Penn Live Arts Blog / September 2026

Platt House 20th Anniversary

“Creating a Permanent Home for Student Performing Arts at Penn.” That is the title of a 2005 article in the University of Pennsylvania Almanac, introducing the wider community to what would become Platt Student Performing Arts House. Twenty years later, we look upon this space and our students, alumni and friends with gratitude, awe and excitement. Join us Sat, Nov 14 at 2 PM in the Platt House lobby for our 20th anniversary to celebrate our past, reflect on our growth and catch a glimpse of our future! Read more...

A rare mix of artistry and magic

Dance Philadelphia Debuts Philadelphia Premieres

A San Franscico treasure, Alonzo King LINES Ballet makes its Philadelphia debut, Sep 25-26, launching our 26/27 season. The program features two powerhouse contemporary ballets choreographed by its artistic director Alonzo King, acclaimed for his “astonishing originality” (The New York Times). In LEGACY (2026), King collaborates with five-time Grammy® Award-winning bassist, singer and composer esperanza spalding. Ode to Alice Coltrane (2024) was created as part of “The Year of Alice,” a national tribute to the music legend that captivated audiences in the U.S. and Europe.  Read more...

Opening Our Doors: Recent Guest Events Highlights

There is a particular kind of joy that comes from watching our spaces come alive with people, performances, celebrations and causes that matter. Whether young performers take the stage, families gather to celebrate a graduate, or a non-profit organization brings people together around its mission, there is an energy that fills the room and makes each event feel special. That is the joy of hosting guest events, and this spring gave us more of it than we could have hoped for.

While our presenting season fills our stages with world-class artists, our guest events calendar fills them with something just as vital: our own community. Read more...