Professor Lin Snider has been an adjunct professor in the speech and English departments at YU since 2006. She teaches Acting, Directing, Playwriting, and Theater History and is the artistic director of the Yeshiva College Dramatic Society. In almost 20 years as a voice and drama teacher, musical director, and director she has worked for (among others) the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, NYU (CAP 21) SUNY/Purchase, Manhattanville College, TADA!, and the Westchester Arts Council. She is also a professional singer/actress who has performed in cabaret, TV, film, and primarily on stage in regional theaters and off-Broadway. She holds an MSW from Columbia University and an MFA in theater from Brooklyn College and studied at the William Esper Studios.
1. What did you do before you joined YU as a faculty member?
I had been a professional singer/actress, teacher and director for almost 20 years, and I had also taught at SUNY Purchase, Manhattanville College, the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and NYU, among others.
2. What is your favorite aspect of your job at YU?
I love working with the young men of YU. I find them incredibly creative, intelligent and committed to any project they take on. I also love helping to create an atmosphere where the students feel they are challenged yet supported, where they do work that is culturally, historically and artistically important yet fun, and where they feel they are part of an ensemble that they are proud of.
3. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
I would love to be an architect or interior designer!
4. What is your goal as a performer, and what is your goal as a teacher?
As a performer, my goal is to continue to improve my craft and to find challenging and interesting projects to be a part of. As a teacher, I hope to impart to my students an appreciation of the performing arts and their rich history; to teach them real tools that they can use throughout their lives; and to provide them with opportunities to explore and enhance their own creativity while learning responsibilities and joys of working cooperatively on a theatrical project.
5. What would your current and former YU students be surprised to learn about you?
I love to paint miniature watercolor landscapes!
