endoresed Louis's passion for Shakespeare as trade, "Not only is her a great teacher, he's a wonderful businessman. He's so intelligent, creative and dedicated. I'm certain I could not have done this work with anyone else."
Louis's thoughtfulness for his peers and students is unprecedented. He makes sure to remind them that there is more to life than work. "One of Louis's favorite sayings is that he tries to make everyone equally unhappy," Carrie jokes. Yet, many exclaim that Louis provides enough joy to brighten any cloudy day.
An astounding teacher, coach and friend, Louis's selflessness continues to inspire and influence the livelihood of students, faculty and staff. Louis's eloquence, sincerity, and humility will remain an invaluable quality in the ethos of the Tisch School of the Arts.