Penn Live Arts

Rising star jazz saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin served as an artistic advisor for Penn Live Arts’ recent Coltrane festival; Credit: courtesy Lakecia Benjamin.

Students attending a Penn Live Arts performance at the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts.

Penn Live Arts presented The Acting Company’s production of Odyssey, based on a translation by Emily Wilson, Professor of Classical Studies.

As the University of Pennsylvania’s home for the performing arts, Penn Live Arts connects diverse audiences with visionary artists and innovative ideas, engaging both the University and the greater Philadelphia community in transformative artistic experiences.

Address

3680 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104

Penn Live Arts

25/26 Season: America Unfinished

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, Penn Live Arts examines our journey since the Declaration of Independence, exploring its enduring promise of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all.

With exciting world and U.S. premieres, newly commissioned works and many artists performing in Philadelphia for the first time, the season showcases the vibrant tapestry of perspectives, cultures and lived experiences that define our country. From voices that reflect on ongoing struggles to those that envision a future full of promise, Penn Live Arts offers a multifaceted view of American life in our ever-evolving democratic experience.

Join us to celebrate the artistry that shapes our nation and propels us towards a more perfect union.

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Events

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The Listening Cabinet

Penn Live Arts

Exhibition
Performance

Sep 26, 25 –
May 30, 26

Toll the Bell

Penn Live Arts

Performance

Jun 05

Martha Graham Dance Company

Penn Live Arts

May 29 – May 30

Delbert Anderson Quartet

Penn Live Arts

Apr 26

I Dread to Think

Penn Live Arts

Exhibition
Performance

Nov 01, 24 –
Apr 30, 26

Bill Blagg

Penn Live Arts

May 03

Wharton Dance Studio

Penn Live Arts

Mar 26

Tim Kubart and the Space Cadets

Penn Live Arts

Performance

May 03

The Magic School Bus

Penn Live Arts

May 03 – May 04

Open Rehearsal

Penn Live Arts

Performance

Mar 11

Blog

Zakhele Grabowski in the premiere of “Losing My Religion” at the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia.Credit...

Mar 25, 2026

Two Choreographers, Two Visions of Philadelphia Freedom

Penn Live Arts

Mar 24, 2026

A Seat for Bob: Honoring the Legacy of Robert “Bob” Blake, C’72

Penn Live Arts

Mar 19, 2026

Summer Internships in Philadelphia

Penn Live Arts

Feb 12, 2026

The Evocative Compagnie Virginie Brunelle Makes its Philadelphia Debut with Fables

Penn Live Arts

Dec 17, 2025

Fall 2025 Highlights

Penn Live Arts

Dec 9, 2025

The New Platt Student Performing Arts Center: Meeting the Demand for Creativity and Community

Penn Live Arts

Dec 2, 2025

MOMIX returns with Alice, a feast for the eyes and ears

Penn Live Arts

Nov 7, 2025

Announcing the Platt Student Performing Arts Center

Penn Live Arts

Oct 22, 2025

Trust, Care, Creativity, and Confidence: Takeaways from Summer 2025 Internships

Penn Live Arts

Oct 16, 2025

Don’t Be Afraid to Pivot: An Interview with Evan Golinsky

Penn Live Arts

Platt Student Performing Arts Center

The Platt Student Performing Arts Center, named thanks to a landmark gift from Julie Beren Platt and Marc E. Platt, is currently under construction at the corner of Chestnut and 33rd Streets. The Platt Center will meet a critical need in performance and rehearsal space for students on campus.

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Penn Live Arts Venues

As the hub for the performing arts and events across campus, Penn Live Arts plays a vital role in fostering a dynamic ecosystem of creativity and culture. By supporting arts curriculum, student performing arts groups and departmental and guest events, their comprehensive venue infrastructure ensures that the performing arts thrive at Penn.

Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts

Home to the majority of Penn Live Arts performances as well as the Penn Theatre Arts Program, the Sachs Program for Arts Innovation and many student shows and guest events, the Annenberg Center boasts the Harold L. Zellerbach Theatre (pictured), the Harold Prince Theatre and the Bruce Montgomery Theatre. As the cornerstone project in a multi-phase renovation and expansion of the Annenberg Center, the Stuart Weitzman Theatre will be a distinctly visible, flexible performance space extending onto the Annenberg Center Outdoor Plaza.

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Platt Stuent Performing Arts Center

Framing a vibrant gateway to Penn’s campus at the corner of Chestnut and 33rd Streets, the new Platt Student Performing Arts Center will provide a nexus of flexible performance and rehearsal spaces and create an inviting hub for the student performing arts communities. Housing the 326-seat proscenium Edward W. Kane Theatre, a 125-seat flexible studio theatre, five rehearsal studios and a student lounge, construction on the Platt Center began in summer of 2024 with anticipated completion in 2026.

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Iron Gate Theatre

Named for its most prominent feature, ornamental iron gates at the entrance, the Iron Gate Theatre plays host to a great variety of student performances.

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Artist Residency

Artist-in-Residence Spotlight

Look behind the scenes at the development of American Street Dancer. A commissioned work by Penn Live Arts, this smash hit success by artist-in-residence Rennie Harris had its world premiere on March 2025. In this video, Harris and Christopher Gruits, Penn Live Arts 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.