This summer, Princeton University’s Arts at Work NYC series returned to in-person programming, providing six career-focused events in New York to students and early career alumni, including panel discussions and talks, site tours, and performances. All events were offered free of charge to participants.
On June 15, students and alumni had the opportunity to attend the world premiere of alumnus Branden Jacobs- Jenkins’ ’05 play, The Comeuppance, at Signature Theater. They were treated to dinner beforehand at the iconic Chez Josephine on 42nd Street in Manhattan.
On June 28, participants attended a career conversation with Prospect Theater Company’s Producing Artistic Director Cara Reichel ’96 and Managing Director Melissa Huber ’96 at West Bank Café, followed by a performance of Lizard Boy at Theater Row. Lizard Boy was music directed by alumnus Steven Tran ’15.
On July 13, alumnus Simon Wu ’17 led a walking tour of some of Chinatown’s iconic art sites and galleries, followed by dinner and conversation with Gallery Director Megan Yuan of Helena Anrather Gallery.
On July 20, students and alumni had the opportunity to visit the Poetry Society’s newly opened storefront space in Brooklyn with alumni in the literary arts who discussed their careers. The conversation was moderated by Adrienne Raphel ’10 and included alumni Morgan Jerkins ’14, Cat Richardson ’08, Esperanza Rosales Balcárcel ’17, Zach Zimmerman ’10, and Jessica Lander ’10.
On August 3, participants attended the premiere performance of the world-renowned Mark Morris Dance Group at the Joyce Theater. They enjoyed a dinner conversation beforehand with Lewis Center Senior Lecturer in Dance and former long-time MMDG company member Tina Fehlandt.
On August 5, students and alumni spent an afternoon on the beautiful grounds of Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival, just outside of New York City. They enjoyed a lively lunch conversation with alumnus and Artistic Director Davis McCallum ‘97 followed by a performance of Shakespeare’s Loves Labors Lost under the tent.
Co-sponsored by the Center for Career Development and Lewis Center for the Arts, the Arts at Work series of programs brings together Princeton University alumni, students, and other creative professionals through events that highlight possible career paths in the arts and creative fields, and that help to forge connections between current students and alumni.