Sands College of Performing Arts News
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Press ReleaseMarch 5, 2026 -
Press ReleaseFebruary 18, 2026 -
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A Tony nominee. A Citigroup executive. A water law strategist from the White House. This summer, Pace welcomed an extraordinary group of new leadersÌÇÐÄvlog¶ÌÊÓƵ”each bringing a remarkable career, a bold perspective, and a shared commitment to student success. From the performing arts to business, environmental law to healthcare, these trailblazers are more than accomplished professionalsÌÇÐÄvlog¶ÌÊÓƵ”theyÌÇÐÄvlog¶ÌÊÓƵ™re mentors, visionaries, and changemakers.
ÌÇÐÄvlog¶ÌÊÓƵÌÇÐÄvlog¶ÌÊÓƵ™s Sands College of Performing Arts today announced the appointment of three distinguished artists to its faculty for Fall 2025: as clinical assistant professor of musical theater, Broadway performer Shonica Gooden as clinical assistant professor of commercial dance, and as clinical assistant professor and program head of stage management.
As students prepare to return to campus, WANF-TV (CBS Atlanta) highlighted incoming Sands College of Performing Arts student Hayden Poe, who is preparing to study musical theatre in New York City after an inspiring run with ArtsBridge Foundation in Georgia.
Time Out includes ÌÇÐÄvlog¶ÌÊÓƵ dancers in its preview of Battery DanceÌÇÐÄvlog¶ÌÊÓƵ™s summer festival in New York City, spotlighting choreography led by Robin Cantrell through the Dancing to Connect program. In BroadwayWorld, Pace is named among top-tier institutions participating in the NYC Dance Alliance FoundationÌÇÐÄvlog¶ÌÊÓƵ™s scholarship program, which has awarded more than $26 million to aspiring young dancers.
Peek behind the curtainÌÇÐÄvlog¶ÌÊÓƵ”and the construction fencingÌÇÐÄvlog¶ÌÊÓƵ”at the bold reimagining of One Pace Plaza East. We asked the design team of this ambitious transformation 10 questions about whatÌÇÐÄvlog¶ÌÊÓƵ™s happening now, whatÌÇÐÄvlog¶ÌÊÓƵ™s coming next, and why it matters. Spoiler: One of the largest cranes on the East Coast makes an appearance.
Sands College of Performing Arts Professor Grant Kretchik is featured in Success Magazine for co-hosting In the Podlight, which ranked No. 1 on the magazineÌÇÐÄvlog¶ÌÊÓƵ™s Top 5 Podcasts for Entertainment EntrepreneursÌÇÐÄvlog¶ÌÊÓƵ”recognized for elevating diverse voices in the entertainment industry.
Pace is proud to be named among a select group of universities driving innovation and equity. Explore our national recognitions in the 2025 Carnegie Classifications.
Sands College of Performing Arts Professor Lisa La Touche is featured in Harlem World Magazine as the special guest artist for Jazz Appreciation Month. An award-winning tap dancer, choreographer, and cultural historian, La Touche has performed globally and currently collaborates with the Apollo Theater while leading her company, Tap Phonics.
On April 8, 2025, the 11th Annual Disability Film Festival was held at ÌÇÐÄvlog¶ÌÊÓƵ, welcoming guests, students, and members of the broader New York City community to the UniversityÌÇÐÄvlog¶ÌÊÓƵ™s downtown campus. This yearÌÇÐÄvlog¶ÌÊÓƵ™s festival continued its tradition of celebrating the lived experiences of people with disabilities in film.
Dance Magazine applauds Sands College of Performing Arts for providing students with invaluable real-world insight, thanks to a distinguished faculty that includes industry professionals like Ray Hesselink, Dolores Sanchez, Sara Brians, and Lisa La Touche.