Alternative Spring Break: NYC Arts and Culture

Applications for Alternative Spring Break 2025 are now open! Apply to participate in Alternative Spring Break. Applications will close at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, February 10.

The Alternative Spring Break: NYC Arts & Culture (ASB) program aims to provide undergraduate students in Columbia College, Columbia Engineering, Barnard College, and General Studies with exposure to the world of performing arts in NYC. For 2025, the theme is “New York Theatre: A City of Stages” and will take place between March 17-21 (Spring Break)*.  Throughout the week students will explore different theatrical performances and experiences on Broadway and beyond.

*Dates and times for activities and events are still being solidified. All participants are expected to participate in all ASB activities in their entirety; this is an immersive program and participants should NOT participate in other meetings/events/plans during this period.

Program Goals

  • Connect students to the world of New York theatre

  • Expand student knowledge on the landscape of theatrical production (traditional, immersive, etc.) while focusing on the concept of the "stage" and how space shapes performance

  • Expose students to companies, workshops, and arts-related networks

  • Develop and practice critical thinking and reflection skills through facilitated discussions following performances

Details

  • 12-14 student participants will be selected to take part in the program.

  • The program will take place over the course of 5 days and include debriefs, facilitated dialogue, reflection, and 4-5 outings to theatrical experiences.

  • ASB provides three meals per day along with transportation to group outings during the program. Students will be provided with FLEX points on their CUID for use at establishments on and around campus.

Dates and Eligibility

  • Spring Break 2025: Monday, March 17-Friday, March 21*

  • The ASB program application is open to any undergraduate student in Columbia College, Columbia Engineering, Barnard College, and General Studies in good academic and judicial standing. The program is limited to 12-14 students and is ideal for those with a passion/interest/curiosity for theatre and the performing arts.

Need for Accommodations

  • If you are a student that is registered with Disability Services, are differently abled, or in need of accommodations to participate in ASB, please email jbd2140@columbia.edu to coordinate accommodations and support.

Questions

 

Student Engagement

Visit

515 Alfred Lerner Hall
2920 Broadway
New York, NY 10027

Call: 212-854-3612

Fax: 212-854-6972

Office Hours
Monday–Friday
9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.