Performing arts grads speak at U.

Walnut Street felt more like Broadway Friday afternoon during the first annual Performing Arts Council Career Symposium, held in the Annenberg Center's Harold Prince Theatre. Eight University alumni who work in television and theater returned to campus to speak about their experiences and to give advice to University students interested in the performing arts as a career. Kathryn Helene, PAC coordinator, said the purpose of the event was "to give people a realistic sense of what it's like to have a career in the performing arts." She said she had brought in several University alumni to speak to students in the past, but this year's effort was the first time that a large group of alumni had been brought to speak as a panel. Hearing 10 people speak has a "far greater impact than if you hear one or two over the semester," Helene said. The panel represented a wide range of jobs in the performing arts, from actor to composer to CNN producer. But all the speakers, regardless of their particular career, stressed several similar themes in their speeches. "There is a Penn mafia right now of fairly recent graduates," said alumnus and Broadway producer David Stone. Many speakers emphasized the importance of networking and making personal contacts. "Whenever you're working with other people in theatre, it's always important to remember that you may need these people down the road," said composer Brian Besterman. Actor Susan Bernfield advised students to plan ahead. "It definitely pays off to try to define your goals early and really try to do what you want to do," she said. Students who went to the symposium said they found it helpful and informative. "This is a great way to meet alumni who can make the transition [into professional theater] easier," said College junior Todd Shotz, the publicity manager of the Glee Club. Shotz said the symposium had "given me some reassurance that it can be done." College of General Studies senior Joan Fishman said she attended the symposium because she wanted to learn as much as possible about the theater. "I got a lot of positive affirmation to take some risks and follow my dreams," Fishman said. Members of the panel said they took the time to come to Philadelphia for the symposium because it was important that they try to help current University students.

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