Performing Arts

students performing on stage

From the page to the stage

In collaboration with author Amitav Ghosh, musician Ali Sethi, and Penn’s Brooke O’Harra, 14 students brought to life a parable Ghosh wrote about the world’s largest mangrove forest, human greed, and the environment.

Michele W. Berger ・

four students dancing on a stage

On stage at Carnegie Hall

The third-annual “Toast to Dear Old Penn” showcase featured more than 100 performers in Dischord and Penn Yo a capella, Onda Latina and Penn Dhamaka dance, Bloomers and Mask and Wig comedy troupes, and the spoken-word Excelano Project. 

Louisa Shepard ・



In the News


Philadelphia Business Journal

University of Pennsylvania planning new $31M performing arts center

The University plans to develop a new performing arts center adjacent to Woodland Walk. The space will be dedicated to student uses and construction could begin as early as summer 2023.

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Philadelphia Inquirer

Penn performing arts center changes its name

The Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts has been renamed Penn Live Arts. “As we have programmed outside of the four walls of the Annenberg Center, we really needed a brand more reflective of how we are presenting programs,” said Christopher Gruits.

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The Washington Post

With Emmy win, John Legend achieves status worthy of his last name

With his latest award, a Creative Arts Emmy for his role as producer for “Jesus Christ Superstar Live,” the Class of '99 Penn alum became the 15th recipient of the legendary EGOT—or Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony award.

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Time

An Expert's Take on the Symbolism in Childish Gambino’s Viral ‘This Is America’ Video

Guthrie Ramsey of the School of Arts and Sciences provided an in-depth analysis of the provocative music video. “Even though we think of popular culture as a space where we escape, [Childish Gambino’s] forcing us to understand that there’s actually nowhere to run,” Ramsey said. “We have to deal with the cultural violence that we have created and continue to sustain.”

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Philadelphia Inquirer

Trigger Warning: John Waters to Get ‘Filthy’ on Penn Campus

Iconoclast John Waters will be commemorating the creation of the Sachs Program for Arts Innovation at the Annenberg Center’s Zellerbach Theater tonight with a one-man show.

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Philadelphia Inquirer

Penn Choral Director William Parberry Retires After 45 Years

After more than four decades in Penn’s Music Department, University Choir director William Parberry has retired. Parberry marked the occasion on Sunday with a final concert, featuring Handel’s “Messiah.”

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