Pace University’s Actors Studio Drama School MFA Alumni return to Alma Mater for their long-awaited final bow

The Class of 2021 takes the stage with their talents in live, in-person performances

New York (Jan 27, 2022) – Pace University’s Actors Studio Drama School (ASDS) Master of Fine Arts Program today announced the homecoming of their acting, directing, and playwriting Class of 2021 with four consecutive weeks of live performances, beginning February 9, 2022.

“The repertory season has always been the culminating moment of celebration for graduating students. Over the last two years, the ability to have live performances has become even more significant because of the condition of the world and our industry. Our students have faced unfathomable junctures in their training, yet have remained steadfast and diligent, and we look forward to welcoming them back for the performances and the occasion which they so deserve,” says Grant Emerson Harvey, director of professional development, Actors Studio Drama School MFA program.

Following industry standards, as well as New York State and local COVID-19 safety protocols, ASDS welcomes in-person audiences at 70 percent capacity at the Repertory theater in lower Manhattan.

“I am so happy to finally share my work with the world for this Repertory Season. My talented cohort constantly inspires me to create new work for people of color and our LGBTQ+ communities,” said Kat Agudo, MFA Playwright, Class of ’21.

“This was many years in the making and I’m pleased to finally be doing this,” said Akilah-Aziza Gordon, MFA Actor, Class of ‘21.

“Getting to finally come together and perform these shows feels even more important and gratifying after the turmoil of these past two pandemic years,” said Anna Bikales, MFA Director, Class of ‘21

The four-week Repertory Season consists of ten productions directed by ASDS alumni Amanda Alch, Anna Bikales, Chelsea Lockie, and industry professional Peregine Heard. The season also includes an original play by ASDS alumnus Kat Agudo.

The acting company features ASDS alumni Maria Bechara, Delaney Duquesne, Akilah Gordon, Valerie Huntington, John Jacob, Rose Kanj, Ilan Kaplan, Eunji Lim, Thomas Little, Eden Ohayon, Deja Ross, and Ryan Joseph Swartz.

The creative team includes Set Designer Shawn Lewis; Projections Designer Robert Feffer; Sound Designer Sean Hagerty; Lighting Designer Ethan Steimal; Costume Designers David “DW” Withrow and Jennifer Paar; Props Design Brittany Loesch; The General Management company is Brierpatch Productions.

The Repertory’s production schedule is as follows:

• February 9–12 – “Revolt. She said. Revolt again,” by Alice Birch.
• February 16–19 – “Meteor Shower,” by Steve Martin.
• February 23–26 – “Have You Seen Gary Foster?” by Kat Agudo (original play) and “Final Placement,” by Mary Gallagher and Ara Watson.
• March 2–5 - “The Moors,” by Jen Silverman.

When: Wednesdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday matinees at 3:00 p.m.

Where: ASDS Repertory Theater, 80 Greenwich Street (between Rector and Edgar Streets), New York, NY, 10006.

Admission is free. Reserve your seat and get more information.

View the full schedule

About the Repertory Season

The purpose of the Repertory Season is to facilitate a professional experience, as students in their graduating year work with professional designers, stage managers, production companies, and benefit from the response of real audiences. While many events and educational programs impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic that started in early 2020 were shifted to a successful online and nontraditional instruction, the Repertory Season, after a two-season hiatus, is now happy to be back live.

About the Actors Studio Drama School

Located at Pace’s New York City campus and housed within the Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, the three-year MFA program offers three distinct tracks: Acting, Directing, and Playwriting. The curriculum is built on the philosophy and the tradition of the Actors Studio and the foundation of the Stanislavsky System. Acting, directing, and playwriting, students are trained side-by side and guided by the pedagogical approach of our distinguished faculty, toward the discovery of their unique voice and full manifestation of their talent. Upon graduation, students receive the title of ‘Finalist’ at The Actors Studio and are invited to attend sessions there for one post-graduate year prior to auditioning for lifetime membership. Directing and Playwriting students are also invited to participate in the Playwright/Director’s Workshop in New York for their post-graduate year.

About Dyson College of Arts and Sciences

Pace University’s liberal arts college, Dyson College, offers more than 50 programs, spanning the arts and humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, and pre-professional programs (including pre-medicine, pre-veterinary, and pre-law), as well as many courses that fulfill core curriculum requirements. The College offers access to numerous opportunities for internships, cooperative education and other hands-on learning experiences that complement in-class learning in preparing graduates for career and graduate/professional education choices.

About Pace University

Pace University has a proud history of preparing its diverse student body for a lifetime of professional success as a result of its unique programs that combine immersive academics and real-world experiences. Pace is ranked the #1 private, four-year college in the nation for upward economic mobility by Harvard University’s Opportunity Insights, evidence of the transformative education the University provides.