NYU Shanghai Reality Show

On September 14, 2018 11 NYU Shanghai upperclassmen took to the stage at East China Normal University, (the original stage for the inaugural NYUSH reality show) for a musical performance that has become a NYU tradition.

Performed at the start of every year to welcome our freshman class, the Reality Show highlights a range of situations that new students may encounter -- from academic stress and homesickness to relationship issues and cross-cultural collisions. The cast encourages you to “Go pick up the phone and call 021-2059-9999 anytime!”

While the performance topics are decided upon collectively by NYU’s three global campuses, each show is extremely different. This is due to the cast’s adaptations to cater to the unique environment of their respective campus. (In this picture Humphrey Whay is a “research paper” begging to be put in MLA format)

The whole cast is involved with composing, writing lyrics, brainstorming, choreography, and screenwriting --the process is all about teamwork. Each cast spends two months in New York City creating new content and improving their skills. (The cast has finally understood that blue in Chinese is 蓝色. “听得懂”）

The result is an amalgam of high-energy hilarity mixed with gritty realness. (Rules for freshmen: “if you’re going from the first to the sixth floor, then take the front elevators!”)

One of the challenges performers face is conveying heavy topics with songs that are written with a light touch. The persistence of a positive spirit carries the tone of the show. Advice from director, Preston Martin: “I don’t want to see your face be sad. If you’re singing a sad song, then I want you to make your face blank. This allows the audience to put their own emotions and experiences in what they’re seeing rather than focusing on your facial expressions."

The show also aims to raise awareness of the University’s 24-hour hotline service that provides counseling and support for students: 021 2059 9999. Although it is a health and wellness show, the cast aimed to make the show as entertaining and relatable as possible.

Celebrating a successful show with NYU Shanghai Chancellor Yu and Vice Chancellor Lehman, as well as special guests NYU President Andy Hamilton and his wife, Jennie Hamilton. The cast was surprised with bouquets of flowers at the end of the show.

Celebrating a successful show with NYU Shanghai Chancellor Yu and Vice Chancellor Lehman, as well as special guests NYU President Andy Hamilton and his wife.