Whether you're a baritone or a soprano, a thespian or a comedian, a prima ballerina or a hip-hopper or something in between there's a place for everyone among Penn's numerous performing arts groups.
In the coming weeks, the 43 groups recognized by the University's Performing Arts Council will be holding auditions to seek new talent. Seasoned performers and novices alike are encouraged to explore the many opportunities to express their creativity here on campus.
Theater: Among the eight PAC-funded theater groups, there is no shortage of diversity. Check out PenNaatak, Penn's only South Asian theater group, or Teatron, which promotes Jewish theater. Also, don't miss iNtuitions, an experimental theater group, and The Pennsylvania Players, a fixture of campus performing arts for nearly 70 years.
Most campus theater groups stage one production per semester.
Dance: For those students who want to plie and pirouette through Penn, there are 13 PAC-funded dance groups to join. You can swing with the West Philly Swingers or tap with the Soundworks Tap Factory. You can also join one of the many cultural dance groups, such as Onda Latina Dance Club or African Rhythms. There's also Penn Dance, which focuses on modern dance, and Sparks Dance Company, which combines performance with community service.
A cappella: Some of the most beautiful music heard on campus is made without any instruments. Penn's 12 PAC-funded a cappella groups are as varied as they are talented. Counterparts, the first coed a cappella group at Penn, boasts jazz roots, while ATMA is an all-female South Asian troupe. The Penny Loafers perform current pop and rock tunes, while Full Measure focuses on Christian music.
Unfortunately, competition is stiff to join these organizations. Groups usually consist of only 10 to 15 members.
Music groups and comedy troupes: Whether you admire Johann Strauss or Jerry Seinfeld, you're sure to find a creative outlet at Penn. Penn's illustrious Glee Club is the University's oldest performing arts group, while Simply Chaos is Penn's first and only stand-up comedy troupe. The Penn Singers perform light opera, and Without a Net specializes in improvisational comedy.
All of these groups will be strutting their stuff at Freshman Performing Arts Night on Sept. 10 and 11 in Zellerbach Theatre. Tickets are required.
