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Performing Arts

Behind the Scenes
Penn student Nicholas Seymour in the Kelly Writers House recording studio.

Penn student Nicholas Seymour, Class of 2020, pictured in the Kelly Writers House recording studio where he has a work-study job. 

Behind the Scenes

Rising senior Nicholas Seymour is a summer intern at Philadelphia’s 1812 Productions, helping with all aspects of running a theater. The communications major has experience working on technical crews at Kelly Writers House and in student theater productions.
33rd Philadelphia Children’s Festival offers three days of performing arts fun 
Rennie Harris Children's Festival Rennie Harris Awe-Inspiring Works' "History of Hip Hop" will run at the Annenberg Center for Performing Arts as part of the 2018 Philadelphia Children's Festival.

33rd Philadelphia Children’s Festival offers three days of performing arts fun 

Now in its 33rd year, the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts ushers in a three-day wave of merriment with the Philadelphia Children’s Festival, marked by its interdisciplinary lineup of performing arts acts. 
An Expert's Take on the Symbolism in Childish Gambino’s Viral ‘This Is America’ Video

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.”

The Sachs Program for Arts Innovation announces 23 project grants
The Sachs Program for Arts Innovation

Left to right: Vice Provost for Faculty Anita Allen; John McInerney, executive director, The Sachs Program for Arts Innovation; President Amy Gutmann; Kathy Sachs, benefactor of The Sachs Program for Arts Innovation; and Provost Wendell Pritchett.

The Sachs Program for Arts Innovation announces 23 project grants

At a special event featuring a performance by John Waters and remarks by President Amy Gutmann, the late Keith Sachs was celebrated and $123,000 of grants were doled out for arts projects.
Musical magic
Musical magic with William Parberry

Penn Choral Director William Parberry conducts the University Choir through an intense section of “The Circus Band,” a piece by Charles Ives, performed just before intermission.

Musical magic

For 45 years, Penn Choral Director William Parberry has conducted thousands of Penn singers through hundreds of music scores, resulting in more than 270 concerts by his three ensembles.