Campus Engagement
Platt Student Performing Arts House coordinates a number of programs that offer opportunities for students to engage in the arts and culture community at Penn and throughout Philadelphia.
PennArts Pre-Orientation Program
Platt House is dedicated to new student programming; the flagship of which is PennArts. PennArts is a pre-orientation program for 40 students sponsored by Platt Student Performing Arts House, the Undergraduate Assembly, and the Office of the Provost. During PennArts, student participants are shown a variety of opportunities to experience the vast artistic offerings at Penn and throughout Philadelphia. Activities include fine arts, music, dance, and theatre master classes, a film screening and discussion, student-led workshops, Philadelphia theatre experiences, a mural arts tour, campus cultural center visits, and more!
Student Performances and Other Events
All of our student performances, master classes, trainings, and social events are listed on our Events Calendar.
Most master classes, lectures, and events other than performances are free to Penn students with ID; however some events have limited seating and require advance signups.
If you would like weekly email updates on Platt House events and Performing Arts Council shows and events, sign up here.
The Stephen Goff Award for Student Performing Arts rewards a proven and committed student leader at the University of Pennsylvania who best exemplifies the spirit of Penn’s performing arts community. The Award will be presented to a graduating senior by a representative of the Mask and Wig Club. Winners need not, but may, be affiliated with Mask and Wig.
Community Engagement
Platt Student Performing Arts House coordinates several programs that offer opportunities for students to engage in the arts and culture community at Penn and throughout Philadelphia.
After School Arts at Penn
Once a week, for nine weeks each semester, talented Penn students share their skills and love of the arts with local children ages 10-14. Participants take part in workshops, focusing on dance, voice, musical instruments, theatre, and music production, all run by Penn students. Each session’s activities feature educational goals such as language arts, communication skills, social skills, and movement. And each afternoon begins with optional arts and crafts for those interested in partaking. The program culminates in a public performance at Platt House. If you are interested in learning more about our After School Arts at Penn program, please contact Laurie McCall, Director of Platt Student Performing Arts House. For interested students, please apply here. For interested mentors, please apply here.
Community Ticketing Program
Each semester Penn’s student performing arts groups donate tickets to the community to see their shows. Last year, these groups offered 1800 tickets to 20 community organizations. If you represent a community group that wishes to participate in this program, please email platthouse@pobox.upenn.edu. Tickets for select performances are also available to members of Penn’s FGLI community. If you are a member of the FGLI community and are interested in attending performing arts shows on campus, please contact the Greenfield Intercultural Center, our partner in this program.
Visiting Workshops and Performances
Penn student performing arts groups perform and conduct workshops at local schools and community organizations during the academic year. If you are a community organization or school representative that would like to have Penn students provide performing arts activities at your location, please contact Laurie McCall, Director of Platt Student Performing Arts House.
The Office of the Chaplain and Platt Student Performing Arts House present the annual Francis Johnson Baton: An Award for Altruism. Named for Francis Johnson (1792-1844), Penn band leader and internationally renowned African American musician and composer, this award celebrates community service provided by University of Pennsylvania student performing arts groups. Learn more about how your student performing arts group can participate in community service and potentially earn the Francis Johnson Baton.
For more information about these and other community service initiatives, you can also contact the Performing Arts Council Community Service Chairperson.