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!

Beginnings 

Breathing new life into a former basement dining hall and bowling alley, Platt House opened its doors in 2006 at 3702 Spruce Street to create a central hub for Penn’s expansive constellation of student dance, theatre, comedy, spoken word and music clubs. Ty Furman, then Director of Student Performing Arts at the Annenberg Center, established Platt House with crucial financial backing from Marc Platt, C’79 and Julie Beren Platt, C’79 and many gracious supporters to further empower the growing, diverse performing arts landscape at Penn. 

Our Community 

Platt House serves over 40 student performing arts groups organized under the Performing Arts Council (PAC). These groups range from a cappella to theatre, dance to spoken word, music to comedy, and more. We also serve more than 20 Independent groups outside of PAC. In addition to resourcing the structured performing arts clubs, we coordinate with students, staff and the Philadelphia community to host rehearsals, camps and workshops in our practice rooms and events on the Muravchick Cabaret Stage in our lobby. 

Programming 

Only a year after opening, PennArts sprung onto the scene and instantly became a signature program. This arts-focused pre-orientation program, gathering incoming students on campus just before New Student Orientation, sparks rich creative exploration through masterclasses, performances, tours and hands-on workshops. Soon after PennArts came a founding gift for a new program, After School Arts at Penn (ASAP), from Jonathan Z. Cohen, C’92 and Julia Bennett Pershan, WG’01. ASAP invites local elementary and middle schoolers to learn and play with dedicated Penn student teachers, focusing on dance, instruments, singing, theatre, creative writing and art. Still running strong in our 20th year, both programs have become mainstays in the work of weaving new ties between student clubs and shaping a larger community of artists at Penn. 

In 2018, Platt House launched our annual Performing Arts Council Conference (PAC Con), where performing arts students share skills, plan shows, build community and welcome new members. We collaborate with partners across the University to train current and aspiring group leaders in best practices and protocols for making a show and bring on experienced students to engage the performing arts community in peer-to-peer learning. 

2018 also saw our inaugural showcase at Carnegie Hall, where comedy, dance and vocal groups brought together alumni, friends and family for an ecstatic NYC debut. The tradition marked a beloved and well-earned opportunity to pause at the end of the busy fall semester and witness the incredible talent of our hardworking student performing community. 

2020 brought challenges to us all, and Platt House was no exception. However, our students’ ingenuity prevailed, as they streamed virtual shows and created music videos, podcasts and films. Upon returning to campus, Platt House ventured out to secure outdoor rehearsal space in a nearby parking garage, allowing for proper social distancing while keeping the indomitable spirit of creativity alive on campus. 

The Future of Student Performing Arts at Penn  

In spring 2027, the new Platt Student Performing Arts Center, located at 33rd Street and Chestnut Street will vastly expand physical resources for students. It includes the gorgeous proscenium Edward W. Kane Theatre, a flexible studio, the Sally Katz & Class of 1982 Theatre, rehearsal rooms and a common space. Penn Live Arts will manage these new facilities, and Platt House program student activities, building on our cross-campus ecosystem of performing arts. 

With so many exciting events happening this fall, we hope you will join us during Homecoming weekend. Leading up to our celebration, our partners at Penn Live Arts will be hosting the Arts of India Festival from mid-Oct through early Nov, which will feature numerous South Asian student performing arts groups from Penn.  

We at Platt House have been honored to support the performing arts at Penn for two incredible decades, tending to the growth of student artistry and empowerment. We look forward to seeing you on Nov 14 to celebrate! 

Justin Gotzis is an artist, writer, musician and Bucks County native. He is the Administrative Coordinator at Platt House.

Sara Outing is an arts administrator, advisor and an alum of Penn’s student performing arts clubs and the Theatre Arts Program. She is the Program Coordinator at Platt House.

Megan Edelman is an actor and performance artist. She is the Associate Director of Platt House.