Penn Live Arts Blog / May 2025

Summer 2025 Internships and Funding Awards

As the campus finishes commencement ceremonies and dorms empty, we’re celebrating a new group of students starting internships in the arts and entertainment fields this summer, supported by our Arts & Entertainment Career Connections (AECC) program. Read more...

Making American Street Dancer

Accelerator Program Dance Hip-Hop World Premieres

"Thrilling, educational and unexpectedly moving. Commissioned as part of [Rennie] Harris’ three-year residency with Penn Live Arts, American Street Dancer celebrates vibrant and varied traditions of community music and dance.” The Philadelphia Inquirer

Take a look behind the scenes at the development of American Street Dancer, the smash success by our artist-in-residence, Rennie Harris, that had its world premiere in March 2025. In this video, Harris and Christopher Gruits, our Executive & Artistic Director, share more about this multi-year residency and ongoing partnership. Plus, hear from Harris and his collaborators as they reflect on the cultural legacy of community dance styles across the country and offer insight into the creative process behind the powerful piece. Read more...

Announcing the 25/26 season

Artists have played a vital role throughout our nation’s history, uplifting the aspirational ideals of democracy, challenging social injustices and inspiring collective action. As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, our 25/26 season centers on the creativity and influence of America’s artists. Through the lens of music, theatre and dance, we examine our journey since the Declaration of Independence, exploring its enduring promise of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all. Read more...