About Sands

Sands College of Performing Arts’ mission is to foster a visionary and diverse community of dedicated practitioners, bold leaders, and inspirational changemakers. We cultivate individuality, equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We nurture a community of courageous and empathetic artists. We are a community that is constantly reflecting, engaging, and taking action as we evolve as artists and world citizens.

Core Values

• Integrity
• Courage
• Accountability
• Inclusion
• Collaboration
• Curiosity
• Individuality
• Creativity
• Empathy

Cultivate individuality

• Incorporate innovative curriculum that energizes students to embrace new advances in the arts
• Advise students on their individual paths to achieve their goals
• Foster faculty and student collaboration through coursework and production
• Provide classes that prioritize individual attention, feedback, and collaboration

Foster Community Collaboration

• Create opportunities for faculty-to-faculty, faculty-to-student, and student-to-student mentorship
• Inspire cross-program experiences that allow students to investigate other disciplines
• Cultivate networking opportunities through alumni and industry relationships
• Engage with the university community through interdisciplinary projects and curriculum
• Partner with local downtown arts organizations to further support the growth and health of performing arts in New York City

Inspire Courage and Bravery

• Push boundaries and develop new works to ensure that we stay cutting-edge
• Inspire a willingness to risk failure and be open to new ideas
• Examine, reflect on, and actively question our biases
• Challenge our students to investigate the social, political, economic, and cultural contexts of the works we explore

Promote mentorship and empathy between students and faculty

• Actively create a professional and academic space that is safe, inclusive, and equitable
• Promote a healthy balance between academics and life
• Develop supportive relationships and networks within the school and university
• Build a network of alumni and industry professionals that creates connections for students and faculty

Vision

Sands College is a center for rigorous and responsive professional training for the stage, film, television, and media arts. Our world-renowned faculty ensures that our diverse and talented students have the artistic skills, intellectual sustenance, creative opportunities, and practical training. We are committed to supporting each unique journey, voice, identity, and experience.