From a lack of rehearsal space to a simple shortage of funding, performing arts groups at Penn have lately been finding it difficult to rehearse, perform and even operate under conditions conducive to their success. And with the explosion of the number of a cappella groups, dance troupes and theater companies in recent years, it now appears that the stress has proven too great for both the Performing Arts Council and the University.
Penn students interested in the performing arts now face a daunting challenge. Existing groups complain about troubles with facility scheduling and the availability of funding; new groups can't even break into PAC -- which oversees most performing arts groups on campus -- because it simply doesn't have the money to disperse to the growing number of interested organizations.
The solution, though, depends not solely on money or new facilities, but rather on the cooperation of all involved parties.
The University, which orchestrates the allotment of rehearsal and performance space for each of Penn's 40-plus performance groups, must take steps to ensure an equitable distribution of time in those precious facilities. What's more, it must take steps to fully soundproof Irvine Auditorium's dance rehearsal studio -- a room valued by certain campus groups, but often left empty when events occupy the building's main stage.
For their part, performing arts groups must understand the financial and administrative pressures facing their governing body. Organizations should work to schedule the requisite facilities as far in advance as possible, and should likewise explore the possibility of obtaining funding from sources other than the traditional PAC coffers.
The alternative, should performing arts groups maintain the tremendous growth they've seen in recent years, is an environment in which no group is able to obtain the proper funding or facilities.
Penn's existing organizations -- along with the University -- must work together to guarantee that both the space and the resources are available to provide for the success of the performing arts at Penn for years to come.
