The Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts is a destination for many forms of cultural and creative expression, from student performance groups to acclaimed international artists. Sometimes, these worlds collide in incredible ways.
“Recently, we had an amazing confluence of student and professional theater at Penn,” recalls David M. Brashear, W’83. “Hal Prince, C’48, HON’71, and his staff helped to direct the Penn Players in a restaged version of his Broadway play Lovemusik. It was a night to remember.”
“The arts are an important part of the college experience, and the Annenberg Center is also a great way for Penn to engage the Philadelphia community. By creating a permanent fund to support the Center’s activities, we hope to ensure that it will thrive.”
- David M. Brashear
As an undergraduate, David was “amazed that such a fantastic facility was only a block or two from where I was living as a student.” He has turned his admiration into a personal passion. As a seven-year member and current Chair of the Center’s Board of Overseers, David has played a key role in helping shape the Center’s vision—most particularly in this past year through his service on the Provost’s Advisory Committee in the search for the Center’s new Executive and Artistic Director.
David also made a new multi-year commitment renewing his support for the Annenberg Center Annual Fund and establishing the David M. Brashear Endowed Fund—one of only two endowed funds at the Annenberg Center. David has long been an advocate for building the Annenberg Center’s endowment to ensure its ongoing impact at Penn and in the surrounding community.
“Penn students embrace the performing arts, and I am encouraged to see more of them not only participating, but also being part of our audiences,” David says. “I see the Center as an important gateway to our campus and all that it has to offer to the city. I’m very excited about our new director, Chris Gruits, and I know he will bring a fresh perspective to everything we do!”
