Performing Arts
On stage or behind the scenes, our talented Penn students are active in the world of performing arts. From comedy troops to acapella groups, from spoken word to theater, students have access to many creative exploration and expression opportunities.
Platt Student Performing Arts House
Platt Student Performing Arts House at Penn offers a supportive programmatic home for creative exploration and expression through student-led productions. Platt House advises and trains students pursuing their extracurricular passions for the performing arts and those preparing for a career in the arts. They also run PAC Shop, where students can practice skills in Design and Stagecraft, Stage Management, Producing, and many other backstage activities.
Platt House is home to The Performing Arts Council, an umbrella organization for 46 student-run comedy, spoken word, dance, theater, and music organizations. Their signature showcase at Carnegie Hall lights up New York City with an unforgettable night of talented student ensembles presenting song, dance, and comedy.
Penn Chamber and Symphony Orchestra
Penn’s Chamber Orchestra focuses on repertoire from the Classical period along with some works by Neo-classical composers. The Penn Symphony Orchestra is an all-student orchestral organization comprised of primarily non-music major musicians from throughout the Penn community. The ensemble rehearses for four hours each week and performs a diverse range of repertoire drawn from the eighteenth, nineteenth, and twentieth Centuries.
The Penn Band.
Penn Band
The Penn Band—guardians of all things “Red and Blue”—is a part of the Department of Athletics at Penn. It stands among the largest and most active student-run organizations on-campus, performing upwards of 100 times during the academic year. You’ll often see them recruiting new members on campus!